Trapping License
Maine Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Maine - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Maine is one of the premier trapping states in the northeastern U.S., offering outstanding opportunities for bobcat, lynx, marten, fisher, otter, beaver, and coyote. All traps must be tagged and checked daily. Bobcat is actively managed.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
Pelt Reporting Required
Bobcat Permit Required
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$26.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$114.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
$8.00
Youth/junior rate
License Details
Maine Trapping License Requirements
Maine requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $26.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $114.00 |
| Junior/Youth Fee | $8.00 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Yes - separate permit |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Padded or offset-jaw foothold traps required in some zones. Conibear traps over 7.5" jaw spread restricted to fully submerged water sets or 6 feet above ground in trees. Specific restrictions near roads and buildings. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Maine
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Maine with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Permit Note:
Bobcat trapping requires a separate permit. These species are also regulated under CITES - an export permit is required for commercial sale of pelts internationally.
Season & Limits
Maine Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
otter: Nov 2 - Dec 31
beaver: Oct 30 - Apr 30
bobcat: Dec 1 - Dec 31
marten: Oct 30 - Jan 31
Bag Limits
lynx: federally protected — no harvest
otter: varies by zone
bobcat: quota by zone
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Maine
Trapping is permitted on Maine public lands, state wildlife management areas, and most USFS lands in Maine. Baxter State Park is closed to trapping. Private timberlands (which make up the majority of Maine's remote north) are generally accessible for licensed trappers.
Important Notes
Maine-Specific Trapping Rules
Maine has one of the most active bobcat trapping programs in the northeast — a bobcat harvest permit is required and issued on a zone-based quota. Canada lynx is federally threatened in Maine — incidental capture must be reported immediately to MDIFW. Pelt reporting is required for all fur sales.
Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (www.maine.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.