IDNR Report
Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened a public comment period for proposed changes to the state’s river otter trapping rules before its members vote on their final adoption. If adopted, the changes would take effect this November, in time for river otter trapping season.
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 April 11. A public hearing will also be held on April 11 between 4 and 8 p.m. ET in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Fort Harrison State Park Inn at 5830 North Post Road in Indianapolis; you can attend in person or online anytime during that timeframe. To attend online, starting at 4 p.m. on April 11, go to Microsoft Teams and enter Meeting ID 225 955 437 243 and Passcode xGYyKo.
Sign up for updates online at wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulation-changes.
Indiana DNR is proposing to open regulated otter trapping statewide but keep all other otter trapping regulations like statewide quota, bag limits, reporting, and tagging the same. Indiana DNR values river otters and recognizes their value to the state’s citizens.
“We take the responsibility of balancing differing views regarding wildlife seriously and are thoughtful about making small, incremental changes to river otter rules,” says Indiana DNR’s furbearer and turkey program leader, Geriann Albers. “Indiana DNR is confident the changes will not negatively impact river otter populations, which staff will continue to monitor.
“The changes will allow people to handle emerging human-wildlife conflicts regarding river otters in counties that have not been open to river otter trapping in the past and simplify otter regulations.”
For more information on the proposed rule changes, visit wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulation-changes.
Questions about the proposed river otter rule changes should be directed to Geriann Albers at 812-822-3304 or galbers@dnr.IN.gov.