Trapper Safety Education Requirement
All first-time trappers must pass a trapper education course before they can get a trapping license in New York. Visit the Hunter Education Program page for more information and to find a trapper education course near you.
Purchase Your Trapping License
Types and Fees
License Issuing Agents (LIAs) have the option to charge a $1 print fee for all printed transactions carried out in DECALS to help cover the cost of supplies. Transactions made online or over the phone are subject to a $2 printing/mailing fee if those items are printed and mailed. These additional fees can be avoided by choosing to have your item emailed to you so you can print it at home.
Annual Trapping License (View residency qualifications)
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual valid from September 1 through August 31 each year | $20 (ages 16-69) $5 (ages 70+) $5 (ages 12-15) | $275 (16+) $5 (ages 12-15) |
Free/Reduced Fee & Lifetime Licenses
- Free/Reduced Fee Licenses: You may qualify for a free/reduced fee annual trapping license if you are:
(For information on required documents and qualifications click the links below. In most instances, you must be a New York resident): - Lifetime Licenses: Trap for life with a lifetime license! Available to residents only.
Who Needs a Trapping License
You need a trapping license if you are:
- 12 years and older and setting traps to take wild game species.
- Setting traps to take the following species damaging property: beaver, otter, fisher and marten. Visit the
Remove or "Take" Nuisance Animals Legally page for more details.
You do not need a trapping license if you are:
- A resident landowner primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when trapping on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
- A Native American living and trapping game on reservation land.
General License Information
Other Helpful Links/Resources
- Trapping Seasons
- Trapping Regulations
- Access Permits: Some state and municipal lands require a special access permit for fishing, hunting and trapping. Details on how to get the permit can be found in the links below:
