Trapping License
New Hampshire Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in New Hampshire - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. New Hampshire requires a trapping license with strong furbearer populations including beaver, mink, otter, fisher, marten, bobcat, and coyote. The North Country region offers excellent trapping opportunities.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
Pelt Reporting Required
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$15.50
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$103.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
New Hampshire Trapping License Requirements
New Hampshire requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $15.50 |
| Nonresident Fee | $103.00 |
| 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 | Not required |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Foothold traps may not exceed 5.75" jaw spread for land sets. Body-gripping traps larger than 7"x7" must be fully submerged. No trapping within 150 feet of a maintained trail or road. |
| Water Set Minimum Depth | 5 |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in New Hampshire
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in New Hampshire with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
New Hampshire Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Oct 25 - Dec 31
otter: Nov 1 - Mar 15
beaver: Nov 1 - Apr 30
fisher: Nov 1 - Dec 31
marten: Nov 1 - Dec 31
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
bobcat: quota applies
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in New Hampshire
Trapping allowed on New Hampshire wildlife management areas and most state forests. White Mountain National Forest allows trapping under USFS regulations. Some state parks prohibit trapping.
Important Notes
New Hampshire-Specific Trapping Rules
New Hampshire has excellent populations of fisher and marten in the North Country region. Pelt sealing required for bobcat. Canada lynx are present in northern NH — incidental capture must be reported to NH Fish and Game. The state's many rivers and wetlands support excellent beaver and otter populations.
Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (www.wildlife.nh.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.