SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Trapping season starts Nov. 3, and authorities are reminding West Virginia hunters about the rules.

Trappers who take beaver, bobcat, fisher and otter must present the whole animal or pelt to a game checking station or Division of Natural Resources representative within 30 days of the season's end.

Tags must remain attached until it has been sold, tanned or mounted.

Information on the tags helps state officials monitor the kill and determine future management practices for the various fur-bearing species. Decisions about season length, dates and bag limits depend on having accurate data.

State law no longer requires bobcat hunters and trappers to field-tag their animals before moving them, but they must present the animal for checking unskinned.