Trappers Reminded Of Changes In River Otter Reporting

LEWISTON - - Trappers who take a river otter this season are reminded that they must present the entire skinned carcass and pelt to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at the regional office in the region in which the animal was taken within 72 hours of harvest. In the past, only pelts were required to be checked by IDFG. Trappers can keep the pelt after a harvest report is completed and pelt tag is attached. Data from the carcass will be used in the Department's efforts to obtain approval for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Treaty pelt tags. The CITES Treaty was passed in 1973 for the purpose of regulating the trade of endangered and potentially threatened species. The mandatory reporting of certain harvested wildlife is common in most states, with Idaho hunters required to check all otter, bobcat, black bear and mountain lion harvest. Additionally, bighorn sheep are required to have a numbered metal pin inserted into the horns of both legally harvested animals and collected bighorns. Hunters must also check-in trophy species such as moose and mountain goat. Trappers unable to comply with the otter tagging requirements due to special or unique circumstances must report their catch and make arrangements for tagging at the proper regional office. Otters not registered or presented to IDFG personnel within 72-hours are subject to confiscation. The Clearwater Region otter harvest quota is 15. The season will close in each region 48-hours after the harvest quota is reached. Trappers will be allowed to keep otters within this 48-hour period provided their personal quota of 2 has not been reached. Any otters trapped and brought in 48 hours after the quota is met must be for a $5.00 reward. A limit of 2 otters is allowed for any one trapper, provided the quota is not exceeded. Current otter harvest information may be obtained by calling any IDFG office during normal business hours or by calling 1-800-323-4334, 24 hours a day. All areas closed to beaver trapping are closed to otter trapping. Additional closures have been identified for the purpose of reducing potential conflicts between trappers and other user groups. Permit fees are $2.00 for each pelt. Trappers can save money by checking in all their pelts at once. There is a $1.50 fee for each transaction, whether one animal or ten is checked in. Anyone with questions concerning furbearers or trapping can call the IDFG regional office at 208-799-5010.