Washington Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in Washington — resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. Washington Initiative 713 (2000) banned most leghold traps and body-gripping traps. Trapping in Washington is primarily for nuisance species and wildlife damage control under special permits. Commercial and recreational furbearer trapping is severely restricted.
Washington Trapping License Requirements
Washington requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $31.90 |
| Nonresident Fee | $135.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes — separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Not required |
| Trap Check Requirement | Every 24 hours |
| Trap Tagging Required | Yes — name & address required |
| Pelt Reporting Required | Not required |
| Bobcat Permit Required | Not required |
| Otter Permit Required | Not required |
| Trap Type Restrictions | Initiative 713 (2000): leghold traps, body-gripping traps, and snares are banned except for cage traps, box traps, and limited exceptions for wildlife damage control operators holding special permits. |
Trappable Species in Washington
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in Washington with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.