Furbearer Trapping And Hunting Seasons Begin November 2

Annapolis, Md. (October 26, 2009) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the opening dates for trapping seasons in Maryland.

Trapping seasons for terrestrial furbearers (opossum, raccoon, weasel, skunk, fisher, red and gray fox, and coyote) will open November 2 west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River, and November 16 for the remainder of the state.

Trapping seasons for aquatic furbearers (beaver, otter, mink and muskrat) vary by region with December 15 being the common opening date for aquatic species, but trappers are advised to consult the 2009-10 Hunting Season Calendar online at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/pdfs/Hunting_Seasons_Calendar.pdf

“Furbearer populations are doing well and provide trapping and hunting opportunities throughout the state,” said Robert Colona, DNR Furbearer Project Leader. “Furbearer hunters and trappers need to possess a detailed understanding of the landscape and the species they pursue in order to be successful.”

Trappers and hunters are reminded that a furbearer permit is 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 complete mandatory trapper education requirements.

Information about Maryland’s trapper education program is online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/nrp/education/trappered.html.

Complete bag limits, season dates and other hunting, trapping and chasing information can be found on the DNR website www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide. The 2009-2010 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting, trapping and chasing seasons.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 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