Trapping in NH

New Hampshire's furbearer populations are healthy, diverse and abundant. Trappers, who are some of the best naturalists in the state, represent important partners in New Hampshire’s furbearer management efforts.

New Hampshire trappers provide many valuable benefits to the state's citizenry. Trapper harvest, under the guidance of carefully regulated trapping programs, helps maintain furbearer populations at desired biological and social levels. Data that trappers provide in annual trapper reports are essential for furbearer population management decision-making. Finally, the expertise that trappers provide to state, municipal and private interests in resolving wildlife/human conflicts represents an invaluable public service.

Forms

• Permit to Trap For use by landowners to grant permission to trap on their land
• Annual Trappers Reporting Form (required on or before April 30 each year, whether or not trapping activity occurred or furs were taken).
• Fur Dealer Record Book (must be carried on the person to whom issued at all times when buying the skins of furbearing animals and deer skins).

Education & Rules

Trapping License Requirements: Previous New Hampshire trapping license issued in the last three years; or trapper education card. Online trapper education courses will not be accepted.

• Purchase your trapping license by one of two ways:
  • In-person at NH Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord (get directions); or
  • Download the print-and-mail application

• Trapper Education: Before they can get a trapping license, all first-time trappers must become certified by successfully completing a trapper education class.
• Current NH Trapping Regulations are included in the New Hampshire Hunting and Trapping Digest
• Download How to Avoid the Incidental Taking of Lynx and Wolves Recommendations to Trappers, from the NH Fish and Game Department.
• More maps of Wildlife Management Units
• Map: Furbearer Management Regions
• Fisher bag limit: The season for taking fisher by trapping is December 1-31, with a statewide bag limit of 5 fisher per trapper, with no more than 3 from the combined area of WMUs C1, D2, E, F, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, and K. Fisher sealing is required within 10 days of the close of the fisher season.
• Furbearer harvest: Information on New Hampshire's furbearer harvest is summarized in the annual NH Wildlife Harvest Summary.