MADISON, Wis. – The 2019-20 Wisconsin “dryland” furbearer seasons, which include the fisher trapping season and the coyote, fox and bobcat hunting/trapping seasons kick off on Saturday.

The raccoon hunting/trapping season will also open on Saturday for Wisconsin residents, while non-residents can hunt/trap raccoons beginning on Nov. 2. The mink/muskrat trapping season opens on Oct. 26, followed by the beaver and otter trapping season opening on Nov. 2.

Bobcat, fisher and otter require a special zone-specific permit to harvest. Bobcat permits are time specific as well. All three species must be reported within 24 hours of harvest at gamereg.wi.gov or by calling 1-844-426-3734.

Harvesters must also register their bobcat, fisher or otter with a conservation warden by the seventh day after the month of harvest.

Trappers need to purchase a trapping license, and hunters will need a small game hunting license to pursue furbearers. Purchase licenses through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources GoWild system or at license agents for DNR Service Centers.

New trappers must be Wisconsin trapper education certified to purchase a trapping license, and new hunters must have hunter’s education certification to purchase a hunting license. Mentored licenses are available, see the regulations for more details.

Unique hunting and trapping regulations apply on many federal properties, and special trapping restrictions apply to both federal and state portions of the Horicon Marsh.