Trapping License
New York Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in New York — resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. New York requires a trapping license separate from a hunting license. All traps must be tagged with the trapper's identification. The state operates a comprehensive furbearer management program with regulated seasons for most species.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$22.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$70.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
$5.00
Youth/junior rate
License Details
New York Trapping License Requirements
New York requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $22.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $70.00 |
| Junior/Youth Fee | $5.00 |
| 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. Conibear traps over 7" x 7" must be fully submerged in water. Dog-proof traps allowed for raccoon. Snares restricted to specific applications. |
| Water Set Minimum Depth | 6 |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in New York
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in New York with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
New York Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Oct 25 - Nov 30
otter: Nov 1 - Mar 15
beaver: Nov 1 - Apr 1
bobcat: Oct 25 - Dec 31 (some zones)
Bag Limits
otter: varies by zone
bobcat: varies by zone
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in New York
Trapping is permitted on New York State Forest Preserve and wildlife management areas, but certain portions of the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves have restrictions. Check DEC area-specific regulations before setting traps.
Important Notes
New York-Specific Trapping Rules
Some NY trap check rules allow 48 hours under specific weather and remote area conditions — check current DEC regulations. Bobcat trapping is regulated by zone and quota. New York's northern tier (Adirondacks) offers excellent marten, fisher, and otter trapping.
Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (www.dec.ny.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.