Trappers Reminded Of Otter Harvest Reporting Changes

LEWISTON - Trappers who take a river otter this season are reminded that they must present the pelt to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) at the regional office in the region in which the animal was taken within 72 hours of harvest. Trappers can keep the pelt after a harvest report is completed and pelt tag is attached. Otter carcasses do no have to be turned into IDFG except for otters harvested after the season has closed, or otters in excess of the trapper's personal quota of two. The Clearwater Region has an otter harvest quota of 15. The season will close 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 two has not been reached. Any otters trapped and brought in 48 hours after the quota is met must be surrendered to the Department for a $10.00 reward. A limit of two otters is allowed for any one trapper, provided the quota is not exceeded. 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. 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. The otter season will close statewide no later than March 15.