North Carolina Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in North Carolina - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. North Carolina requires a trapping license separate from hunting licenses. The state has productive beaver, otter, mink, muskrat, bobcat, and raccoon populations. Otter populations have recovered strongly along the state's river systems since historic lows.
North Carolina Trapping License Requirements
North Carolina requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $15.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $50.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes - separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Not required |
| Trap Check Requirement | Every 36 hours |
| Trap Tagging Required | Not required |
| Pelt Reporting Required | Not required |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Not required |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Coyote Trapping | Year-round allowed |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Foothold traps may not exceed 7.5" jaw spread. Body-gripping traps over 6"x6" limited to water sets at least 6" deep. No trapping within 50 yards of a public road without permission. |
| Water Set Minimum Depth | 6 |
Trappable Species in North Carolina
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in North Carolina with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.