Trapping License
Vermont Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Vermont — resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Vermont requires a trapping license and a trapper education course. Excellent populations of beaver, mink, otter, fisher, marten, bobcat, coyote, and raccoon make Vermont one of the premier trapping states in the Northeast.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
Pelt Reporting Required
Bobcat Permit Required
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$28.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$97.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
—
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Vermont Trapping License Requirements
Vermont requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $28.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $97.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes — separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Yes |
| Trap Check Requirement | Every 24 hours |
| Trap Tagging Required | Yes — name & address required |
| Pelt Reporting Required | Yes |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Yes — separate permit |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Foothold traps may not exceed 5.75" jaw spread. Body-gripping traps over 7"x7" must be set in water or 6 feet above ground. No trapping within 100 feet of a public road or 200 feet of an occupied dwelling. |
| Water Set Minimum Depth | 5 |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Vermont
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Vermont with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Permit Note:
Bobcat trapping requires a separate permit. These species are also regulated under CITES — an export permit is required for commercial sale of pelts internationally.
Season & Limits
Vermont Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Oct 25 - Dec 31
otter: Nov 1 - Mar 15
beaver: Nov 1 - Apr 30
fisher: Nov 1 - Feb 28
marten: Nov 1 - Jan 31
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
bobcat: quota applies
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Vermont
Trapping allowed on Vermont state wildlife management areas and state forests. Green Mountain National Forest allows trapping under USFS regulations.
Important Notes
Vermont-Specific Trapping Rules
Vermont requires a trapper education course for first-time trappers. The Northeast Kingdom region offers excellent fisher, marten, and bobcat trapping. Bobcat permit required and issued on a quota basis. Vermont's Green Mountain and Taconic ranges support healthy furbearer populations. Pelt sealing required for certain species.
Source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (vtfishandwildlife.com).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.