CA State proposal boosts trapping and hunting - More red foxes, bobcats

[Kadie]

State proposal boosts trapping and hunting
More red foxes, bobcats could be killed under rules

Jane Kay, Chronicle Environment Writer
Saturday, June 26, 2004

The state Department of Fish and Game has proposed new rules that would legalize the hunting and trapping of red foxes and nearly double the number of trapping days for bobcats, whose pelt prices have jumped to $186 apiece.

The rules also would exempt thousands of backyard wildlife trappers from the licensing provisions of a law passed two years ago to regulate their burgeoning businesses.

The state agency presented draft regulations to the Fish and Game Commission in Crescent City on Thursday. The commission will vote on the proposals on Aug. 27 after public hearings that are expected to bring out animal protection advocates, hunters, backyard wildlife trappers and commercial fur trappers spurred by rising bobcat, beaver and badger pelt prices.

In March, the California Trappers' Association in Elk Creek asked Fish and Game for a four-month hunting season, allowing an unlimited kill of red fox. Dogs, bows and arrows, traps and guns could be used. The group also requested the extension of the bobcat trapping season to 120 days.

more... http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/06/26/BAG087C4701.DTL