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New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
today announced that many furbearer trapping seasons begin on Monday,
Oct. 25. Before venturing afield, trappers are advised to note changes to
special permit requirements for fisher trapping seasons.
"Trapping and hunting
provide important benefits to New Yorkers by helping to reduce
human-wildlife conflicts and damage to crops and property," Commissioner Seggos
said. "This year, as trappers and hunters head
afield to pursue New York's abundant furbearer populations, I encourage
trappers to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and to
always hunt safely and responsibly."
More information on trapping regulations, trapping
seasons, fisher and marten
trapping seasons, and furbearer hunting can
be found on DEC's website, and in the New York State
Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide.
Furbearer Hunting and
Trapping Seasons
With 16 species of furbearers
living in New York, furbearer hunting and trapping opportunities are
abundant. Coyote hunting season began Oct. 1 across much of the state and
hunting seasons for other furbearers such as bobcat, raccoon, and fox
begin on Oct. 25. Season dates and zone boundaries for all furbearers can
be found on DEC's website and in the Hunting and
Trapping Regulations Guide.
Trapping season dates vary by
species and geography, with raccoon, fox, and bobcat opening on Oct. 25,
and beaver, mink, and muskrat opening on Nov. 1 in northern New York, and
Nov. 10 across the Southern Zone. Trappers should check the regulations guide or
the DEC website for opening dates in their area.
All harvested marten, fisher,
otter, and bobcat need to be sealed by a DEC representative within 10
days after the close of the season in the wildlife management unit where
the animal was taken. Harvesters should contact their regional wildlife office to
make pelt sealing arrangements prior to visiting.
Fisher and Marten Permit
Updates
Earlier this year, DEC
proposed regulations removing the requirement for the free special fisher
trapping permit. DEC has gathered sufficient data on fisher harvest
during previous seasons and determined the special permit is no longer
necessary. Unfortunately, amended regulations cannot be adopted prior to
the start of the 2021 trapping season. To simplify the process for
trappers this season, DEC created a self-issued fisher trapping permit
for trappers.
DEC sent fisher permits to
all those who applied for a Fisher Trapping Permit in 2020. Trappers who
did not receive a permit can download the permit
from the DEC website. Trappers are not required
to submit the lower jaw, head, or carcass of any fisher taken during the
2021 trapping season. In addition, trappers do not have to complete or
submit a Fisher Trapping Activity Log this season. Trappers are still
required to have a trapping license and must have all harvested fisher
sealed by DEC staff.
Please note that a separate
permit is required for trappers wishing to pursue marten. This permit
does include an activity log. Trappers can contact the DEC Region 5
Wildlife Office in Warrensburg at 518-623-1240 to obtain a marten
trapping permit.
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