Crayfish!

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Crayfish!

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Hammer Man

Joined: 15 Nov 2008
Posts: 57
Location: Rutland

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 08 6:41 pm Post subject: Crayfish!

Got a phone call from the EA today, they have approved my application for a licence to catch crayfish. They will not allow me to use traps as I had requested in the application because there are otters in the area - fair enough I thought. However, they are comprimising by issuing a licence covering the use of drop nets in the location. Only trouble is its a bit too cold at the moment but at least I will be licenced and ready at the end of spring!

cab

Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 08 6:49 pm Post subject:
No chance of crayfish in winter, then?

sean
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42207
Location: North Devon

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 08 6:51 pm Post subject:
Don't they sort of hibernate?

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 08 6:59 pm Post subject: Re: Crayfish!

Hammer Man wrote:

They will not allow me to use traps as I had requested in the application because there are otters in the area - fair enough I thought.

I thought the EA approved traps were otter proof which was why you shouldn't use other traps that may trap and drown the otters. Does this mean even the EA approved otter traps can kill otters then?

Hammer Man

Joined: 15 Nov 2008
Posts: 57
Location: Rutland

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 08 7:28 pm Post subject:

I could get lucky and bag a few during winter but they do hide away in the banks when the water temperature drops below 10 degrees.

As for the otter proof traps - I was a bit suprised by the phone call. There are various traps that are otter proof, and for those that aren't you can fit otter guards. So I was expecting to be able to use an atter proof trap. It would seem that the EA bloke in charge of this area has a personal concern and does not want to allow traps in his area of responsibility despite them being 'otter proof'. I think had it been someone elses decision then I may have got the trapping licence. I am going to try to get to know the guy as I get in to it and provide him with catch information - then I will gently press the subject of otter proof traps and see if I can persuade him!

I hope that all makes sense like it does in my head as I typed it?

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 08 8:13 pm Post subject:

Hammer Man wrote:

It would seem that the EA bloke in charge of this area has a personal concern and does not want to allow traps in his area of responsibility despite them being 'otter proof'.

Ah, thanks, that does make sense, Do you have to kill the crayfish where you catch them or can you take them home alive?

Good luck with the fishing.

Hammer Man

Joined: 15 Nov 2008
Posts: 57
Location: Rutland

Posted: Wed Nov 19, 08 8:30 pm Post subject:
That all depends on DEFRA. On the phone they have said I can take them home and keep them alive for 48 hours however I need to ask in writing and have the permission in writing before I go ahead and do it. So all in all its been a very straight forward process. I have been out trapping before with a friend who has a licence and must say its great fun and they are very yummy! haha!

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