Trapping License

Idaho Trapping
License 2026

Complete guide to trapping licenses in Idaho - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Idaho offers diverse trapping opportunities for both furbearers and predators across extensive public lands. All traps must be tagged with the trapper's name and address. The 24-hour check rule applies to most trap types.

24-Hour Trap Check Separate From Hunting License

2026 Trapping License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$15.00

Annual license

Nonresident Fee

$61.75

Annual license

Trap Check

24h

Max hours between checks

Junior Fee

See agency for youth rates

License Details

Idaho Trapping License Requirements

Idaho requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.

Requirement	Details
Resident Fee	$15.00
Nonresident Fee	$61.75
Separate From Hunting License	Yes - separate purchase required
Trapper Education Required	Not required
Trap Check Requirement	Every 24 hours
Trap Tagging Required	Yes - name & address required
Pelt Reporting Required	Not required
Bobcat Permit Required	Not required
Otter Permit Required	Not required
Trap Type Restrictions	Foothold traps no larger than 9" jaw spread for most applications. Body-gripping traps restricted by size and location. No trapping within 300 feet of occupied dwellings without permission.

Regulated Species

Trappable Species in Idaho

The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Idaho with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.

beaver mink muskrat otter bobcat coyote fox marten fisher lynx wolverine badger weasel skunk

Season & Limits

Idaho Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits

Season Dates

otter: Nov 15 - Feb 28

bobcat: Nov 15 - Feb 28

marten: Nov 15 - Feb 28

Bag Limits

otter: quota applies

bobcat: varies by zone

Public Land Trapping

Trapping on Public Land in Idaho

Trapping is allowed on Idaho BLM, state lands, and most USFS lands. Wilderness areas require special permits. National parks are closed. Frank Church and Selway-Bitterroot wildernesses allow trapping with a special permit.

Important Notes

Idaho-Specific Trapping Rules

All traps must be tagged with trapper's name, address, and license number. Idaho has significant lynx habitat — incidental capture rules for Canada lynx apply under federal Endangered Species Act requirements. Bobcat and otter subject to quota harvest limits.

Source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game (idfg.idaho.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.

Idaho