This trapping season, Pennsylvania trappers will see increased opportunities to pursue bobcats and fishers, both species that have been expanding their numbers in the state.
This year all trappers will be able to purchase a permit from the Pennsylvania Game Commission to harvest a bobcat, whereas they previously had to win the permit in a drawing.
“Following careful review of past seasons and, in consideration of hunter and trapper input, beginning with the 2010-11 season, we will use season length to regulate bobcat taking in specified WMUs,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Our data indicate that bobcat populations have increased significantly.
In addition to the bobcat opportunities, a limited one week fisher season will be added in certain parts of the state.
The creation of a limited, one-week fisher season, which was part of the Game Commission’s initial plans when it reintroduced fishers back in the 1990s, is consistent with the agency’s longstanding goal mission of promoting and providing hunting and trapping opportunities.
“Through this limited season, we will gather additional biological samples for demographic and genetic analyses,” Roe said. “Mandatory reporting, along with fisher permits, is needed to better assess participation, effort and harvest for this new season.”
Sounds like it’s shaping up to be a great trapping season in Pennsylvania. It’s good to see trapping opportunities expand as furbearer populations continue to thrive under sound wildlife management practices.
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