October signals the opening of many furbearer hunting and trapping seasons
MADISON -- The coyote, bobcat, raccoon, fox, and fisher trapping seasons in Wisconsin will open statewide Oct. 18 at 4 a.m., along with hunting seasons for bobcat, raccoon, and fox.
"Wisconsin has a strong trapping heritage and fall is an exciting time to get out in the fields and forests to appreciate Wisconsin's many natural resources," said John Olson, furbearer biologist with the Department of Natural Resources.
Mink and muskrat trapping season will open Oct. 25 at 4 a.m. statewide. Beaver and otter trapping seasons will open Nov. 1 at 4 a.m., except in the Mississippi River Zone, which opens the day after duck season closes.
Bobcat, fisher, and otter require a special zone-specific permit to harvest. Additionally, all three species must be reported within 24 hours of harvest by calling1-800-994-6673. All other species have no bag limits.
Trappers need to purchase a trapping license and complete Trapper Education, unless exempt. For information regarding Trapper Education, visit dnr.wi.govand search keywords "Trapper ed."
Trapping in State Parks is allowed Nov. 15 to Dec. 15; however, only water sets and enclosed trigger traps are allowed on State Park properties. For more information, search keywords "hunting state parks."
Special hunting and trapping regulations apply on many federal properties, and special trapping restrictions apply on both federal and state portions of the Horicon Marsh. Please contact the appropriate property manager for more information.
The Southern Zone for cottontail rabbit hunting will open Oct. 18. Squirrel hunting and Northern Zone cottontail rabbit hunting seasons opened Sept. 13. Squirrel season will close statewide Jan. 31, 2015, while cottontail season will remain open until Feb. 28.
For more information regarding regulated trapping and hunting season dates and zones, search keywords "trap" and "hunt," respectively. Hunters and trappers are also reminded to check out the 2014 Trapping Regulations [PDF] and 2014 Fall Hunting and Trapping Forecast [PDF].
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: John Olson, DNR Furbearer Biologist, 715-685-2934, Geriann Albers, Assistant Furbearer Biologist, 608-261-6452
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