|
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
today reminded outdoor enthusiasts that many furbearer trapping seasons
begin Tuesday, Oct. 25. Approximately 10,000 New Yorkers participate in
this trapping tradition, going afield for more than a dozen species of
furbearing animals and often partnering with DEC biologists to provide
valuable scientific information.
"Trapping is an
important component of New York's outdoor heritage," Commissioner Seggos
said. "Our furbearer populations are abundant,
and furbearer hunting and trapping provide many benefits, including
reducing property damage from nuisance wildlife and providing a
sustainable source of food, fur, and income to harvesters and others in
the industry."
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 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.
Before venturing afield,
trappers are advised to note changes to special permit requirements for
marten trapping seasons.
All harvested marten, fisher,
otter, and bobcat need to be sealed/have a tag affixed by a DEC
representative within 10 days after the close of the season in the
wildlife management unit where the animal was taken. When having the pelt
sealed, harvesters must turn in a completed Furbearer Possession
Tag. Furbearer Possession Tags can be downloaded (PDF) from
the DEC website. Harvesters should contact
their regional wildlife office to make pelt sealing
arrangements prior to visiting.
Marten Permit
A free, special permit is
required for trappers wishing to pursue marten. To obtain a permit,
trappers should contact the DEC Region 5 Wildlife Office in Warrensburg
at 518-623-1240. Please note that a permit is no longer required to trap
fisher in New York.
Wolves and Coyotes
Last month, DEC
confirmed an animal mistaken for a coyote and taken by a hunter in Cherry
Valley, Otsego County, during the 2021 coyote hunting season was a wolf.
New York law protects wolves from hunting or trapping. Furbearer hunters
and trappers should take care in identifying any large canids they
encounter. For information about differentiating a coyote from a
wolf, go to DEC's website. The Otsego County coyote hunter
continues to cooperate with DEC and recently provided the wolf skull for
additional analyses. DEC continues to evaluate the unique circumstances
involved with this case.
|
