Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 6:22:42 GMT -5
First Otter Trapping Season a Success
After a successful first season, trappers will get the chance to pursue river otters again in 2016-17.
The season is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Nov. 15 and run through March 15, 2017.
And just like last year, there is a statewide quota of 600 river otters. The season will close early if the quota is met prior to March 15.
The DNR reintroduced river otters to parts of the state beginning in 1995. The reintroduction program was so successful that otters were removed from the state endangered species list in 2005.
Although local populations of otters are doing well, there are some counties that are closed to trapping for otters.
Sixty-six counties are open for otter trapping with 26 central Indiana counties closed. The counties open to harvest are in watersheds where river otters originally were relocated, have had time to establish, and where populations are doing well.
The 26 closed counties are within watersheds where river otters were not reintroduced and have not become established. Otter avoidance techniques should be used in these areas to minimize the chances of accidental take.
In addition, river otter avoidance techniques also should be used if the seasonal bag limit is met or the river otter trapping season is closed early.
Taking these small steps to avoid the accidental take of otter will ensure healthy populations and support of regulated seasons.
For more information on river otter avoidance techniques, request the publication “Avoiding River Otter While Trapping Beaver and Raccoon.” Write or call the DNR Customer Service Center, 402 W. Washington St., W160, Indianapolis, IN 46204, (317) 232-4200. The publication also can be found at wildlife.IN.gov/3353.htm.
A couple conservative sideboards are in place to provide equity and opportunity for trappers interested in trapping an otter. One is a two otter seasonal bag limit per trapper. Any otter trapped after the two otter limit has been reached must be turned over to the DNR, without penalty. Also, there is an age requirement. Trappers must be at least 10 years of age, unless they have passed a state-certified trapper education course. The purpose is to encourage younger trappers to attend a trapper education course and obtain valuable knowledge on how to properly set traps, their responsibility as a trapper, and the rules and regulations.
The framework of Indiana’s river otter season was carefully designed to limit the total harvest. Databases and reporting mechanisms allowed for hourly monitoring of the total season harvest.
In addition to the quota, DNR regulations required that successful trappers register their otter within 24 hours. Regulations also required tagging of each pelt at a river otter check station or by authorized DNR personnel.
Non-Native Wild Pigs Present Damage, Disease Problems
Populations of non-native wild pigs have been a problem in pockets around the state.
Wild pigs are an invasive species and a threat to native wildlife, including popular game animals such as deer and turkey. They are opportunistic animals that feed on the nests and young of game birds, rabbits, reptiles, amphibians and fawns. They also compete with native wildlife for food. Some wildlife, such as deer and nesting turkeys, avoid areas where pigs are active. Damage to wildlife nesting, winter cover, food plots, and water holes by wild pigs is common.
Pig activity along streams and rivers can cause water quality issues. Pigs muddy up waterways, an activity that covers fish spawning beds in silt and decreases oxygen levels.
Wild pig rooting also damages crops, parks, lawns and rural cemeteries. Wild pigs will eat young lambs and goats.
They are known to carry more than 30 pathogens and parasites that can be transmitted to livestock, people, pets and wildlife. Some of these pathogens can be directly transmitted to humans, causing life-long debilitating illnesses. Anyone coming in contact with wild pig blood and organs should take necessary precautions.
A person can take a wild pig anytime without a permit from the DNR, but they must have written permission of the landowner where the pig is taken. All captured pigs must be euthanized immediately; possession of a live wild pig is illegal.
Recreational sport hunting has not been successful in reducing wild pig populations. Population control is possible through a combination of trapping whole social groups, selective shooting of trap-shy pigs, and aerial shooting.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services (USDA-WS), the Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH), and the Indiana DNR ask hunters who observe or take wild pigs to report the animal(s) to either the USDA-WS at 1-855-386-0370 or to BOAH at animalhealth@boah.IN.gov.
Reports help the cooperating agencies determine necessary control and disease monitoring steps.
Reports should include date, best possible location information (e.g., distance and direction to nearest town, county or township, landowner’s name), approximate number and relative size of the pigs, and the observer’s contact information. Digital pictures of the pigs are helpful.