River Otter Season Closes March 15

LEWISTON - - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game reminds trappers of the March 15 season closure for river otter in the Clearwater Region. Trappers have 48 hours following the closure to check in additional trapped otters for pelt tagging. Trappers will be allowed to keep otters taken within this 48-hour period until the maximum allowable regional harvest of 17 is reached. Following this deadline, any incidentally taken otter must be surrendered to Fish and Game for a $5.00 reward. To evaluate the harvest, trappers must surrender the skull with the lower jaw to IDFG. Trappers are strongly encouraged to bring in fresh skulls for jaw removal. A fee of $2.00 will be charged for each pelt, and an additional $1.50 vendor fee will be charged to each license holder. Sportsmen can save money by checking all their pelts in at one time, as the vendor fee of $1.50 applies whether one pelt or ten are checked. Current otter harvest information may be obtained by calling 1-800-323-4334, 24-hours a day or the Clearwater Region office at 799-5010.