Furbearer Trapping And Hunting Seasons Begin In November

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces opening of the trapping seasons for terrestrial furbearers (opossum, raccoon, weasel, skunk, fisher, red and gray fox, and coyote) on November 1 on lands in Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River . Seasons in the remainder of the
State open on November 15.

Statewide trapping seasons for beaver open on December 15. Otter season also opens on December 15 in all Maryland Counties except Garrett and Allegany, which currently have closed seasons. Mink and muskrat season dates vary by county. Nutria can be trapped or hunted year-round with certain exceptions on some DNR Wildlife Management Areas.

Hunting seasons for furbearers vary by species and region. A complete synopsis of hunting seasons can also be found in the 2007-2008 Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland available at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide.

Trappers and hunters are reminded that a Furbearer Permit is now required for individuals that hunt, chase, trap or pursue furbearers. Individuals that wish to trap furbearers and did not possess a Furbearer Permit or certificate of trapper education prior to August 1, 2007 must also complete mandatory trapper education requirements. Information about Maryland’s trapper education program can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/nrp/education/trappered.html.

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October 31, 2007

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov