Trapping License
Colorado Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Colorado - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Colorado offers trapping for beaver, coyote, fox, muskrat, bobcat, and mink. Trapping on public land requires a trapping license. Species diversity is highest in the mountain west and piedmont zones.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$35.96
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$116.25
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Colorado Trapping License Requirements
Colorado requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $35.96 |
| Nonresident Fee | $116.25 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes - separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Not required |
| Trap Check Requirement | Every 24 hours |
| Trap Tagging Required | Not required |
| Pelt Reporting Required | Not required |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Not required |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Significant restrictions on trap types and sizes on public land. Foothold traps may not exceed 9" jaw spread. Conibear traps over 6" x 6" restricted on public land. Numerous additional restrictions apply — read current regulations carefully. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Colorado
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Colorado with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Colorado Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 1 - Feb 28
beaver: Nov 1 - Apr 30
bobcat: Dec 1 - Jan 31
coyote: Nov 1 - Mar 31
Bag Limits
bobcat: check current quota
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Colorado
Colorado has substantial restrictions on trapping methods and locations on public land. Colorado Parks and Wildlife land has specific trap size and placement rules. BLM and USFS land trapping is governed by both state and federal rules. Trapping near developed recreation sites is restricted.
Important Notes
Colorado-Specific Trapping Rules
Colorado voters passed Proposition 14 in 1996 restricting leghold traps on most public land — however subsequent legislation has modified these restrictions. Current regulations are more nuanced than the original proposition. Read CPW's current trapping regulation booklet carefully before setting traps on public land. Private land trapping has fewer restrictions.
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (cpw.state.co.us).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.