Bob Wise, Governor
Ed Hamrick, Director

Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : February 23, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Paul Johansen, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Trapping Seasons Close

   Trappers are reminded that trapping seasons for bobcat, foxes, raccoon, coyote, skunk, opossum, weasel, mink and muskrat end at noon on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 . Beaver season continues through March 31, 2006. 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. The tag must remain on the beaver, bobcat and fisher pelt until it has been sold, tanned or mounted.

  Beaver, bobcat and mink pelts brought fair prices at the West Virginia Trappers Association Auction in January. The next West Virginia Trappers Association Auction is March 3-5, 2006 , at the Glenville Recreation Center.

  Trappers trapping on a wildlife management area are required to obtain a trapping permit from the district wildlife biologist. Trappers should also note that a shipping tag is required for pelts shipped outside the state. Also, any bobcat pelt that may be shipped outside of the United States must be sealed with a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) tag. Shipping and CITES tags are available at DNR District Offices and the Elkins Operations Center.

**DNR**