Oct 16, 2024
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds trappers to prepare for the opening of many furbearer trapping seasons across the state. Wisconsin is home to many furbearer species, and the state’s highly regulated trapping seasons play an important role in the DNR’s efforts to manage those populations sustainably.
The first fall trapping seasons open on Oct. 19, 2024. Additional seasons for other species and zones will continue to open throughout the fall. Before heading out, trappers are encouraged to double-check season dates and trapping regulations and ensure they have all required licenses.
Other outdoor recreators should be aware that traps may be present on public lands during these periods. To minimize the chance of encountering a trap, recreators should stay on designated trails and keep pets leashed.
Modern trapping practices are based on thoroughly evaluating commercially available traps and common trapping methods, commonly known as Best Management Practices. These evaluations include comprehensive animal welfare, selectivity, practicality, and safety metrics.
All first-time trappers must complete an approved trapper education course unless trapping is under the youth-supervised option, mentored trapping program, or other exemptions. These courses, taught by experienced trappers, cover basic trapping skills, regulations, safety, and trapper ethics.
For those just starting out, the DNR offers programs for beginners, such as the Women’s Trap Camp and the Youth Trap Camp, enabling new trappers to learn in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
As a reminder, trapping seasons in a particular zone may close before the listed closing date if the harvest quota for a specific species is reached.
Trappers can visit the DNR’s Trapping webpage for zone status updates and more information about trapping in Wisconsin.
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