Trapping in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) recognizes that furbearers are significant from an ecological, biological, cultural and economic standpoint. Trapping is a time-honored tradition going through a resurgence in Wisconsin partially due to serious education programs for trappers, biologists, and the public.

The WDNR supports regulated trapping as a legitimate outdoor activity which is:

• necessary in modern-day, furbearer management. Regulations are and strictly enforced by Wisconsin Conservation wardens.
• valued and important as wildlife increases annually. Humane restraint is essential as we manage endangered and threatened species, reintroduced native fauna, and abundant furbearer populations.
• critical in the reduction of wildlife damage to crops and property and can help to reduce or relocate nuisance animals.
• helps reduce the spread of certain wildlife diseases, such as mange, canine distemper, and rabies.

Wisconsin Trapping Information

• Wisconsin Cooperative Trapper Education Program
• Trapper Education Course Listing and Correspondence Course Information
• Trapping Publications and Reference Documents

Trapping Season Information

• Trapping Regulations
• Season Dates
• How Furbearer Species Season Dates Are Determined [PDF 15KB]
• 2009-2010 Fur Tagging Dates [PDF 43KB]
• Bobcat Results and Information
• Otter Results and Information
• Fisher Results and Information
• Future Furbearer Season Dates [PDF 18KB]

Avoidance Techniques - How to Reduce Incidental Take

• Help Protect the American Marten [PDF 2.7MB]
• Marten Avoidance Techniques [PDF 6MB]
• How to Avoid the Incidental Take of Lynx [PDF 149KB]
• River Otter Avoidance Techniques [PDF 92KB]

Related Links

• Wisconsin Trappers Association (WTA) [Exit DNR]
• National Trappers Association [Exit DNR]
• AFWA Furbearer Management [Exit DNR]
• The Wildlife Society [Exit DNR]

Questions for Wildlife Management