Trapping License
North Dakota Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in North Dakota - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. North Dakota offers excellent trapping for coyotes, beaver, muskrat, and fox across prairie and river corridor habitats. Coyote may be trapped year-round without a license, but all other furbearers require a trapping license.
36-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$8.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$40.00
Annual license
Trap Check
36h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
$8.00
Youth/junior rate
License Details
North Dakota Trapping License Requirements
North Dakota requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $8.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $40.00 |
| Junior/Youth Fee | $8.00 |
| 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 | No major trap size restrictions for most prairie habitats. Standard foothold and conibear traps allowed. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in North Dakota
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in North Dakota with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
North Dakota Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Oct 26 - Jan 15
beaver: Oct 26 - Apr 30
coyote: Year-round
Bag Limits
fox: No statewide limit
coyote: No limit
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in North Dakota
Trapping allowed on North Dakota Game and Fish WMAs, federal waterfowl production areas, and BLM lands. Contact individual area managers for specific restrictions. School trust lands may be leased for trapping.
Important Notes
North Dakota-Specific Trapping Rules
North Dakota has some of the lowest trapping license fees in the country. Coyote may be trapped year-round as an unprotected predator without a license. The Red River Valley and Missouri River corridors offer excellent beaver and muskrat trapping.
Source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department (gf.nd.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.