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Trapping Season Information

 

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Trapping Season Information

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General Information

Furbearers in New Jersey

Modern, regulated trapping is used to manage habitat, monitor and control animal populations, protect and reintroduce endangered species, protect public and private property and conduct research. It is a technique for sustainable, consumptive use of the wildlife resource. In New Jersey there are trapping seasons for beaver, otter, mink, muskrat, eastern coyote, fox, opossum, raccoon, skunk and weasel.

In New Jersey, a Trapper Education course must be passed and a trapping license obtained to trap in the state. To use a cable-restraint a person must first pass a New Jersey Fish and Wildlife-approved trapper education course which includes use of snares and carry on their person appropriate documentation thereof. A person must be at least 12 years of age. When offered, course announcements will be posted on this page (usually in Late March/April and September/October).

All traps set or used must bear a legible tag of durable material with the name and address or Conservation Identification Number (CID#) of the person setting, using and maintaining the traps. Trappers previously assigned a New Jersey Fish and Wildlife-issued trap identification number may continue to use their assigned number in lieu of name and address or CID to mark each trap. However, please note that New Jersey Fish and Wildlife has ceased this practice and will no longer be issuing trap identification numbers.

All traps must be checked and tended at least once every 24 hours, preferably in the morning. When trapping beaver or otter, the trap tag must be clearly visible above the level of water or ice. Any person (including a farmer) who traps a coyote must notify a New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement office within 24 hours. Licensed trappers at least 18 years of age and in possession of a valid rifle permit may carry a .22 caliber rifle, and use only .22 caliber short rimfire cartridges to kill legally trapped animals

A lottery is held for the awarding of beaver and otter permits. The application period is October 1-31 each year; unclaimed and leftover permits are then sold over-the-counter at license agents and online.

For more information please consult the appropriate section(s) of the Hunting & Trapping Digest.

Printable 2024-25 Trapping Regulations & Information

2024-25 BEAVER/RIVER OTTER PERMITTEE HARVEST INFORMATION/DATA FORMS

Newsletters

The Upland Game and Furbearer Project began publication of the NJ Furbearer Management Newsletter with the Fall 2011 issue. Newsletters are published periodically and contain information about the state’s furbearing species, management, research and other items of interest to the trapping community.

Surveys and Harvest Data

Additional Links

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Copyright © State of New Jersey, 1996-2025
Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-777-3373
Last Update: December 16th, 2024