Otter, bobcat trapping proposed
The first time Scott Davis saw a river otter in the wilds of Illinois was 1991.
That sighting in strip-mine country northwest of Trivoli was noteworthy. Otters were rare and seeing one was unexpected, even for a diehard trapper like Davis who spends long hours wading creeks.
But otters are no longer rare or threatened in Illinois. Three years ago Davis found 10 otters in his traps in Peoria, Knox and Fulton counties — including one whose angry bite still makes the trapper wince.
And while he doesn’t often see otters during the day, their tracks, toilets and mud slides are highly visible in central Illinois and all over the state.
Partly in recognition of that resurgence, Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) introduced a bill to allow trapping of river otters. Phelps’ House Bill 4632 would also establish a trapping season for bobcats, another critter whose population has increased dramatically in the past decade — albeit largely under the radar of most Illinoisans.
Since news of the bill was released this week, I’ve heard from several outdoors enthusiasts have never seen an otter or a bobcat. That’s no great surprise, since both animals are mostly nocturnal.
But they are out there and in steadily increasing numbers according to studies by the Cooperative Wildlife Research Lab at Southern Illinois University. Conservative estimates place the otter population at 10,000 to 15,000 statewide while at least 2,000 to 3,000 bobcats are thought to roam the Prairie State.
What’s more, both populations are growing rapidly. The start of that river otter resurgence was a release program that up until 1997 restocked 346 otters into the Illinois, Wabash and Kaskaskia river watersheds.
By 2001 the estimated population in the release zones was 1,800. State furbearer biologist Bob Bluett said today’s otter head count in those areas is probably 9,000. And otters have roamed well past those watersheds, as many farm-pond owners can attest after finding piles of fish heads along their shorelines.
“You can go places in southern Illinois where in every little beaver pond, farm pond and creek you can find otter toilets and slides,” Bluett said.
Bobcats are not as prolific and are much more secretive. But by 2003 bobcats were documented in 99 of 102 Illinois counties. From 1992 to 2006, sightings by archery deer hunters increased by 479 percent. The largest bobcat concentrations are in Illinois’ south, west-central and northwest regions.
Even so, Bluett said a bobcat trapping season would be fairly limited — most likely allowing trappers one cat per season.
Otter regulations would be less restrictive, though in both cases trappers would have to buy special permits.
Of course, whether a pro-trapping bill can survive the legislative process is another matter. An otter trapping bill died in committee in 2005, the same year Gov. Blagojevich vetoed a pro-trapping bill that passed through the legislature.
Some observers expect similar action, no matter what the ecological impacts or the fact neighboring states Iowa, Missouri and Kentucky have established otter seasons.
To Illinois Trappers Association president Paul Kelly, that’s short-sighted and wasteful.
At present, trappers who accidentally catch an otter are asked to dispose of the carcass. The same was true three years ago when otter pelts were worth up to $150. Even at today’s $22 to $30 prices, burying otters is a waste.
Beyond that are management issues of allowing unchecked population growth for a prolific animal with almost no natural predators.
“That would be like restocking deer and eliminating your hunting seasons once they got established to let them run rampant,” Kelly said. “In terms of otters, that’s pretty much what we’ve done.”
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I know there’s is no shortage of otter’s where I live….cant keep them out of my muskrat set’s.there is also a change in the green hide law and the grace piriod on hound seaon. and some change’s to coyote and skunk trapping.I called my Rep. and told him I was in favor of this bill and it’s change’s.I suggest you do the same…thank you….
i am vehemently opposed to a trapping season for otter and bobcat! hunting for food is one thing, but trapping and hunting for fur or trophies is unnecessary in todays world. please oppose this bill! there is no need to kill these beautiful creatures.man trapped them to extinction and missed them, so reintroduced them. why do they now want to kill them? these creatures are a valuable part of our natural ecosystem to this state, and deserve being respected. thank you for all who consider my words and especially if you act of them by called your Representative to oppose this bill.
Otters can do tremendous damage to fisheries if not controlled. If emotion is used to controll wildlife usually we all loose, including the wildlife. To be a valuable part of an ecosystem there needs to be balance. In my opinion controlled trapping is the best tool we have to keep otter populations in check, but as our govenor has proven in the past emotion and not sound management matter the most. Call your Reps. and ask for thier support for this bill!!
When will man learn that nature is not provided for his sole entertainment, or for slaughtering anything that moves. Every living thing from the mightiest trees to the most humble insect has a place and a purpose….which is more than can be said of many folk! Otters can we are being told cause damage to fisheries…clearly this was written by someone who knows very little about the way nature works. In fact Otters keep fish stocks healthy by weeding out the sick and weakened fish. This is called the balance of nature which we by meddling constantly upset. The rise in Otter numbers is more a product of the fact that they were non-existant in an area and have been re-introduced. Nature always over-compensates when it is re-polutating after natural numbers have been tinkered with. My advise is leave well alone and let nature herself sort out the numbers game. And for goodness sake stop using nature as a fair-ground duck shoot.
you are so right david! let nature be in charge of her creatures and natural world and let man meddle in his own affairs! this bill is just an excuse for killing for the sake of killing, and has nothing to do with what is actually good for the creatures and nature!
The white-tailed deer was once almost extirpated from Illinois also.
That species is now found throughout the state in numbers that are “too large for its own good”.
Without the presence of their natural predators (wolves and cougars) which once also roamed the state, to keep their populations in check, deer overpopulate, overgraze, and out compete other animals and themselves.
They overpopulate and eat all available browse and the result is an unhealthy, undernourished/starving herd.
Deer populations are contolled by hunting.
In areas where hunting is not allowed, deer herds have become problematic to the extent that municipalities have gone to great lengths and expense to control their numbers through “culling”.
Culling can involve a number of methods, all of which cost taxpayers money.
Hunters contribute to the states coffers through licensing, and tag fees.
Either way, it is an absolute necessity that the state’s deer herd be controlled.
Given what we have done to the natural state of our land, paralells to the deer herd situation will certainly arise with any re-introduced species.
Short of extirpating the human race from the state, and reintroducing wolves and cougars, sound management through hunting and trapping will keep wildlife populations balanced and healthy.
We have mis-used and abused the land before we understood these things.
The “natural balance” requires that you make your little piece of the Americam Dream available to the top predators that once roamed there.
Nature is not a Disney movie.
i believe that certain people are digressing from the issue at hand, which is my opposition to HB 4632. I have not muddied up the issue by bringing issues such as factory farming, trophy hunting, sports fishing, canned hunting and other into this conversation. And I certainly don’t believe nature is a Disney movie. I opposed the killing of creatures that are not going to be used for food. Creatures that are no threat to your little piece of the American Dream. I am not implying we introduce top predators that would threaten our lives or properies. I have always respected hunters/fishermen who hunt for food only, and in humane ways. I expect respect back from hunters/fishermen, with them realizing that there has to be a line drawn somewhere in regards to their historical right to hunt and fish. I draw my line with this bill and will continue to oppose it and will respectfully request others to consider opposing it also.
By the way Mr. Marquardt, I believe mankind could learn from our top predators. At least they don’t kill for sport, or trophies, or for vanity, such in wearing of furs, but for food! Our wild predators have enough sense not to desimate whole species like mankind has!
I’m more sure than ever we need to support this bill .I think you have a problem with hunting, trapping..and most likely many other’s…
there again you hunters/trappers are trying to change the topic! You keep trying to make it an issue between what I believe in general and what you believe in. This is about trapping otters and bobcats. There is no reason to. You don’t eat them so it is not a matter of your survival! It is about their survival and right to live an unmolested life without being killed in a cruel manner, for no just reason!
How do you know how they are killed .The death I bestowe on them is a lot less cruel than the one mother nature has in store for them .Death by tooth, fang ,claw or sickness.If there is no mangae ment and you let mother nature take her course when she wipe’s out the excess it will be more than trapper’s will take.Trapping is a outdoor sport that I’v enjoyed for over 40 year’s and will enjoy for many more I hope.As far as the bobcat’s go .I go to southern’ ILL.to kill rabbit’s in front of my beagle’s[probably another bad thing you think] .They have bobcat problem’s .No longer do you see 30 or 40 rabbit’s in a day’s time now it’s 4 0r 5 no quail, pheseant’s or small game.Don’t you think those animal’s deserve to live their live’s or are they just food for the Bob’s.I’v not seen a fishery yet that didn’t suffer from having otter’s introduced in to them.I ‘am sure that you don’t wear fur but many, many, many do .The people over in China are going through the worst winter in decades and they are buying up fur to keep from freezing to death…I guess I put more value on a human life than I do of that of a bobcat or a otter.If that animal’s hide will keep someone freezing .I say skin it..As long as there is a demand I will try and supply fur’s for that demand.Now I’m going to sell 70 coon’s today 5 fox and few muskrat’s.I hope they keep some one warm somewhere…
Just want to say I appreciate everyone keeping this discussion civil, despite the strong opinions on both sides of this issue.
Ms. Postin, please re-read this statement:
“Given what we have done to the natural state of our land, paralells to the deer herd situation will certainly arise with any re-introduced species.”
Take a deep breath.
I fully realize that mankind has decimated wild
poulations.
You said:
“This is about trapping otters and bobcats. There is no reason to.”
My deer-herd analogy illustrates two things.
1) -Human encroachment has irreversibly thrown the natural order of things out of balance.
2) -We have displaced, and replaced the top predators.
Humankind is now the dynamic force in the top predator spot.
In the role as top predators, there exists reason to trap furbearers. -To as closely as possible, replicate the checks and balances that existed before we assumed that role.
Your words again:
“I have not muddied up the issue by bringing issues such as factory farming, trophy hunting, sports fishing, canned hunting and other into this conversation.”
My response:
You are the only one here that has mentioned those things.
Your words again:
“You keep trying to make it an issue between what I believe in general and what you believe in.
“It is about their survival and right to live an unmolested life without being killed in a cruel manner, for no just reason!”
My response:
Your statements only illustrate what you believe.
Do you believe that it is more “cruel” to die at the hands of a trapper, or to die as a result of disease brought about by overcrowding?
Excessive competition for food sources resulting in slowly starving to death?
Being killed and eaten by the only remaining predators (ie. coyotes) because months of stuggling to find enough food has left you weak, malnourished, without enough keen awareness to avoid becoming the easiest target?
Your words:
“You don’t eat them so it is not a matter of your survival!”
My response:
No, it is absolutely NOT a matter of our survival.
I don’t believe the debate has ever been presented as a matter of our survival. You’re muddying up the issue.
It is a matter of maintaining a healthy, balanced population, and ensure its existence for generations to come.
As top predators, that is our responsibility.
Unless of course, you want to FULLY give the land back and restore the true natural balance.
But you have already stated:
“I am not implying we introduce top predators that would threaten our lives or properies.”
So, obviously you are unwilling to go to that extent.
Seems that you want to take a stand for the “rights” of animals, but not if it inconveniences you and your beliefs.
Seems
Hi, just thought I would put in my 2 cents. If the otter population is over populated, why not humanely trap them and relocate them to states that have none or the numbers are dwindling, like southwestern states;New Mexico,Louisiana and others?
The otter repopulation in southern Illinois was achieved with specimens from Louisiana.
Well put MR Marquardt.There needs to be a way to controll the population of otters and bob cats! Controlled trapping is the best wat to go.Contrary to the post by mr Gould otter do not just consume weak or sick fish. Otter will eat just about any thing it can catch from fish to small reptiles and birds. When otter have depleated one food source they just shift to another. What happens when the population gets to the point the enviornment cant sustain any more? Starvation and disease, if thats not a crule way to die I dont know what is. A regulated population will be a healty populaton!
Mr. Lampe this website and you and your staff is first class .I appreciate A place where we can all go to express our opinion’s.Emotion’s alway’s run high when trapping is involed.I may not agree with Leslie thought’s on the bobcat’s and otter’s but thank goodness that we both have a place to speak our mind’s on what we do believe in.keep up the great work and great imformation on here .Thank You….
I personally believe trapping and killing any wild animal, is not a prime solution-it is simply the easy solution, which by the way does not make it the right course of action. If predator populations become to large in an area and cannot properly sustain them and causes them to come into conflict with humans, the viable and humane option would be to use humane traps and relocate them to other not so populated areas-thus achieving a balance by harm to none. As we see daily human beings messing around with mother nature= big mess. Personally I prefer to leave population control to mother nature when ever possible, thus hopefuly not making a distressed situation an even bigger problem. The killing of top predators in an areas food chain in my opinion equates to Big Time Messin’ with Mother Nature and our fragile Eco System ...which will as history has shown us only bring about disasterous end results.
Considering that China has a huge fur industry of their own, primarily involving dogs and cats, (this is well documented gentlemen), I propose they wear their own furs to protect themselves from their winters, rather than turning their furs into cheap toys and trinkets that they send here to be sold in our gas stations (I know you have all seen them) and other stores. And since I know of no Americans walking around in otter or bobcat fur, in lieu of regular clothing against the elements, I therefor don’t believe the argument for taking their fur is valid.
I also do not believe that either of these creatures populations in this state are so great that they are in danger of starvation by not having any food sources. So that argument doesn’t hold water either.
Can any of you come up with a truly just reason to kill these creatures? The arguments you have presented just do not present justification for killing bobcats or otters.
I was against this trapping bill, until I found out that one of the Humane Society types posted on here, so now I will call all my reps to support the bill. Otters should be trapped on a site specific as needed basis, in my opinion, but then again that would require someone with half a brain to be put into a position of power at the DNR rather some political boot licker. Bobcats, in my opinion should not be trapped, because I think a quota hunting season should be installed with say a $50 tag fee. Think of all that money you could steal gubenor ROD. I would gladly throw the DNR a $50 bone for a chance at one of those even though its like pulling the one arm bandit. As far as not being an edible food, their are alot of species hunted that are not consumed. So take your anti-hunting rhetoric and go back to the democrat underground. You anti-hunters and anti-gun people are all the same, and your pretty good in the way you try to fractionate the groups your against. If it makes you happy, once they approve a bobcat season, I will kill one and invite you over to admire the mount while we roast him on a spit in the back yard.
greg, i don’t believe you are a gentleman and i doubt whether the other people discussing this subject will approve of you getting mean and childish with your remarks. mr. lampe had previously applauded our discussing this like adults. i hope he deletes your post as it was entirely inappropriate and not within the keeping of a civil discussion.
Leslie, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
As with most things, I believe it is better to be proactive than to be reactive.
Would you prefer that the state react only after otters have exploded in population, and rendered extinct the currently endangered spotted turtle population? Or the Chorus frog? Or both?
How about bigeye chub, bluehead shiner, harlequin darter, bantam sunfish, spotted sunfish, or the least brook lamprey?
Would it bother you if a burgeoning otter population were found, TOO LATE, to be responsible for the extinction of the currently endangered dusky salamander,four-toed salamander, silvery salamander, and the hellbender?
Or a handfull of endangered snakes like the Kirtlands Water snake, or some of our fragile mussell species?
These are all fair game for the otter, and all are currently endangered.
YOU SAID:
“I also do not believe that either of these creatures populations in this state are so great that they are in danger of starvation by not having any food sources. So that argument doesn’t hold water either.”
Would you prefer that we wait to react to an overpopulation, or work toward managing a healthy balanced population?
Logic must prevail. I was very happy to hear of the otters comeback, but am realistic enough to know that they are very efficient hunters whose numbers will need to be monitored and controlled.
Yes, they will suffer greatly, as will other species if allowed to overpopulate. I think it better to prevent that overpopulation, rather than try to fix it afterwards.
As I said before, we as humans have permanently knocked a spinning top off balance (our ecosystem), and are now the primary catalyst that will keeping from falling down.
One only needs to look as far as the White-tailed deer for a prime example.
otters do not reproduce as quickly as deer do so i really do not think that is a good analogy. also carnivores walk a finer line in between life and death than herbivores anyway, so while i will graciously respect your opinion and also admire the way you have behaved as a gentleman, i must respectfully still oppose this bill. Also, Illinois is one big buffet for deer with loads of suitable habitat. You can not say the same for the otters or bobcats. There is precious little area suitable especially for the bobcat. I still have not changed my mind, and on that note gentlemen, i will not be discussing this further at this forum. i am afraid that my being verbally attacked by greg has put me off this site entirely. i do respect and appreciate you gentlemen that have behaved appropriatly though. And I wish you all good health and happy lives. I will also leave this parting note. My husband is a hunter and he agrees with me. As do everyone of our relatives and friends, alot of whom hunt themselves, agree with me also. I don’t want to see hunters loose their rights. I am not some radical against everything you all believe in. I am just a woman who loves nature and believes in the value of the otter and the bobcat and don’t want to see them wiped out again. It has been repeatedly said they need managed. Well, some folks better be glad the animals don’t have the ability to “manage” us as there are certain folks in this world that I am sure they would think needed ” harvested” also. You know it will be hard not to sneak a peek to see what you gentlemen will have to say next, but I am afraid that there will be other nasty posts allowed and I just don’t want to subject myself to them. I have tried very hard to be polite and not to belittle, bully, or disrespect any of you that have been participating in this conversation and I hope you remember that the next time you see a bobcat or an otter. Remember that the person who spoke up for them also gave you respect.
I’m not sure where Ms Low and Ms postin are getting thier information from but I keep hearing things like crule and inhumane, I’m willing to bet you are not aware that many of the otter that were released in Illinois were caught in foot traps by fur trappers enlisted by the state.Also I do not recall any one stateing that otter or bobcats are over populated. Enlisting a season on either would help keep this from happening. Im glad Ms postin mentioned China because this blows a big hole in her statement about it being ok to kill an animal for food as the dogs and cats you mentioned ARE consumed as food. AS for relocateing to other less populated areas eventually there wont be any where to go,then what and just how do you suggest we “humanely” trap them to relocate them?? Id like to see you tell the people of Calfornia who have been attacked by mountain lions (because they voted to stop hunting them) that they should just relocate them. Since we dont have any here just bring them here and let nature take care of it’s self.
leslie wrote,“being verbally attacked by greg has put me off this site entirely” Way to go greg!!! There goes our entertainment.
I must say… How very childish Greg and tw67-not necessary. No one on here said that guns should be outlawed, no one here said you should not be able to hunt-did they?? No I think not. Ms. Poston and I both do not believe there to be a legitimate reason for Bobcats or Otters to be trapped and killed-and if that makes me a Humane Society Type-consider me branded and happy to be one. You say that the otters orginally were caught in Leg hold traps, well I believe them to be inhumane and brutal, and should be banded nation wide. And yes I know thats a bleeding heart statement-all the same it is my opinion. If there is no over population problem… there where is ther a valid reason to cull the numbers of these animals??? Let me guess, because someone wishes them gone or views these predators as a treat to someones leisure fishing-oh and there is always the old stand by… I am not going to eat it but I would love to kill this animal so I can mount its lifeless head on my wall and use its pelt infront of my fireplace-now there is some upscale decor for ya fellas-not. No there is a valid reason for killing these animals. I do not totally appose someone hunting-as long as they eat what they kill and do not waste a precious life for their sheer entertainment. Now to address the montain lion issue-somewhat: I live in Florida and we have the Fl. Panther here folks. Not once has there been a single report of an attack by these top predators on a human being-not one, and thankfully we still have available food sources for them to prey. Our Panthers here are seriously imperilled and in dire need of better protection-but that is a whole other story. Now as for the mountain lions of cali.. people have encrouched on their habitate and put themselves on menu. The mountain lions did not ask people to invaid it’s terrain, erradicate or displace its primary food sources-People messing around with mother nature did that. I would also like to add, that like humans -once a mnt. lion gets a taste of easy prey-they tend to keep going after it-and we humans are easy prey for them, and not all the mnt. lions are offenders so we should not classify them all as a danger-we don’t do that to human offenders, the same courtesy should apply to them, in my humble opinion. Now look at the mess and problems for both humans and the big cats there. We should learn from past mistakes , not continue to make them. The ones who end up paying the ultimate price are the wildlife-for the problems that we create. The Mnt. Lions because they pose a threat to humans in their domain-will be hunted down until there is none left-so the humans can be safe and lord over a geographic area that once belonged to beneficial wildlife and it’s top predators. Its all about balance folks-we don’t have it anymore.. Think about that when you vote yeah or nay for this bill and remember-Crap rolls down hill and we are at the bottom folks. Strive to achieve happy mediums not erradications and exstinctions. Thats one Humane Society Types opinion. The End
I meant there is no valid reason for killing these animals-not:
No there is a valid reason for killing these animals. I do not totally appose someone hunting-as long as they eat what they kill and do not waste a precious life for their sheer entertainment.
Sorry typo.
Just for the record, there was no real consideration given to deleting Greg’s comments, though it’s too bad they drove Leslie Postin off this Web site. Greg did not curse or slander. He may have misrepresented Leslie Postin’s positions, but that happens all the time on forums. He could have been more respectful of her opinions. Then again, the things Leslie Postin has posted are so infuriating to trappers that they probably feel disrespected and slandered. And there has been no consideration given to deleting anything Leslie Postin has posted. All we ask is that you keep it clean and think before you hit “Submit.” If you don’t think, we will be forced to hit “Delete.” Now back to the this very interesting discussion…
Ms. Low Low, and Ms. Postin. Sorry you two are so thin skinned. I never personally slandered you in any way shape or form. Sorry I am a smart -- -- -- . Considering your anti-hunters posting on a hunting web site your lucky someone did not really slander you. You can say your husband hunts, whatever, I believe that as much as Hillary bagged a duck when she was a child. If you troll on the wrong forum, your going to eventually get snagged. And nobody ever said to eradicate wildlife. No hunter or sportsman ever wants that to happen. That is only something that a liberal like Feinstein, Boxer and Capps of California want to do to the Santa Rosa island elk herd. Are you upset about this, or is this alright so some endangered shrub can be protected. Hey I don’t even believe a mountain ion, bear, shark, or gator should be killed, just because they kill a human. If your in their territory, thats your fault. You two should move to Illinois. Your views would fit right in with the powers that be who are ruining the DNR in this state. No lets see,SUBMIT, yes I think so.
Would’nt it be funny if, Postin and Low were actually members of the Illinois Trappers Association and this was just a promotional stunt to increase their membership numbers. LOL… But it’s not. They are actual people who think that way.Mr Marguardt, I applaud your attempt in trying to explain things for them ,but I believe it feel on deaf ears. Too bad! By-the-way, the ILL.Trappers Association will have a booth at the deer and turkey expo this week-end. I’m planning to stop by and show support by becoming a member. I have never owned a trappers license, but after this I will. p.s. the Illinois State Rifle Association will be there too!
If you don’t trap some of these animal’s how then are you supposed to maintain a healthy population..You can’t hunt muskrat ,beaver,mink, otter,Beaver around here for the most part have no preditor’s to elimenate a few .The local colleage relocated some but there are still way to many for the size of our river..In place’s the tree’s are cut back for 50 yard’s from the river’s edge[clear cut].the bank’s are now washing away.I think in such case’s removing a few is good for my river.
Ms Postin took her ball and went home.
Like most anti’s, she made false accusation’s about what had been said, made wildly mis-informed claims, and ignored logic and reason.
Each time I countered her statements, she avoided the topic.
Claiming not to have muddied the issue by bringing in other subjects like factory farming, trophy hunting, sports fishing, canned hunting… when there was no mention of any of those things except in her claim not to be muddying the issue.
Nobody ever claimed that the issue was a matter of our survival, but she argued against that idea as if our survival had been presented as the reason trapping should be allowed. Again, she was the only person to have made such a statement.
Trapping would help to ensure the survival of the otter, but when shown a rational, logical argument to that end, she would have none of it.
Her arguments are purely emotional.
She is however, a dangerous tool for the anti’s because she is an activist.
She has started a petition against this bill, and has collected 400 signatures.
Most non-outdoors oriented people do not have a good understanding of the intricate balances invovled in ecological issues, and are easily swayed by her type of emotional, inflamatory rhetoric.
Call your representative and voice your support for this bill.
Paul, I’v called twice and got a few other’s to call.I hope every one will do the same…I’m not so much about the otter’s but helping the guy’s in the southern part of the state with the bobcat’s .There has been a real reduction in small game and turkey down there due to too many bobcat.I used to go over to Kirksville Mo. turkey hunting ,in 10 years after the cat’s showed up the turkey flock has suffered.
Trapping is cruel and inhumane, no matter what the so-called justification. I’m against it across the board. Live and let live!
That comment about controling population. How about controling humans overruning their habitats? Someone needs to control our population and encroachments on them.
Coondawg,
I’m a missourian who lives near St. Louis. I have leased 1.500 acres near Kirksville for 10 years now. I can honestly say the Turkey population is flourishing. We bag our limit every year with ease. If anything, Missouri could probably ease it’s restrictions on bag limits they’re doing so good. During bow season we do see a few bobcats but they are few and far between and we spend a lot of time in the woods. Just throwing my 2 cents in. Also, I’m very much for the trapping seasons. Every time a bill like this is shot down, I always feel as if I’m losing more of my rights. I don’t like that feeling.
Well, I live in a part of the Country where otters are quite common. Some of the statements posted above with regards to otters are quite funny. First off, otters reproduce faster than deer, I have often seen otter families composed of 3 or more young, never seen a doe with that many. Second off, if I recall, the state DNR (or whatever yall call it) stocked the otter with funds raised by hunters and trappers. Third off, the otters were obtained from a professional trapper in la. who used #11 double long springs. Otters have tremendous impact on aquaculture in my home state and can clean a catfish pond out in no time. That is what they are, efficient hunters. I have trapped otters, along with alot of other trappers in my state, for a long time and have harvested quiet a few over the years, and if anything, the population here continues to grow. If you stop and think about it, almost every penny spent on wildlife restoration is raised from outdoor sportsmen through permit fees, and organizations supported by them. A reasonable managment plan will do nothing to harm the population of either otters or bobcats.
Oh yeah, for those that are talking about eating animals, bobcat is my favorite game/furbearer to eat. It tastes and looks like veal.
I live in Illinois and enjoy duck hunting. The otters are truly overpopulated in my area. There are many instances this past season where I have witnessed an otter consuming a duck before the retriever has a chance to pick it up. The retriever is pretty quick to fetch up the fallen duck as well, as she bails out of the blind at the sound of the shot. As far as the bobcats go, they need a trapping season or a permit as well as they are starting to become very populated. I get as many as 5 a week on my scouting camera and several are hit by cars each year on the highway and backroads. The dollars rendered for a permit can do some good to the Illinois budget for wildlife.
Leave the otter alone!
In Naples, FL, I run an animal trapping company (Neighborhelp Referrals’ Affordable Trapping) and we just got a call from someone who wants us to HUMANELY catch several bobcats and otters. It’s not easy, but it’s certainly not impossible either.
It’s not always necessary to kill the creature, but certain animals should not be re-released into the wild, especially otters, who kill fish populations and bobcats, who kill any animal smaller than a chicken - usually rabbits, but sometimes cats and small dogs. Instead, call a local zoo and see if they want to add these critters to their collection, or see if there is an animal shelter who can take them in.
I’m from Missouri where otter were reintroduced. Am an active fisherman and trapper. The statements made about otters eating the sick and weak fish in a fishery is hogwash. They eat the biggest healthyest fish they can get their paws and teeth into. The creeks in Missouri have stages of flowage and non flowage. These deep holes that held the fish during a drought or lack of rainfall get visited by very educated super predators IE: otters the bass were in a barrel so to speak. During these dry times the otters cleaned out the small fisheries and every fish farm, and farm pond they fell into. Then the next year they showed their young where to hunt, and so on. Know one in Missouri has put a dent in the otters population what so ever, I live in a unlimited bag zone. Otters all over. The amount of trappers pusueing them is low, their ranges are huge. Harvesting a few otter per trapping lisence or 5 otter bag limit isnt a holycostal kill. Most trappers get lucky to catch 1 a season, accidently trapping beaver, why doesnt anyone care that man almost killed all the beaver in North america reintroduced them and has an unlimited bag limit today. Could be some people dont know the facts, your seasons are none of my buisnes but animal facts are facts. Otters breed fast and have no predators. Taking 150 otters a year out of a large state like Illinois is a fly on reintroduced beavers hiney.
I keep hearing from some types that “we"should live and let live and when a problem developes we relocate the critters. Who’s willing to pay for this service? Will the same people wanting this service pay for it? Maybe they need to write their legislatures and include a check for say $5,000? I imagine a few otter or bob’s can be transplanted somewhere for that. Now as to who wants them? 2nd beef..I keep hearing too many humans, ok, I kinda agree to a point. SO, what do we do about that? Same one’s complaining are?>>Sterile?, Spaded? What? Or maybe their just hipocrites(spelling?)? Trying to convince us like most liberals do that they’re smarter then us and know best? I dont know if any of the opponents of the bobcat and otter trapping season are still on here but if you feel so strongly send a check to the DNR so they can work on relocating them. I keep hearing from these so called humane groups but other then outlawing everything from roach poison to bear trapping I never hear any logical solutions? Of course I have to wonder about the mentality of groups that support the theories/idea of >>is a roach is a mouse is a rat is a cat is a dog IS A BOY???????
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