The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) closed the river otter season on March 11 after the statewide quota of 750 river otters was reached by licensed trappers. The season was scheduled to run from Nov. 15 – March 15 or until the quota was reached.
The framework of Indiana’s river otter season was carefully designed to limit the total harvest and support the river otter population. Databases and reporting allow regular monitoring of the total season harvest. By rule, when total harvest levels reach the statewide quota, the season closes automatically.
“We saw increased interest in regulated trapping this year, and licensed trappers who were able to enjoy Indiana’s wonderful landscapes had a successful river otter season,” said Geriann Albers, DNR’s furbearer and gamebird program leader. “Indiana’s systems and regulations allow us to strike an excellent balance between providing trapping opportunities and ensuring our river otters continue to thrive in Indiana.”
Additional information on river otters and the trapping season can be found at: on.IN.gov/ottertrapping.