Montana's general land-trapping furbearer season for bobcat, marten, fisher and wolverine opened Dec. 1.
The general water-trapping furbearer season began on Nov. 1 for beaver, otter, muskrat and mink. Trapping seasons end on Feb. 15 for terrestrial furbearers and April 15 for semi-aquatic furbearers.
Season closures may vary, however, if harvest quotas are met prior to season closing dates. The bobcat season runs until March 1 in the central and eastern portions of the state and to Feb. 15 in all other areas in Montana.
Furbearers are designated under state law and may be harvested during limited seasons. Harvest quotas, season length, and trapping methods are regulated by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission. The furbearer 2000-2001 Montana trapping regulations are available at any FWP office.
Trappers and hunters should also be aware that lynx cannot be taken in Montana. The lynx is listed as a threatened species in 16 states, including Montana, under the federal Endangered Species Act. Taking a lynx by trapping or shooting is prohibited.
More than 2,600 resident trapper licenses were sold in Montana last year. FWP expects
populations of most furbearer species to be very good this season.
