Unlocking Your Trapping License in Montana: What You Need to Know

If you’ve spent your winter dreaming of tracks in the mud and the perfect pelt, mark your calendar. Starting April 15, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is officially opening the floodgates for trapping licenses. Whether you’re a local legend or a visitor looking to test the Big Sky backcountry, it’s time to get your paperwork in order.

Don’t assume your standard hunting permit has you covered—trapping is its own beast. Here’s the breakdown on how to stay on the right side of the law.

The “Fine Print” Essentials

Think of a trapping license as a VIP pass that isn’t included in your general admission hunting bundle.

• Standalone Status: Your base hunting license does not include trapping. You’ll need to head to an FWP office, a License Ambassador, or the official website to gear up.
• The Bobcat Clause: These are the only furbearers you can actually “hunt” (with a gun). If you’ve already secured a trapping license, you’re golden. If you’re only hunting them, you just need the specific bobcat hunting license.
• The “Freebie” Permit: If you’re after “the usual suspects”—coyotes, skunks, or raccoons—you’ll need an additional (but free) supplemental permit. Check page 14 of the regs to see where this applies.

Resident Requirements

Montana doesn’t just hand these out to anyone with a pair of boots. To snag a resident license, you must be at least 12 years old and prove you know your stuff by:

1. Completing a Montana trapper education course (includes online work, a field day, and a test).
2. OR proving you’ve held a trapping license for at least three previous years.

Note for the youngsters: Kids aged 6 to 11 can skip the class but are restricted to the “junior varsity” circuit—muskrats and mink only.

Crossing State Lines (Nonresident Rules)

For the out-of-staters, Montana plays a game of “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.” To trap furbearers, you’ll need a notarized affidavit proving your home state offers reciprocity—essentially confirming that a Montanan could head to your neck of the woods and trap the same critters.

If you’re only after predators and nongame (like weasels or badgers), the process is simpler: just grab the nonresident trapping license and you’re set.

Quick Links & Resources

Bottom line? Get your ducks (or minks) in a row before the season starts. Happy trapping.

^{Source information: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks}