Trapping Licenses
Trapper Education Course
Required for persons who have never possessed a trapping license. The trapping course is at least 8 hours in length, and is free.
You can visit the Sportsman Education Program page to find a trapper education course in your area, or contact the DEC regional office nearest you.
Residency
To qualify for a resident license a person must live in New York State for more than thirty days immediately prior to date of application. Land ownership in New York is not proof of residence. Residency is that place where a person maintains a fixed, permanent and principal home (regardless wherever temporarily located), such as where a person is registered to vote in elections for public office other than school board. If under 18, the residence of parents or legal guardian shall be deemed such person's residence.
Active members of the US Armed Forces stationed in NY and full-time college students in residence in the state during the school year (proof required) qualify for annual resident licenses.
Minimum Trapping Age
There is no minimum trapping age for residents, but all new trappers must be able to pass the trapper education course before they can receive a trapping license. Nonresidents must be 16 years old to purchase a trapping license.
License Privileges and Fees
| Type | Qualifications | Privileges | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Resident Trapper |
New York Resident AND Hunter & Trapper Ed. Certificates OR Previous Hunting and Trapping Licenses |
All the privileges that apply to fishing, small game, big game, muzzleloading and trapping licenses and a turkey permit. | 16-69 | $88 |
| Resident Trapping | New York Resident AND Trapper Ed. Certificate OR Previous trapping license |
Set traps for species during their appropriate season (view trapping seasons) | 16-69 | $21 |
| Resident Discounted Trapping |
Same as Trapping |
Same as Trapping | 70+ | $5 |
| 40% Military Disabled1 | $0 | |||
| Resident Junior Trapping |
New York Resident AND Trapper Ed. Certificate OR Previous trapping license |
Same as Trapping Note: trappers 12 years or younger must be accompanied by parent, legal guardian, or a person 18 years or older designated in writing on the Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper Permission Form (PDF, 24 KB). Accompanying adult must have a current trapper license and at least 3 years of trapping experience. |
Under 16 | $6 (must apply in person accompanied by parent or legal guardian) |
| Non-Resident Trapping |
Same as Trapping | Same as Trapping | 16+ | $310 |
NOTE:
- 40% or greater service-related military disability documented annually by a letter from Veteran's Administration, unless your VA letter states "Permanent'
OR qualify for free license under the Patriot Plan
License Year
Licenses and permits are good from October 1 through September 30.
License Responsibilities
- A license is not transferrable and can be used only by the person to whom issued.
- A license to trap does not give the holder any right to go on private property without permission of the landowner.
- It is illegal to refuse to show your license on demand to a law enforcement officer or the owner, lessee or person in control of the lands (or their designees) while on their property.
Trapping License Exceptions
All residents who trap must carry a valid trapping license, except:
- Resident owners primarily engaged in farming, lessees and members of their immediate families do not need a trapping license when trapping on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
- Resident Native Americans do not need a trapping license while trapping on reservation lands.
A trapping license is required to trap beaver, otter, fisher and marten. There are no exceptions.
Free Licenses
Free trapping licenses are available to:
- Members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes and members of the Six Nations residing on reservations in the state. They must be obtained from tribal councils or licensing issuing agents annually.
- Persons 40% or more military disabled who have a previous trapping license and have purchased a Military Disabled License.
- Free Trapping licenses are also available to NYS residents who have the appropriate Sportsman Education and are active service members of the military. For more information see our Patriot Plan page
Lost Licenses
Lost licenses may be replaced at any licensing issuing agent.
