https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/90041

I mentioned this in the WI trapping thread, but figured it's worthy of its own post.

Wonder how they will get the word out to all the average trappers.

They should update the hotline before doing the press release….

I just got the e-mail.

What do they do for people without e-mail? Expect them to check the internet ever day?

Regulation pamphlet say you should be calling the hotline to check on harvest and make sure it is open.

The bobcat, fisher and otter have always had a quota and it's always been the trappers responsibility to make sure the season is still open while trapping. It just so happens this is the first time I've seen a season close early.

From the regs, "Note: Seasons may close early if the harvest quota for that zone is reached before the listed close dates. For zone status, please call the holiness at 855-299-9653 or visit dnr.wi.gov and search 'trap.'"

Besides a press release, an email, facebook posts, updating the hotline when the season closes, and chatter on here, how else would you suggest they notify trappers?

I was just curious, I don't remember reading that in the reg's. As you said, this might be first time for a lot of guys, so it's not something some are even thinking about.

I guess they figure a person should call the hotline every day. Actually most otter caught in April are incidental so I don't think closing it will have much affect on the overall harvest. It just means the DNR gets the otter and the trapper doesn't get any money for the fur. Probably most incidentals will get pitched.

Hopefully they get turned in. Trappers education gets the money.

I'd like to think our fellow trappers aren't so lazy they can't make a phone call to report it and make sure it goes to some good use rather than it rotting in a ditch. I hope anyone pitching incidentals is a lifetime member of the 330 club with annual renewals.

Are you guys saying it doesn't happen?

What doesn't happen? Incidentals or tossing them?

Surely both happen every year. I personally hope they get turned in and put to use, and anyone who doesn't turn them in due to laziness or any other lame excuse isn't a trapper I would want to associate with.

Tossing them. I have turned in all of mine, but I know there are trappers who don't. The point I am trying to make is that I doubt it will affect the actual harvest and the numbers harvested probably will not be accurate.

I disagree that it won't make ANY difference. A responsible trapper will set traps in such a way to avoid incidental otters. May not avoid them all, but will probably avoid some by closing the season. I know I set different in beaver/otter country based on whether or not I have a tag.

I guess I'd rather the season be closed and take in a few more incidentals rather than let it go on for another month and get accused of overharvest. Look how well that went with wolves. We don't need any more bad publicity.

On April 6th WTA dist 10 volunteer trappers will be at the FRCT building putting up incidental otter. The otter will then go to the FHA auction. The WTA isn't charged a commission fee and the proceeds go to Trappers Education. We normally do 60 some otter on a given day. Incidental otter are also shipped to other WTA districts where they are put up. These incidental otter don't go to waste.

Ok, I understand.

Otter registration and handling of incidentals has come a long ways in recent years. It could go a lot further, like a hotline for incidentals. Simple call, text or email to said line, take incidentals along and rep follow up when they have time. Make it Easy, painless.

30 years ago it was scary. Some folks have long memories which is why some float.

WTA district 8 will also process some otter at the 'Fur Shed' on April 6.

It will be interesting to review the data to see how many otter were harvested and what percentage would be incidentals as compared to other years with lower beaver numbers and or an open winter. Lot easier to trap otters with open water and easy conditions to reach the water.

Bryce

Bumping this back to the front page in case anyone missed it. Otter harvest is done at the end of the day today.