Trapping has a time honored heritage in Montana. From the time of Lewis and Clark, trappers have harvested furbearers such as beaver, bobcat, and marten to experience nature and to provide pelts for mounts, clothing, decorations, and sale. Fur trapping is biologically sustainable and is an important part of Montana's cultural history and outdoor lifestyle.

FWP is responsible for the conservation of furbearers and for regulating the responsible use of this public resource. FWP and its citizen commission continually refine furbearer trapping regulations to ensure selectivity and ethical harvest. Fur trapping is a heavily regulated activity that provides FWP with information on furbearers, and provides many benefits to people and wildlife.

Wildlife Management and Regulated Trapping

• Wildlife Management and Regulated Trapping in Montana ( 359 KB)
• Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA)
• The Wildlife Society - Final Position Statement. ( 44 KB)

Management

• Habitat Conservation: Principles of Wildlife Management in Montana
• Trapping and Furbearer Management in North American Wildlife Conservation ( 1.4 MB)
• Furbearer Trapping & Harvest Reports
• Winter Ecology of American Marten in Southwestern Montana ( 1.5 MB)
• Furbearer Program - Statewide Harvest & Management Report 2008-2009 ( 3 MB)

Regulations & Quotas

Use this handy trapping guide to find all of the important trapping information in one place:

Identification & Education

• Wolf Trapping Certification Classes
• Identification
• Education