The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has officially announced the closure of the otter trapping season in Region 1, effective at midnight on Saturday, April 4. This regulatory action is taken in accordance with state management protocols to ensure the long-term sustainability of the species. Trappers operating within the Kalispell and greater Northwest Montana area are advised to conclude their activities and remove all equipment prior to the Saturday night deadline.
This closure is a direct result of the region approaching its established harvest quota. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) utilizes these seasonal adjustments to maintain a healthy ecological balance and fulfill conservation mandates. For real-time updates on harvest numbers or to review specific regulatory details, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the FWP Species Hunting Guide to monitor current quota status.