Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : September 19, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Rich Rogers, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 637-0245 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Trappers and Hunters Must Tag Furbearers

  Fur takers are reminded that beaver, bobcat and fisher pelts must be tagged at an official game checking station or by a DNR representative within 30 days of the close of the season, according to Rich Rogers, Furbearer Project Coordinator for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). Tags must remain attached to the pelt until it is tanned or mounted.

  Successful bobcat hunters and trappers should note that a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) seal should be attached to pelts offered for sale. These seals are required before the pelts can be shipped from the United States , and they are available at West Virginia Trappers Association fur sales, DNR District Offices and the DNR Elkins Operations Center .

  Trappers and hunters should also remember that a shipping tag must be attached to any raw furbearer pelts, furs or skins transported out of West Virginia . A portion of the two-part tag must be mailed to the Elkins Operations Center within 24 hours of shipment; the other must remain with the shipment. Shipping tags are also available at DNR District Offices and from many official game checking stations. Information from all tags is used to monitor furbearer populations and regulate legal pelt sales.

**DNR**