Trapping License
New Jersey Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in New Jersey — resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. New Jersey requires a trapping license with significant trap size and placement restrictions. Despite its density and urbanization, NJ has productive beaver, muskrat, mink, otter, and raccoon populations in rural areas.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$27.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$77.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
—
See agency for youth rates
License Details
New Jersey Trapping License Requirements
New Jersey requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $27.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $77.00 |
| 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 | Not required |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Not required |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Foothold traps may not exceed 5.75" jaw spread. Body-gripping traps over 5"x5" must be fully submerged. No trapping within 150 feet of a public road, trail, or occupied dwelling. Leg snares prohibited. |
| Water Set Minimum Depth | 6 |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in New Jersey
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in New Jersey with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
New Jersey Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 1 - Mar 15
otter: Nov 1 - Mar 15
beaver: Nov 1 - Apr 1
muskrat: Nov 1 - Apr 1
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in New Jersey
Trapping allowed on New Jersey wildlife management areas and state forests during designated seasons. Many municipal and county parks prohibit trapping.
Important Notes
New Jersey-Specific Trapping Rules
New Jersey's Pine Barrens and northern mountain regions provide the best trapping opportunities. Productive wetland habitats support beaver, otter, and mink despite the state's population density. Beaver populations are robust and sometimes require management trapping. Coastal marshes support muskrat populations.
Source: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (www.nj.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.