season change for fox

[rubber duck]

Has any body heard if they are going to put a season on rex fox and raccoon? I saw something about it on the mn trappers HSOforum?

[protrapper]

Yes, they have. There still waiting to set the dates. But I think they are going for second weekend in October to March 15th for both.

[rubber duck]

Will that come into effect this year?

[protrapper]

Yes, I believe it will. In my opinion thats to early for a openor and to late a closing.

[Tour. Pro 175]

I agree with Protrapper. There is no reason to harvest these animals untill their fur is prime.

[rubber duck]

thanks guys for filling me in. just wanted to check whats going on.

[Jmnhunter]

Is the season for trapping or hunting? or both? Thanks, I disagree with only shooting them only when fur is prime, they can be a nuiscance to my ducks, pheasants, and grouse!
Good Hunting!
-John

[psegriz]

Correct me if I'm wrong but, believe if you catch an animal doing or about to do dammage to your animals or property you can shoot them any time of year.
GRIZ

[Sarge]

I can't believe they went threw all the work to set a season on them, without first separating them, to be managed as individual species.

I'll agree with red fox getting a break, between the mange and coyotes, in SE MN they seem almost rare. But racoon are thriving and out of control, just not enough hunters and trappers, we can go out one with one dog and tree more than you'd care to skin in a night.

What do you all think? Is there a valid reason they shouldn't be managed apart?

[rubber duck]

I agree with sarge on managing fox and raccoon sepertaly! Raccoon seem to be on a mission to populate the world!

[protrapper]

No to make anyone [PoorWordUsage]ed off, but they are managed seperatly. And the fox fur price and coon is on the upswing. Coon in most areas of the state have had serious outbreaks of distemper. And the fox are recovering from mange in most parts of the state.

In one area my buddys coon catch went from a couple hundred to 90 some. In a area I trapped down south the coon were wiped out completly.

If anyone has problems with either animals contact me I do Animal control work with permits I get from the DNR on most critters.

And if you know where there is lots of coon well by god let me know!! LOL

[Sarge]

Not sure who your gonna P.O., but please explain how they are managed differently.

[protrapper]

I believe from what I was told at a meeting is the coon season was going to run from second weekend in Oct to March 15th.

And the fox season was now going to run on different dates. Plus the north and south season restrictions would apply. Assuming it passes I should hear shortly. If thats what you mean by managing them. Otherwise habitat wise I would have to say there not.

They are also managed by way of if coon where doing damage you need to get permit to remove them, and then report it when you were done. Where as fox it was a kill at will deal. Just some funny DNR rule. Now that will all change I presume.

[This message has been edited by protrapper (edited 03-18-2004).]

[This message has been edited by protrapper (edited 03-18-2004).]

[Sarge]

So your saying they "are" going to be separated. Guess I need to find this bill and read up on it.

Jmnhunter, I'm sure this will not effect nuisance game removal, other than you might now have to report it, when out of season. Currently there are no restrictions on either red fox or raccoon. Continuous with no limits, they are treated the same. I've never had problems with fox but them masked bandits have wreaked havok with my birds and garden.

And while we're on this, doesn't the "new" ending date of the season seem irrelivant? How many folk are are still at it after Christmas time? (give or take a couple weeks)

[Sarge]

Hey PT, you have mail.