Trapping License
Georgia Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Georgia - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Georgia requires a trapping license for all regulated furbearers. Beaver, otter, bobcat, coyote, raccoon, mink, and muskrat are the primary targets. Georgia has a strong trapping tradition in its river bottoms and piedmont areas.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$5.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$45.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Georgia Trapping License Requirements
Georgia requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $5.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $45.00 |
| 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 |
| Coyote Trapping | Year-round allowed |
| Trap Type Restrictions | No specific jaw spread restrictions. All traps must be marked with trapper's name and address. No trapping within 50 yards of a public road. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Georgia
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Georgia with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Georgia Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Dec 1 - Feb 28
otter: Dec 1 - Mar 1
beaver: Dec 1 - 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 Georgia
Trapping allowed on Georgia WMAs during designated seasons. National Forest lands allow trapping under USFS rules.
Important Notes
Georgia-Specific Trapping Rules
Georgia has one of the lowest resident trapping license fees in the country at $5. The Altamaha, Savannah, and Oconee river systems support excellent beaver, otter, and mink populations. Georgia is a significant bobcat pelt-producing state.
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (georgiawildlife.com).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.