Trapping Regulations

What's new in 2012

• To allow hunters and trappers more opportunities to sell their furs, the Resident Fur Handlers Permit was rescinded on July 1, 2011. Now, people with a valid permit to hunt or trap may possess, transport and sell furs throughout the year.

General Provisions

• The homes, nests or dens of furbearers must not be molested or destroyed.
• No person shall accept payment for furbearers taken by another.
• Wildlife held in traps, snares or cable restraint devices may be killed or removed only by the user.
• Bobcats and otters or their pelts must be delivered to an agent of the Conservation Department for registration or tagging before selling, transferring, tanning or mounting by April 10. Tagged bobcats, otters or their pelts may be possessed by the taker throughout the year and may be sold only to licensed taxidermists, tanners or fur dealers. It is illegal to purchase or sell untagged bobcats, otters or their pelts. Tagging tip: To make it easier to tag a pelt without damaging it, put a pencil or stick through the upper lip and eye socket before freezing the skin. The tag can be easily placed in those holes when the pelt is registered.
• Restrictions on possession do not apply to tanned pelts, mounted specimens or manufactured products.
• Skinned carcasses of legally taken furbearers may be sold throughout the year.

Special Use Permit Required to Trap on Conservation Areas

Trapping with dog-proof style and other traps is allowed on many conservation areas. A Special Use Permit is required, and these must be applied for at least 30 days before trapping begins. Contact the area manager at the regional office to see what opportunities are available in your area.

Cable Restraint Regulations

When used correctly, cable restraint devices hold animals alive and allow trappers to release non-target animals unharmed. New! The devices can be used to take furbearers from November 15, 2011, through January 31, 2012, by trappers who have successfully completed a cable restraint training course, validated by a certified instructor. For information on the training course, contact a regional office.

Conibear Trap and Snare Requirements

Find out what requirements need to be meet to use conibear-type traps and snares.

General Trap Requirements

Find out the physical requirements for traps and how to properly set and label them.