Trapping License
Kentucky Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Kentucky — resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Kentucky requires a trapping license for all regulated furbearers. The state has good beaver, mink, muskrat, otter, raccoon, and bobcat populations across its river systems and forested areas. Otter populations have recovered strongly.
24-Hour Trap Check
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$15.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$75.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
—
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Kentucky Trapping License Requirements
Kentucky requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $15.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $75.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | No — bundled or not 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 statewide jaw spread restrictions. Standard foothold and body-gripping traps allowed. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Kentucky
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Kentucky with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Kentucky Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 14 - Feb 28
otter: Nov 14 - Feb 15
beaver: Nov 14 - Mar 31
bobcat: Nov 14 - Feb 28
Bag Limits
otter: check current zone limits
bobcat: check current bag limit
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Kentucky
Trapping allowed on Kentucky WMAs and portions of Daniel Boone National Forest under applicable regulations. Some WMAs have seasonal or area restrictions.
Important Notes
Kentucky-Specific Trapping Rules
Kentucky has strong otter and beaver populations across the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, and Green River systems. Bobcat populations have expanded significantly in recent decades and are actively managed. The state's large WMA system provides good public land trapping access.
Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (fw.ky.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.