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Furbearer Trapping & Hunting Seasons Begin in November
Annapolis, Md. — Trapping seasons for terrestrial furbearers (opossum, raccoon, weasel, skunk, fisher, red and gray fox, and coyote) open on November 1 for in areas of Maryland that are west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River. Seasons in the remainder of the state open on November 15 for these species.
“Furbearer populations are thriving and offer challenging recreational opportunities for hunters and trappers throughout Maryland. The state’s diverse landscapes and lengthy harvest seasons ensure that a wide range of furbearer related experiences are available to anyone who is interested” stated Robert Colona, Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Furbearer Project Leader.
Statewide, trapping for beaver may begin 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.
Fisher and otter bag limits have been increased for the 2008-09 harvest season. Individuals may now harvest two fishers statewide and two otters in Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington Counties. The otter bag limit in the remainder of the state remains at ten with the exception of Garrett and Allegany Counties where the season is closed.
Trappers and hunters must possess a Furbearer Permit if they plan on hunting, chasing, trapping or pursuing furbearers. Individuals who wish to trap furbearers and did not possess a Furbearer Permit or Certificate of Trapper Education prior to August 1, 2007 must complete mandatory trapper education requirements. For information about Maryland’s trapper education visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/education/trappered.html.
Hunting seasons for furbearers vary by species and region. Complete bag limits, season dates and other hunting, trapping and chasing information can be found on DNR’s website at www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide. The 2008-2009 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license also contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting, trapping and chasing seasons.
October 30, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbell
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland 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.