Over the past few months I have noticed that many of the small saplings around my pond have all but disappeared, next I noticed the cattails being systematically chewed at the base and floating. Yesterday I was fishing and in the middle of the pond saw commotion and it was an otter wrestling a giant LMB at the surface. I assume the bass lost. Today I found a large dying CNBG that had a 3" diameter bite out of the tail. I have read a few strings about otter control, but now I am concerned. We saw a small otter across the road a few years ago, but apparently they are establishing themselves in this part of East Texas and decided my pond looked good.

i have battled them in the past at my old pond. it is hard to get rid of them. i think the vegetation being chewed on is from beavers and not otters, but definitely the bass attack was otter.

good luck, sorry to hear you are having this problem. it is one of my biggest fears here at the new pond.

It's interesting that otters are once again becoming a problem. There was a time when otters were numerous in some parts of the country, and they were hunted and trapped both to limit the damage they did and for some people to make a few bucks off their pelts. Then people who never had to deal with otters decided they should be protected and their hunting and trapping was banned. Otters began to increase in numbers and to appear in areas where they had once been eliminated, but the expansion wasn't fast enough to suit the people who didn't have to deal with them, and they were reintroduced, or perhaps in some cases introduced, in areas where their numbers were deemed insufficient. Now, they are once again becoming a problem, and in some States trapping is once again allowed. I'm not sure about hunting. So, what's new? People in government managing what they don't have a stake in. Not as serious as the introduction or reintroduction of other predators, but problems that those affected may be wondering why they have to deal with them. If you have a problem, you may want to check with your State to see what you can do about them legally.

Take a look at: http://www.otter-world.com/otter-hunting/

The population in Indiana is high enough now (I believe in the southern half of the state) that a trapping season is being opened for them.

esshup,

You are correct. 2015-2016 was the first regulated trapping season for Indiana. A grand total of 600 could be harvested.

I just checked, and the limit was 2 per person with a total maximum take of 600 this year. Season closes March 15th or when 600 are taken. Season is now closed, so it looks like they reached their management goal of 600 for this year.

Shoot it ASAP. To remove for sale or take the hide you must have a CITE tag, but legal to shoot and feed the buzzards. I had one wipe out a ponds fish in one winter.

Any suggestion on timing to hunt them? Im at the pond a lot, but don't ever see them on the surface. Early AM? Nightfall?

Highflyer taught me on how to set traps for otters, it's nice to have someone to teach us newbies on otter trapping here in E Texas.

Tracy

Trapping is much more productive than hunting/shooting. Traps work when you are not there.

Are there other restrictions in TX? Can they be shot any time, any place? Can they be hunted with dogs?

Tracy,
I agree...esshup and Kelly Duffie helped me trap a beaver I had a couple of months
back. I was headed down an ineffective path and those guys got me headed in the right direction. Great amount of experience here on the forum.

I just read that nuisance otters can be disposed of, but only sold for pelts, etc if you have a license to do such. I think I'll search for a few traps. I have since found bits and pieces of flesh and fins that appear to be from LMB. These things have got to go!

Cap,
It was suggested to me to go with a Conibear "body grip" trap in the 330 size. I started out with leg hold traps and ended up just pulling the toes off of the beaver before finally catching her weeks later. Be sure and get the setting tool if you order this particular type of trap. It will make your world easier. Good luck.

Conibear 330's are the right tool.

Get the BIG setting tool.

Thanks gents! On my way to the trapping store!