Otter removal anyone?

I got a call from the game warden about trapping and relocating some otters. I trap beaver, but I use conibear traps. I have no experience relocating animals unharmed. This is North Texas lake Texoma area. I have no information at this time other than what I have stated so far, but I can find out more if someone wants. Thank you.

One of the jobs we currently have going is a beaver/otter project in NW Fannin Co. If you would personal message me your phone #, I will share some info with you.

PM sent

all ya need is a good foothold and catch pole!

I offered to try and foothold them, but they didn't like that idea.

Dig a pit and cover it with limbs and leaves, get in the hole, and just grab the otters as they saunter by.
I'll bet that possum cop will give you the go ahead for that.
Most otter relocations are done with #11 double long springs. Strong enough to hold an otter without causing damage to the foot.

I've never caged an otter because we never had any around here. We have them now and all I need is a paying customer to give it a try!

I find it interesting how much it varies from state to state on wildlife control issues. Illinois DNR initiated an extremely successful otter reintroduction program in the mid 90's. They released about 300 (captured in Louisiana using #11's) into a few major watersheds. They based their estimated reproduction rate on a previous model in Missouri. Our numbers grew almost 3 times faster than Missouri, due to far better habitat (especially food sources). Illinois added otters to our winter fur trapping season a few years ago, as the population level was exploding, and the number of calls regarding fish being wiped out of ponds and hatcheries was astounding. Here's the crazy part (compared to Texas wanting to relocate)..... for three years BEFORE we had otters added to winter fur trapping, WCO's had to use lethal traps when called for otter problems. DNR said the high numbers were already causing enough problems, and they didn't want us to move any. Keep in mind, we had to kill nuisance otters (in the commercial wildlife control program) while they were still a totally protected species in regards to fur trapping. I'm not familiar with the otter numbers in Texas, so maybe that's the difference in their method of removal. Curious to hear their reasoning.

I'm not sure of the numbers here in Texas, but I know a few years ago they were encouraging people to report sightings. I think they have a better population in east Texas than they do here north of Dallas. I've only ever seen one in the wild. I imagine the wildlife refuge wants the otters to encourage people to come visit.

There are plenty here, more east of the (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman). Probably in one of the parks which would preclude conventional methods. I am just the other side of hagerman and catch several a year doing beaver damage work.

There are otter in every watershed of the Red River east of I-35.

Look up Clint locklear podcasts, there was one with a Clyde(?) that trapped & shipped all the otters for reintroduction with #11's. A lot of good catching, shipping info in that podcast. Ask Paul, he'll know who that was.

proves their ignorance how hundreds have been relocated by dozens of states for reintroduction over the last 20 yrs.

with some research you possibly could educate them

We caught and relocated them in NC back in the 80's. Several hundred. The best set was a #11 with a dirt hole. 6 to 8 inches back and offset. I set two traps at every set. #2 twist link chain with as many swivels as you can use. On sandy , bare soil type sites set 4 or 5 sets. If you catch the whole family they relocate very well. Be sure to get a heavy duty hand net. Males calm down real quick if you feed them well, females never calm down.
Best to check all sets twice a day.
3x3x2 holding pens are a good size

We have successfully used cage traps to live trap a number of otter and others have too using our double door beaver traps cage, 12x12 or 12x18. Works very well in dry sets and in water.

Hi jim
Say hi to the miss also
Hope all is well ....

Hey Dave, good to hear from you. You are the otter cage man. We get a call or two for nuisance otter most years. Lots of fun trapping them with cages. Amazing all the otter in Washington and how many people have problems with them getting under homes along the coast.

If i'm not mistaken, years ago otter were trapped in Louisiana and relocated to other states and they used Victor or Blake & Lamb # 11's to catch them.

I sent 22 using cages
Problem was holding time