Muskrat Trapping Season Extension Announced

Annapolis, MD (February 23, 2010) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has added a one week extension to the muskrat trapping season in all counties except Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington. The new season closure date will be March 22, 2010. No other hunting or trapping seasons have been extended.

The extension is due to the heavy snowfalls and frozen waterways that have limited trapper access to many wetlands this winter and is consistent with Maryland law. Muskrats are a common and prolific species and the sale of their hides and meat provides important income to many Maryland citizens.

Additional information about hunting and trapping can be found in The Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland or on the DNR website www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide.

Trappers and hunters are reminded that a Furbearer Permit is now required for individuals that hunt, chase, trap or otherwise 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. Information about Maryland’s trapper education program can be found at www.dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/education/trappered.html. Furbearer Permits may be obtained from any DNR sport license agent, online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/service/howto.asp, or by phone (1-800-918-2870).

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 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