Trapping License
Kansas Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Kansas - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Kansas offers trapping for coyote, bobcat, beaver, mink, muskrat, raccoon, badger, and fox across prairie and riparian habitats. The state has good furbearer densities, particularly for prairie and grassland species.
36-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$7.50
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$53.50
Annual license
Trap Check
36h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Kansas Trapping License Requirements
Kansas requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $7.50 |
| Nonresident Fee | $53.50 |
| 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 jaw spread restrictions. Standard foothold and body-gripping traps allowed. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Kansas
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Kansas with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Kansas Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 15 - Feb 15
otter: Nov 15 - Feb 15
beaver: Nov 15 - Mar 31
bobcat: Dec 1 - Feb 28
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
bobcat: check current limits
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Kansas
Trapping allowed on Kansas state wildlife areas during designated seasons. Coyotes may be trapped year-round on private land.
Important Notes
Kansas-Specific Trapping Rules
Kansas has one of the lower resident trapping fees in the country. The Kansas and Arkansas River corridors and Flint Hills region offer diverse trapping opportunities. Badger is a distinctive Great Plains species commonly trapped in Kansas. Coyote trapping is popular in the western wheat belt region.
Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (ksoutdoors.com).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.