The trapping auction for the 2007/2008 season was held on November 7 at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.  Ten trappers attended the auction.  Two dikes units and four marsh units were available for sale. 

Marsh units had not been sold since the 1999/2000 season due to low muskrat numbers.  A recent muskrat survey revealed high numbers of muskrats in a few areas of the Main Pool, as well as the I-9 impoundment, therefore Refuge staff decided to allow trapping in those areas. 

The marsh units sold as follows:  trapping unit T-2 sold for $120.00, unit 15/16 $120.00, unit 4 $25.00, and unit 5 $25.00.  Marsh trapping opened December 1.  Both the dike units - the northwest dike and the northeast dike - sold for $45.00 each.  Upland trapping permits were available to any interested trapper at no charge. 

The season for upland trapping began October 27.  By the time of the auction, six trappers had obtained upland permits.  Only muskrat, mink, raccoon, weasel, fox, coyote, opossum, and skunk are allowed for trapping.  All trapping on the Refuge will end on March 15, 2008.