Environment DEC
From the November 2007 issue
2007-2008 Trapping Season Open
The "land trapping" season in most of New York State for the 2007-2008 trapping seasons opened last month. Trappers are afield setting traps for taking raccoon, red fox, gray fox, bobcat, fisher and coyote. Trappers use a variety of habitats, including wooded areas, farmland and marshes and swamps. Most of northern New York is open for trapping mink and muskrat.
Although raccoons are furbearers, trappers are not required to report taking them
Trappers must follow regulations that include restrictions on the size and design of traps, placement of traps and trap-checking requirements. In addition, trappers are required to report to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the taking of certain furbearing animals, including fisher, marten, beaver, river otter and bobcat. Reporting requirements help DEC's biologists improve conservation programs for these species.
In cooperation with Cornell University, DEC currently is conducting research to improve trapping and furbearer-management programs in New York State. To help with this research, cooperating trappers are voluntarily submitting specimens and diaries of their trapping activities for population studies.
Trapper and Hunter Responsibilities
Both hunters and trappers are afield during the fall months, especially from October through December, and all outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to show respect for each other.
It's especially important to keep dogs under control during trapping season
This year, trappers must follow new regulations concerning the use of body-gripping traps that require these traps to be set in a manner that will reduce the chance that a dog may accidently be caught and injured or killed. This regulation and the responsible behavior of dog owners will improve trapping in New York State. Dog owners should obey local leash laws to prevent dogs from unlawfully running on lands inhabited by deer.
Trappers should check this year's Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide to confirm the open dates and seasons for each furbearing animal, along with the regulations about the setting of traps. The guide can be viewed at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html, or copies are available at all DEC offices and sporting-license sales outlets.
