Trapping License
Alabama Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Alabama - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Alabama requires a trapping license for all regulated furbearers. The state has moderate furbearer populations with beaver, otter, raccoon, and mink being the primary target species. The Black Belt region and Mobile-Tensaw Delta offer the best trapping.
36-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$9.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$105.00
Annual license
Trap Check
36h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Alabama Trapping License Requirements
Alabama requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $9.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $105.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes - separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Not required |
| Trap Check Requirement | Every 36 hours |
| Trap Tagging Required | Not required |
| Pelt Reporting Required | Not required |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Not required |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Coyote Trapping | Year-round allowed |
| Trap Type Restrictions | No specific statewide jaw spread restrictions. Standard foothold and body-gripping traps allowed. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Alabama
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Alabama with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Alabama Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Dec 1 - Feb 28
otter: Dec 1 - Mar 31
beaver: Dec 1 - Mar 31
bobcat: Dec 1 - Feb 28
Bag Limits
otter: varies by zone
bobcat: check current limits
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Alabama
Trapping allowed on Alabama WMAs during designated trapping seasons. Some WMAs require additional permits. National Forest lands allow trapping under USFS regulations.
Important Notes
Alabama-Specific Trapping Rules
Alabama has modest furbearer populations compared to northern states. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta offers excellent beaver and otter habitat. Coyote may be trapped year-round as a predator. Nonresident fee is notably high at $105.
Source: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (www.outdooralabama.com).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.