Vermont's Bobcat and Fisher Trapping Seasons Change

Vermont's Bobcat and Fisher Trapping Seasons Change

WATERBURY, VT - Vermont's bobcat and fisher trapping seasons have changed

slightly in order to better manage the species, according to the Vermont

Fish & Wildlife Department. The changes go into effect for this year's

trapping seasons.

The new fisher trapping season begins December 1 and ends December 31. The

new bobcat trapping season also begins December 1, but it ends on December

16. From December 17-31, a body-gripping trap with a jaw-spread over six

inches may not be set on land unless the trap is set five feet or more above

the ground.

"These changes are based on scientific data collected over several years on

both species and on public input," said wildlife biologist Kimberly Royar.

"I want to thank members of the Vermont Trappers' Association for their help

in providing specimens and information that allowed us to collect much of

the data."

Royar reports that last year Vermont trappers submitted 64 bobcats and 437

fisher for tagging. She also says the populations of both species are

healthy in Vermont and that regulated trapping is important in managing

them.

To learn more about furbearer management in Vermont and North America, go to

www.conservewildlife.org.


-- 
James Ehlers

Outdoors Magazine
www.outdoorsmagazine.net