Anyone know the status of the proposed regulation change that passed WCC last year that would have allowed private trappers to be able to trap within 15 feet of the dam? Currently only landowners, agents of governmental entities and APHIS have that right.

You can find info on page 19 I think....

https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/documents/committees/furbearer/fur052219.pdf

IMO issues with WS catching lots of otter there was a big part. They are highways for other critters so that likely also created more concern. Add in, we did everything in our power to limit harvest of beaver for the longest time.

Dist 6 just did 54 otters at fur school about 90% of those otter were caught by WS. Then there Is the issue with the other 150 In the freezer that are already put up and then there Is the other Issue with the 200 or so that haven't even been skinned. I'm betting at least 80% of those otter are there because of WS.
This a huge waste of a resource and It has yet to be addressed. It's not all WS fault It's our DNR that refuses to get these otter processed and sold and the money used for trapper education. And by this coming June there will be even more otter to be put up.

So, what does it mean regarding trapping on dams? It looked to me like it was barely discussed. There is no shortage of beaver right now, and a trap set for a back foot on a dam break can do a decent job of avoiding otters. (better than a 330 in a channel further from the dam)

It should come back as a rule proposal next year on the questionnaire.

The politics of trapping....

i thought we-pa- were the last ones with goofy beaver laws still.

Western NY also has the 15 foot rule for dams and huts

We have problems in MN as well with incidental otter take during spring beaver season. It seems pretty obvious that you can only have high incidental catch rates of any species if that species is in relatively high abundance. So maybe they are overly concerned with protecting a very common/abundant species?

Restrict WS from trapping on the dams and the problem would be solved. But the bottom line Is this, you should be able to catch any beaver or otter 15' above the dam or 15' below the dam if you know what your doing. But trapping on the dam does make It a bit easier.

For fur trapping the restriction is not as great a problem as ADC trapping because you don't have to catch all the beaver. ADC trapping could require catching a trap shy beaver, and it will usually plug a cut in his dam. I think the problem of incidental otters is lessened if the dam break is made away from the channel. There is no need to be trapping crossovers if a person is trying to avoid otter. I think there are ways to allow trapping on the dam and still avoid otter. And I bet the majority of WS otter are not caught on a dam. Channels and sets at culverts catch them too.

In every ADC beaver situation I was involved In I was allowed to trap on the dam.

6 1/2 max jaw
10 traps only 2 coni's
season limits still
otters are thick and protected.


ya'll aint alone.

I think WS numbers will even show that incidentals otter can be minimized by education on the dam. After all, the best way to minimize incidentals is by ensuring a beaver is in the trap.

That said, my second point about protecting beaver was just as important. It is the same reason why folks can't yet fence colony traps or put in a culvert.

Educate WS ya right. I'm betting they don't even bring out half the otter they catch. You ever trap beaver In June July and august 2 miles from the road? I also bet that most of those beaver get 80 sixed.

Haha, yep I bet those castor-less beaver become bear and wolf food.

I don't want to educate WS. I want to examine WS incidentals on dams, and if any specifics came out, then we could educate the public to minimize any impact on opening up dam trapping. Remember how we used their data to determine that putting the triggers to the side didn't work? Same concept, but just examining trapping on the dam in a control setting.

If you're trapping beaver why would you not want to set crossovers? You might catch otters but you'll catch em in bank dens and just about anywhere else. Idk seems like you WI guys are just upset that the government is trapping your $5 beaver.

Dam right we are upset about WS trapping our beaver. You know much they pay WS to trap beaver? It's In the millions of dollars. The trapper should have the right to bid on these jobs and make the big bucks.