Trapping License
Arkansas Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Arkansas - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Arkansas offers good trapping for beaver, raccoon, otter, mink, and bobcat across its river bottoms and Ozark highlands. The White, Arkansas, Red, and Mississippi River corridors support productive furbearer habitats.
36-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$15.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$50.00
Annual license
Trap Check
36h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Arkansas Trapping License Requirements
Arkansas requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $15.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $50.00 |
| 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 Arkansas
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Arkansas with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Arkansas Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 15 - Feb 28
otter: Dec 1 - Feb 28
beaver: Nov 15 - Mar 31
bobcat: Dec 1 - Feb 28
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
bobcat: no statewide limit
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Arkansas
Trapping allowed on Arkansas Game and Fish WMAs during designated seasons. Corps of Engineers lands require special permit. National Forest lands allow trapping under applicable USFS regulations.
Important Notes
Arkansas-Specific Trapping Rules
Arkansas river bottoms provide excellent beaver, otter, and mink trapping. Nutria are present and trapping is unrestricted as an invasive species. Bobcat harvest has no statewide bag limit.
Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (www.agfc.com).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.