Ohio permits the trapping of minks.
The state of Ohio contains many animals suitable for trapping. However, the trapper must follow all state regulations and rules when placing and using traps on wildlife. In Ohio, trappers are permitted to trap foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, weasels, minks, muskrats, beavers and river otters during the appropriate seasons. It is the responsibility of the trapper to follow all regulations.
First-Time Trappers
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife states that "all first-time trappers and hunters, except apprentice license buyers, must successfully complete an education course offered through the Division of Wildlife before purchasing a hunting license or Fur Taker Permit to trap furbearers." A valid hunting license and fur-taker permit are required for all trapping.
River Otter Regulations
According to the Ohio River Otter Trapping Regulations, river otter trapping is divided in to three zones in Ohio. Zone A, which is the western half of Ohio, does not allow river otter trapping. Zone B, which is central Ohio, allows one otter to be bagged per year. Zone C, the eastern half of the state, allows three otters to be bagged. A total of three otters are permitted in the entire state. Trappers are to release any live otters trapped purposely or accidentally once the season bag limit has been reached. ODNR states that dead otters in excess of the season limit are to be reported immediately.
Within 72 hours of the kill, river otter pelts must be brought in to a designated location for tagging. Designated locations include check stations and Division of Wildlife district offices.
Other Animal Regulations
According to the ODNR, "except for river otters, there are no restrictions on bag limits." Trappers are required to check all traps and snares every 24 hours to remove animals. Furbearers must be killed immediately. Coyotes may be trapped without a fur taker permit, but a valid hunting license is still required.
Trap Rules
The ODNR states that "foothold traps set on land must be covered. Foothold traps set on land shall not have an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 5-5/8 inches. Body gripping traps set on land, or in a tile, den, or burrow on land shall not have an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 5 inches in diameter. Body gripping traps with an inside diameter jaw spread greater than 7 inches in diameter must be completely submerged in water." Only cage traps are permitted within 150 feet of an occupied residence without advising the resident. No traps with teeth can be used. Deadfall traps are illegal in Ohio.
Additional Trap Rules
Traps and snares must have a waterproof tag bearing the name and mailing address of the owner in legible English. Traps may not be used on any trail that is used frequently by domestic animals or humans. Snares must have a "relaxing lock and a stop to prevent the opening of the snare from closing to a diameter of less than 2-1/2 inches in diameter or a relaxing lock system with a breaking point of not greater than 350 pounds," according to the ODNR.
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