Furbearer harvest dwindles

Despite increasing populations and the promise of economic return, the number of sportsmen pursuing furbearers in Oklahoma continues to decline, the Wildlife Department says.

"There is no better time to reverse this trend than right now," said Russ Horton, central region senior biologist. "Oklahoma is blessed with a rich diversity of furbearers allowing hunters and trappers ample opportunity to enjoy participating in this sport.

"Most furbearing species are plentiful, and bobcat populations are increasing in many parts of the state," Horton said.

Oklahoma's statewide furbearer season runs from Dec. through Jan. 31 except for bobcat season, which is Dec. 1-Feb. 28.

Due to a depressed fur market, the number of sportsmen pursuing furbearers decreased during the 1999-2000 season.

The value of Oklahoma's fur harvest in 1999-2000 was a puny $9,543 compared to $38,338 the previous year and $318,644 in 1996-97.

"From a management standpoint, harvesting furbearers benefits other wildlife such as ground nesting birds, especially wild turkeys," Horton said. "Bobcats prey on adult wild turkeys, and raccoons consume considerable numbers of wild turkey eggs. Opossums prey on tree-nesting birds.

"Controlling furbearers is a desirable wildlife management practice, he said. "It's also a good way to become more familiar with the areas where you ordinarily hunt other game, and it's a great way to introduce a newcomer to the outdoors."

In 1999-2000, hunters and trappers tagged 76 bobcat pelts in Dewey County. No other county tagged more than 62 bobcats and only 1,303 were tagged statewide.

"There isn't any reason for these declines," Horton added. "The market has been down, but this is still a great resource. Hunting and trapping furbearers has been a long-time tradition, and with the current populations there is no reason for that to change."

Those wanting to take bobcats, raccoons or gray fox must obtain a special bobcat-raccoon-gray fox license. It costs $9 for residents and $51 for non-residents. Lifetime license holders are exempt. The license is not required for those who chase furbearers with dogs, but do not harvest them. A trapping license is required for all persons who trap. Only resident landowners or tenants or their children who trap on land they own or lease (not including hunting leases) are exempt from purchasing trapping licenses.

Complete furbearer regulations are printed in the 2000-2001 Oklahoma Hunting Guide and Regulations, available statewide at hunting and fishing license dealers.

Archive ID: 831591