Trapping License
Texas Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Texas - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Texas has no statewide trap check requirement, though local rules may apply. Coyotes and most predators may be trapped year-round as unprotected non-game animals. Regulated furbearers require a trapping license during designated seasons.
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$23.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$133.00
Annual license
Trap Check
No rule
No statewide check requirement
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Texas Trapping License Requirements
Texas requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $23.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $133.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes - separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Not required |
| Trap Check Requirement | No statewide requirement |
| Trap Tagging Required | Yes - name & address 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 statewide jaw spread restrictions. Live traps, foothold traps, and body-gripping traps all legal. Some municipalities have local ordinances restricting trap types. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Texas
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Texas with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
Texas Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 1 - Feb 28
otter: Nov 1 - Feb 28
beaver: Nov 1 - Feb 28
coyote: Year-round
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Texas
Trapping is allowed on Texas state wildlife management areas during designated trapping seasons. Private land access is essential for most Texas trapping — the vast majority of productive trapping habitat is on private ranch land. Landowner permission is required and commonly available.
Important Notes
Texas-Specific Trapping Rules
Texas has no mandatory trap check requirement, though all traps must be checked at least every 36 hours under federal humane trapping guidelines if the trapper participates in state furbearer management programs. Coyotes, nutria, and other non-game animals may be trapped year-round. Texas is one of the top bobcat pelt-producing states in the U.S.
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.