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Hunt Species Guide: Furbearers (Trapping)

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Regulations & Maps

Regulations

Regulations for upcoming seasons are posted online throughout the year. Furbearer & Trapping regulations are typically posted mid August.

All downloads below are in PDF format.

 

Mandatory Animal Pelt Tagging & Harvest Reporting

Hunters and trappers must call in their harvest of bobcat, otter, swift fox, fisher, and marten within 24 hours. Bobcat, otter, fisher, marten, and swift fox are required to be inspected and pelt-tagged within 10 days of the calendar close of the season at an FWP office.

  • Harvest Reporting Line: 1-877-FWP-WILD (1-877-397-9453)

  • Reminder: The capture of any animal that cannot be lawfully trapped, including domestic animals, must be reported to FWP within 24 hours.

 

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Seasons

These dates are provided only as a general reference. Check current regulations or use FWP's online Hunt Planner for specific dates.

 

2023 Beaver Season Dates

Western & Southwestern Regions1, 2 & 3

November 1 – April 15

Central & Eastern Regions 4, 5, 6 & 7

September 1 – May 31

 

2023 Bobcat Season Dates

Western & Southwestern Regions 1, 2 & 3

December 1 – February 15

Central & Eastern Regions 4, 5, 6 & 7

December 1 – March 1

Reminder: Bobcat season may close earlier when the quota is reached.

 

2023 Fisher Season Dates

Regions 1 & 2

December 1 – February 15

Reminder: Fisher season may close earlier when the quota is reached

 

2023 Marten Season Dates

Regions 1 - 5

December 1 – February 15

 

2023 Otter, Mink, Muskrat Season Dates

Statewide

November 1 – April 15

Reminder: Otter season may close earlier when the quota is reached

 

2023 Swift Fox Season Dates

Region 6

November 1 – January 15

Reminder: Swift Fox season may close earlier when the quota is reached

 

2023 Wolverine Season Dates

Regions 1 - 5

Closed

Reminder: The Wolverine trapping season will remain closed for the foreseeable future

Licenses & Fees

General Trapper

Details: Available only to resident Conservation License holders 12 years of age or older. Must be purchased by November 30 each year to be valid for bobcat.

Fees:

  • Resident: $20

  • Nonresident: N/A

 

Landowner Trapper

Details: Available to landowner or member of their immediate family. Trapping restricted to lands owned or leased by the applicant. Must be purchased by November 30 each year to be valid for bobcat.

Fees:

  • Resident: $1

  • Nonresident: N/A

 

Nonresident Trapper

Details: Available only to nonresident conservation license holders 12 years of age or older, whose state of residence has nonresident trapper licenses available to Montana trappers. Valid for predatory animals, wolves, and nongame wildlife. Valid for bobcat and other furbearers based on state by state reciprocity.

Fees:

  • Resident: N/A

  • Nonresident: $250

 

Youth Trapper

Details: Available only to resident conservation license holders 6 through 11 years of age. Valid for mink and muskrat only.

Fees:

  • Resident: $0

  • Nonresident: N/A

 

Bobcat Hunting License Resident 

Details: Available to resident conservation license holders 12 years of age or older. License must be purchased by Nov 30, 2023.

  • Resident: $20

 

Special Recreational Use License for Trapping

Details: Prior to trapping on state trust land, all persons 12 years old and older must first apply for and be issued a “Special Recreational Use License for Trapping” (SRULT) from DNRC.

Application & Drawing Deadlines

General Trapper

Availability 

This license is available Over the Counter.

Deadline

February 28

 

Landowner Trapper

Availability 

This license is available at any FWP Office.

Deadline

February 28

 

Nonresident Trapper

Availability 

This license is available at any FWP Office.

Deadline

February 28

 

Bobcat Hunting License Resident

Availability 

This license is available at any FWP Office.

Deadline

November 30, 2023

 

Youth Trapper

Availability 

This license is available at any FWP Office.

Harvest Quota Status & Reports

Hunters and trappers must call in their harvest of bobcat, otter, swift fox, fisher, and marten within 24 hours. Bobcat, otter, fisher, marten, and swift fox are required to be inspected and pelt-tagged within 10 days of the calendar close of the season at an FWP office. 

  • Harvest Reporting Line: 1-877-FWP-WILD (1-877-397-9453).

 

Harvest Quota

In trapping districts with quotas, the season will close with 48 hours notice upon reaching or approaching the trapping district quota, or on the season closure date, whichever occurs first. 

Check current harvest info by calling 1-800-711-8727 or view online:

 

Harvest Reports

To view annual harvest reports and more information, click here.

Helpful Information

Management & Monitoring

Fur trapping is highly regulated, biologically sustainable, and an important part of Montana's cultural history and outdoor lifestyle. 

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