Furbearer Hunting and Trapping

Furbearer header image

Regulated hunting and trapping play important roles in conservation and management of furbearers. Trapping in Vermont is strictly regulated by the department, ensuring Vermont’s wildlife populations will be conserved for future generations of Vermonters.

New for 2024:

License Requirements

To purchase a trapping license you must have either:

A previous or current trapping license from any state or Canadian province.
A certificate showing satisfactory completion of a trapper education course, in any state or Canadian province.
A signed affidavit attesting to having a prior trapping license.
It is mandatory for trappers to fill out and return an Annual Trapper's Report for each year they possess a trapping license.

Get a Trapper License

Find a Trapper Education Course

Furbearer Hunting Seasons

Bobcat	Jan. 10 – Feb. 7
Red & Gray Fox	Oct. 28, 2023 – Feb. 11, 2024 & Oct. 26, 2024 – Feb. 9, 2025
Raccoon	Oct. 12 – Dec. 31
Muskrat	March 20 – April 19
Coyote - Hunting with Dogs	December 15 - March 31 Permit required
Opossum, Coyote (no dogs), Skunk, Weasel	No Closed Season
Beaver, Otter, Mink, Fisher, Marten, Lynx, Wolf, Eastern Mountain Lion	No Open Season

Furbearer Trapping Seasons

Mink, Skunk, Red & Gray Fox, Raccoon, Coyote, Opossum, Weasel	Oct. 26 – Dec. 31
Otter, Muskrat, Beaver	Oct. 28, 2023 – March 31, 2024 & Oct. 26, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Fisher	Dec. 1 – 31
Bobcat	Dec. 1 – 16
Marten, Lynx, Wolf, Eastern Mountain Lion	No Open Season

Bobcat or Lynx - Know the Difference

Best Management Practices

Best Management Practices (BPMs) are intended to inform people about traps and trapping systems considered to be state of the art in animal welfare and efficiency. By using BMP guidelines, trappers will continue to play an important role in furbearer management programs.

Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies –Best Management Practices (PDFs)

Buying and Selling Furs

Anyone dealing in pelts must have a valid Fur Buyer’s License, available from the department’s main office in Montpelier. The licenses are valid for a year, beginning on July 1 and ending June 30 the following year.

Resident Fur Buyer Application Form – Word Format / PDF Format
Non-resident Fur Buyer Application Form - Word Format / PDF Format

Licensed fur buyers are required to keep records of the purchase and sale of furs and skins of fur-bearing animals and deer. The records must be submitted to the department no later than July 30 following end of license year. A booklet will be mailed when the permit is issued.