PA Trappers, please see the message below from the PGC:

We would like to collect carcasses from fishers and bobcats that will be harvested during the 2020-2021 trapping and hunting seasons. We are reaching out to you about potentially collecting carcasses because you were previously successful (for either species) and have a valid tag this season. We realize that you may be unsuccessful this year or that you may have existing plans for the carcass.

If you are interested in donating the carcass from your potential harvest it will provide invaluable data that will help us to manage these species more efficiently. If you are not interested in donating the carcass then do not feel obligated to answer this communication. Otherwise, upon a successful harvest please contact our furbearer specialist Aaron Facka at afacka@pa.gov. You may also contact him directly via phone (717-710-8911 if this more convenient). We hope to collect 10 total carcasses from each WMU and if we have reached our goal we may simply instruct you to dispose of the carcass.

Our study requires full carcasses with intact organs, skull, teeth, and reproductive organs. It does not require skins or fur so any carcass may be skinned prior to collection. If you are able to freeze these parts immediately after contacting us, we will make arrangements to get the carcass from you as soon as possible. Thank you for your help and consideration and good luck in the upcoming season. Please contact me directly if you have additional questions; do not contact other PGC offices.