Trapping License
Tennessee Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Tennessee - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Tennessee requires a trapping license separate from hunting licenses. The state has productive beaver, otter, mink, muskrat, raccoon, and bobcat populations across its river systems and mountain regions.
36-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$16.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$80.00
Annual license
Trap Check
36h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Tennessee Trapping License Requirements
Tennessee requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $16.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $80.00 |
| 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 specific jaw spread restrictions statewide. Standard foothold and body-gripping traps allowed. No trapping within 200 feet of a public road without permission. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Tennessee
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Tennessee with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Tennessee Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 26 - Feb 28
otter: Dec 1 - Feb 28
beaver: Nov 26 - Mar 31
bobcat: Nov 26 - Feb 28
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
bobcat: check current limits
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Tennessee
Trapping allowed on Tennessee WMAs during designated seasons. Cherokee and other national forests allow trapping under USFS regulations.
Important Notes
Tennessee-Specific Trapping Rules
Tennessee's extensive river system including the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Hiwassee Rivers support excellent otter and mink populations. The Reelfoot Lake area in West Tennessee is a productive trapping destination. Coyote may be trapped year-round as an unprotected predator.
Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (www.tn.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.