Trapping License
West Virginia Trapping
License 2026
Complete guide to trapping licenses in West Virginia - resident and nonresident fees, trap check hours, regulated species, pelt reporting requirements, and bobcat or otter permit rules. West Virginia requires a trapping license separate from hunting licenses. The state has productive populations of beaver, mink, muskrat, otter, raccoon, bobcat, and marten. The Allegheny Highlands offer excellent high-country trapping.
24-Hour Trap Check
Separate From Hunting License
2026 Trapping License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$10.00
Annual license
Nonresident Fee
$65.00
Annual license
Trap Check
24h
Max hours between checks
Junior Fee
-
See agency for youth rates
License Details
West Virginia Trapping License Requirements
West Virginia requires a valid trapping license to trap furbearing animals. Review all requirements before setting traps.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Resident Fee | $10.00 |
| Nonresident Fee | $65.00 |
| Separate From Hunting License | Yes - separate purchase required |
| Trapper Education Required | Not required |
| Trap Check Requirement | Every 24 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 | Foothold traps may not exceed 7.5" jaw spread. Body-gripping traps over 6.5"x6.5" limited to water sets or elevated tree sets. No trapping within 200 feet of a dwelling, campsite, or public road. |
Regulated Species
Trappable Species in West Virginia
The following furbearing species may be legally trapped in West Virginia with the appropriate license and during open seasons. Some species may require additional permits.
Season & Limits
West Virginia Trapping Season Dates & Bag Limits
Season Dates
mink: Nov 1 - Feb 28
otter: Nov 1 - Feb 15
beaver: Nov 1 - Mar 31
bobcat: Nov 1 - Feb 28
marten: Nov 1 - Feb 28 (NE WV only)
Bag Limits
otter: check current limits
bobcat: check current limits
marten: limited to specific zones
Public Land Trapping
Trapping on Public Land in West Virginia
Trapping allowed on West Virginia WMAs and state forests. Monongahela National Forest allows trapping under USFS regulations. Some state parks have restrictions.
Important Notes
West Virginia-Specific Trapping Rules
West Virginia is one of the few eastern states where American marten is a legal trapping species (restricted to the high-elevation Potomac Highlands in northeastern WV). Otter populations have recovered strongly. The Greenbrier and Elk River watersheds are top trapping destinations. Coyote may be trapped year-round as an unprotected predator.
Source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (wvdnr.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees, seasons, and permit requirements directly with the agency before trapping.