Public comment is now open to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, or NRC, for proposed changes to the state’s river otter trapping rules.
If adopted, the changes would take effect this November for the 2024-25 river otter trapping season.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, is proposing to open regulated otter trapping statewide but keep all other otter trapping regulations like the statewide quota, bag limits, reporting and tagging the same.
Indiana DNR values river otters and recognizes their value to the state, agency officials said in a news release.
“Responsibly managing our state’s wildlife populations is vital to our DNR mission,” Indiana DNR’s furbearer and turkey program leader, Geriann Albers, said in the release. “In recent decades, our careful management work has reestablished strong river otter populations across Indiana. As we consider incremental updates to our management practices, the focus will remain on how we continue to maintain this strong population now and into the future.”
Public comments can be submitted online at IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket by locating the “Submit Comments Here” link in the Rulemaking Docket for the River Otter Trapping Rule. Comments can also be mailed to:
Natural Resources Commission
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Ave., Room N103
Indianapolis, IN 46204
The deadline for submitting public comments is June 25.
A public hearing will also be held on June 25 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Fort Harrison State Park Inn, 5830 N. Post Road, Indianapolis. People can attend in person or online anytime during that timeframe.
To attend online, go to Microsoft Teams and enter Meeting ID 273 875 645 791 and Passcode vtsG9X.
For more information on the proposed rule changes, visit wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulation-changes.
Questions about the proposed otter rule changes should be directed to Geriann Albers at 812-822-3304 or [email protected].
