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The Official Website of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

 
Outdoor Recreation

Trapping Information

ATTENTION TRAPPERS: 2012 Sporting Licenses Go All Electronic

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is announcing that all licenses and permits will be computer generated by either a home computer, participating license vendor, or from a DFW office. This means the elimination of handwritten licenses. The new system will also offer an option to check your 2012 game harvest online instead of at a traditional check station.

Licenses, stamps, and permits for the 2012 calendar year will be available for purchase in early December as will hard copies of the 2012 Guides to Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping. More information on the new system.

Mandatory Trapper Education

All first-time trappers must successfully complete the free trapper's education class of the Hunter Education Program, (978) 772-0693, before they may obtain a trap registration number or trap on the land of another. Trapping is allowed for person ages 12 and older.

Trapping Logs for Trappers

Each year, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife requests trappers assistance by providing information on trapping activities for the regulated trapping seasons. Massachusetts' trappers have been very generous sharing their activities during past harvest seasons. Contribute to the management of our furbearers in Massachusetts by completing a furbearer survey sent to all trappers. The survey not only allows the Division to obtain a better understanding of trapper effort on specific species, but also makes it possible to compare the results of our survey with that of other northeastern states. This helps biologists identify trends in furbearer populations and trapper effort both within Massachusetts and the entire northeast region.

To aid in providing better information for the survey, a trap log (below) has been designed and posted for trappers to download and fill out as they trap during the season. This information will assist in filling out the survey at the end of the trapping season.

Blank Trap Log -- Download this page and fill it out using the instructions provided.

Trap Log Example -- See this example on how to fill out the trap log.

Questions? Please contact Laura Hajduk, Furbearer Biologist at (508) 389-6322.

Raccoon Bobcat Reminder:

In 2010, the statewide quota on the bobcat season was removed and the sealing (checking) requirements have changed. This means there is no season limit on bobcat and that whether trapped or hunted, bobcats must be checked and sealed within 4 working days of the end of the season--the same as for all other furbearers.

Annual Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Guide - Contains information on seasons, laws, directories and other articles of interest to sportsmen and women.

Hunting, Fishing & Trapping Info - This links you to more information on hunting, trapping, and fishing in Massachusetts.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) For Trapping -- (External Link) BMPs are a method for improving trapping activities that are based on research and allow for practical application in the complex situations often encountered in the field. BMPs have been used successfully in conservation activities such as water quality programs and in forest management. The program aims to evaluate animal welfare, identify efficient tools and techniques, and develop recommendations for state fish and wildlife agencies to consider as an element of their wildlife management programs.