The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is informing trappers that the Fish and Game Council voted on February 8 to extend the beaver and river otter trapping season from February 9 to February 23. The action was taken at the request of the New Jersey Trappers Association, the New Jersey Fur Harvesters and other sportsmen. The season extension is authorized under sections 5.9 and 5.10 of the NJ Game Code.

Periodic snowfalls experienced since Christmas have prevented many trappers from gaining access to trapping sites and safe parking areas along roadways. Maintaining a sufficient level of harvest for beaver reduces the negative impacts such as roadway flooding often associated with this species.

The registration date for presenting beaver and otter pelts for examination, originally scheduled for February 19, has been re-scheduled due to the season extensions. All beaver and river otter pelts must be presented for examination between 9:00 AM and 12:00 Noon on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at one of the six statewide check-in stations (Assunpink, Clinton, Flatbrook, Tuckahoe and Winslow Wildlife Management Areas and the Newfoundland Fire Company).

Successful trappers unable to present their pelts on March 5 in person and are unable to find a substitute to present them should contact either Joseph Garris at 908-735-7040 or Andrew Burnett at 609-273-3439 to schedule alternate arrangements.