Trempealeau NWR to Hold Sealed Bidding for Trapping Units

This year the trapping auction at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge will be run a little differently than it has in past years. In the interest and safety of trappers and staff we will not be holding a public gathering to auction the units so we’ll be setting up a bidding process by mail to award the units to interested trappers. 

Trappers will indicate the unit number and highest amount they would like to bid on that unit and mail to the Refuge in a sealed envelope by September 29, 2020. The lowest bid amount for each unit will still be $40. We will then hold a virtual meeting where the sealed envelopes will be opened and the highest bid will be awarded. If identical bids are submitted, bidders will be contacted to submit a counter bid. 

Muskrat units are also available for both Youth (18 years of age and younger) and Senior Citizen (65 years of age and older), free of charge. Youth units are Muskrat Unit 13 and 14 and the senior unit is Muskrat Unit 1. For the youth and senior units we will have interested trappers send in their info, similar to the other units. Any interested names for each unit will be put into a hat and drawn over the virtual meeting as well. 

A bidding package with a map and other materials will be posted on the website https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Trempealeau/visit/permits.html or available for pickup outside of the Refuge office in a bin. The bin is available Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm and is located in front of the main office door. There are multiple applications so please find the one labeled Trapping.

Included will also be a permit that you can pre-sign and return with the application (please note this doesn’t mean you are getting a permit, it just saves a step in the mailing process.) You may mail the application/permit to the Refuge or drop it in the drop box. Address: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Refuge Road, Trempealeau, WI 54661. The drop box is a mail slot on the three-stall garage at the maintenance shop. There is a sign indicating it is the area to drop off applications. Please stay tuned for details on the virtual meeting, which will be held on September 30, 2020. 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service(TTY users may reach Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge through the Wisconsin State Relay Service at 1-800-947-3529). To write, send a note requesting “Trapping Program” information to: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, W28488 Refuge Road, Trempealeau, Wisconsin 54661.

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1936, lies within the Mississippi River flyway. This 6,226-acre Refuge contains rolling prairies, rich wetlands and bottomland forests, which support a variety of wildlife species. It is an isolated backwater, providing needed resting and feeding areas for waterfowl and other birds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.