Furbearer refers to mammals that traditionally have been hunted and trapped primarily for fur.
Furbearing animals include:
Furbearers that are legally harvested for human use are always common and abundant. Use the links below for more information on hunting and trapping furbearers.
Furbearer Hunting & Trapping
Here you’ll find license information, season dates, regulations and more.
The Role of Regulated Trapping and the Management of Furbearers in Vermont
Learn about the benefits of trapping and its importance in furbearer research and management.
Monitoring Vermont Furbearers
A Q & A exploring the pros and cons of different options for effectively monitoring furbearers as part of the department’s mission to protect our state’s biodiversity.
VT Residents’ Attitudes Toward Furbearer Management
The department contracted with a leading natural resource survey firm to conduct a survey of Vermont residents’ knowledge and opinions of the department and our furbearer conservation efforts.
Act No. 159. An act relating to best management practices (BPMs) for trapping
Learn more about this act that requires the Fish & Wildlife Department to work with the Legislature and the Fish and Wildlife Board to establish best management practices that modernize trapping and improve the welfare of wildlife taken with the use of traps.
Trapper Annual Activity Report
Use this form to report your trapping activities. Reports must be submitted whether or not any trapping was done or any furs were taken.
Trapper Education & Workshops
First-time trappers must successfully complete a trapper education program covering skills, regulations, and trapping's role in scientific wildlife management. Trapper education programs teach basic techniques with a strong focus on the responsible treatment of animals, legal methods, safety, selectivity, and ethical trapper behavior.
Newsletters & Other Publications
Check out our annual newsletter featuring season results, furbearer factsheets and other publications on trapping.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Control
Are you interested in helping with human-wildlife conflicts? Use our online form to be added to our list of individuals offering nuisance control services.
Furbearer Species Information
Learn more about Vermont’s furbearers.