Trapping License
Virginia Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Virginia - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Virginia requires a trapping license for all regulated furbearers. Bobcat and otter are specially regulated species. Traps must be checked every 36 hours and must be marked with the trapper's identification.
36-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$22.50
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$72.50
Annual license
Trap Check
36h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
Virginia Trapping License Requirements
Virginia requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $22.50 |
| Nonresident Fee | $72.50 |
| 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 | Yes - separate permit |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Foothold traps may not exceed 7.5" jaw spread statewide. Body-gripping traps over 6.5"x6.5" must be in water or 6 feet above ground. Padded foothold traps recommended. No trapping within 200 feet of occupied dwellings. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in Virginia
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Virginia with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Permit Note:
Otter 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
Virginia Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 1 - Feb 28
otter: Dec 2 - Mar 15
beaver: Dec 2 - Mar 15
bobcat: Dec 2 - Feb 28
Bag Limits
otter: quota permit
bobcat: check current quota
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in Virginia
Trapping allowed on Virginia wildlife management areas and state forests. National forests allow trapping subject to USFS regulations. Shenandoah National Park and other national parks are closed. Some WMAs have specific trap exclusion zones near roads and parking areas.
Important Notes
Virginia-Specific Trapping Rules
Virginia otter trapping requires a separate otter permit issued on a quota basis. Bobcat is regulated and harvest reporting is required. Virginia's Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain regions offer excellent mink, otter, and beaver trapping. The Tidewater region provides good raccoon and muskrat trapping.
Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (dwr.virginia.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.