Trapping
New York State is one of the nation's top producers of wild furs for the commercial fur trade. New York City remains a center for the production and marketing of fur garments.
Trapping provides important benefits to New Yorkers including: the control of nuisance damage, economic benefits to trappers and people involved in the fur industry, and recreation to trappers.
The 14 species of furbearing animals in New York are abundant and their populations are secure. DEC regulates trapping seasons to ensure the continued security of New York's furbearer populations.
Trappers must complete a mandatory trapper education course to obtain a trapping license.
There are between 5,000-10,000 trappers in New York, depending on the year and fur market conditions.
DEC has made several changes to trapping regulations and seasons for 2009-10. To view details and maps of the revised regulations and seasons, click the links to the left.
More about Trapping:
- Highlights of Changes for the 2009-10 Trapping Seasons - DEC has made several changes to trapping regulations and seasons for 2009-10. Please review this information before you go afield.
- Trapping Seasons - General trapping season information. Most of these seasons are based on geographical units called Wildlife Management Units.
- Trapping Regulations - A summary of the rules and regulations regarding trapping in New York State
- Tips to Avoid Non-target Catch of Otter - NYS DEC Trapping Tips. Tips to Avoid Non-target Catch of Otter
- Trapper Mentoring Program - This page describes the Trapper Mentoring Program.
