Trapping License
New Mexico Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in New Mexico — resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. New Mexico offers trapping for bobcat, coyote, fox, badger, beaver, and ringtail across diverse habitats from desert to montane forest. Bobcat trapping is commercially significant. A trapper education course is required before obtaining a license.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$17.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$130.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
—
See agency for youth rates
License Details
New Mexico Trapping License Requirements
New Mexico requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $17.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $130.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes — separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Yes |
| 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 | Significant restrictions on public land. Foothold traps require offset/padded specifications on public land. Some national monuments and wilderness areas restrict or prohibit trapping. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in New Mexico
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in New Mexico with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
New Mexico Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
beaver: Nov 1 - Mar 31
bobcat: Dec 1 - Feb 28
coyote: Oct 15 - Mar 15
Bag Limits
bobcat: check current limits
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in New Mexico
Public land trapping in New Mexico is subject to significant restrictions. BLM and USFS land trapping requires adherence to both state and federal regulations. Some national monuments and wilderness areas restrict or prohibit trapping.
Important Notes
New Mexico-Specific Trapping Rules
New Mexico requires a trapper education course for all first-time trappers. The state is a major bobcat pelt-producing state due to its large desert and chaparral habitats. Coati is an unusual trapable furbearer unique to the southwestern US. The high desert mesas and Jemez Mountains offer diverse trapping opportunities.
Source: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (www.wildlife.state.nm.us).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.