Trapping License
Ohio Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Ohio - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Ohio requires a trapping license separate from hunting licenses. The state has productive populations of beaver, mink, muskrat, raccoon, and fox. Otter populations have recovered from near-zero since the 1970s and are now actively managed.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$15.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$85.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Ohio Trapping License Requirements
Ohio requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $15.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $85.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes - separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Not required |
| Trap Check Requirement | Every 24 hours |
| Trap Tagging Required | Not required |
| Pelt Reporting Required | Not required |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Not required |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Foothold traps may not exceed 6.5" jaw spread in land sets. Conibear-type traps over 5" must be fully submerged in water. No trapping within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling without permission. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Ohio
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Ohio with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Ohio Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 10 - Jan 31
otter: Nov 10 - Jan 31
beaver: Nov 10 - Mar 31
muskrat: Nov 10 - Feb 28
Bag Limits
otter: check current zone limits
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Ohio
Trapping allowed on Ohio state wildlife areas during designated seasons. Some state parks prohibit trapping. Wayne National Forest lands allow trapping under applicable USFS regulations.
Important Notes
Ohio-Specific Trapping Rules
The Killbuck Creek watershed and Lake Erie marshes are top Ohio trapping destinations. Ohio has an active fur buyer and dealer network. Coyote and red fox are common upland targets. Ohio otter populations have recovered strongly from near-extirpation and are now managed under a limited harvest.
Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife (ohiodnr.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.