Rules & Regulations

Disclaimer: We’re trappers, not attorneys. These summaries are for convenience only — do your own research, check your state’s official regulations, and don’t blame us if the game warden gives you the side-eye. Stay legal, stay ethical, and don’t be “that guy.”

Furbearer Trapping Regulations — State Quick Reference

Below is a standardized summary of key furbearer trapping regulations for states where Old South Lures traps or sells product. Regulations change frequently — always verify current laws, season dates, and tagging requirements with each state’s wildlife agency.

Arkansas (AGFC)

Authority & Overview

  • Regulations are set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) under the Furbearing Animal Regulations.
  • See current AGFC Code and Furbearer pages for full legal text and season structure.
  • Official info: AGFC Furbearers

Key Topics

  • Trap Restrictions & Seasons – Legal traps, sizes, and seasons vary by species (raccoon, bobcat, otter, etc.). Check the current AGFC regulations and annual guidebook for dates and approved devices.
  • Trap Checking Requirements – Traps must be checked regularly (typically at least once every 24 hours) and animals removed promptly, with specific timeframes depending on trap type and method.
  • Trap Identification – All traps must be tagged or otherwise marked with an approved identifier (such as name and address, AGFC ID, driver’s license number, or vehicle plate, as allowed by AGFC).
  • Unlawful Possession of Pelts – Possession of untanned pelts of species without an open season, or taken unlawfully, is prohibited. Exceptions may exist for legally taken out-of-state furbearers when properly documented.
  • Bobcat & Otter Pelt Tagging – Bobcat and river otter pelts require CITES or state tags when possessed outside of open seasons, transported, or sold. Check current tagging and sealing rules.
  • Fur Purchasing & Selling – Buying or reselling raw pelts generally requires appropriate Fur Dealer licensing and adherence to reporting timelines.
  • Dealer & Nonresident Reporting – Fur dealers and some nonresident trappers must maintain records and submit reports as required by AGFC regulations.

Missouri (MDC)

Authority & Overview

Key Topics

  • Trap Restrictions & Seasons – Season dates and legal trap types/sizes are defined in MDC regulations. Traps may only be set within established seasons and must be removed by the end of the season.
  • Trap Checking Requirements – Live-holding devices must be checked at least daily and animals removed or released; some killing/colony traps may have longer allowed intervals (for example, up to 48 hours) as set by MDC.
  • Trap Identification – Traps must carry a durable label with the trapper’s full name and address, or conservation number, as allowed by MDC.
  • Unlawful Possession of Pelts – Pelts must be legally taken during open seasons and, where required, properly tagged before sale or transport. Untagged bobcat or otter pelts may not be lawfully sold.
  • Bobcat & Otter Pelt Tagging – Bobcat and otter pelts must typically be checked and tagged by MDC staff before they can be sold, shipped, or mounted. There is often a reporting deadline after the close of season.
  • Fur Dealer & Trapper Reports – Licensed fur dealers must keep records and may have to report purchases of tagged pelts to MDC. Trappers should follow current reporting instructions in the annual regulations booklet.

Illinois (IDNR)

Authority & Overview

  • Regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
  • Most trappers need a valid trapping license, Habitat Stamp, and must comply with any required trapper education.
  • Official info: IDNR Furbearer Hunting & Trapping

Key Topics

  • Trap Restrictions & Seasons – Season dates are set annually and vary by species. The Illinois Hunting & Trapping Digest outlines approved devices, locations, and methods for species like raccoon, coyote, muskrat, mink, and others.
  • Trap Checking Requirements – Most traps must be checked at least once every day, and animals must be removed immediately. Certain trap types (e.g., saw-toothed or steel-jaw devices) are restricted or prohibited.
  • Trap Identification – Traps must be marked with the trapper’s name and address or IDNR customer number, as specified in IDNR rules.
  • Unlawful Possession of Pelts – Pelts must be taken during legal seasons and in compliance with all permit requirements. Special rules may apply to bobcats and other regulated furbearers.
  • Bobcat & Otter Pelt Tagging – Bobcat harvest requires a valid permit and pelt tagging (CITES tag) before the hide is sold, shipped, or mounted. Follow current IDNR instructions for check-in and tagging.
  • Fur Dealer & Trapper Reporting – Dealers and some trappers may have specific tagging, documentation, and record-keeping obligations when buying or selling raw fur.

Mississippi (MDWFP)

Authority & Overview

  • Regulations are managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).
  • Trapping license required for most trappers 16 and older; special provisions for youth and landowners may apply.
  • Official info: MDWFP Furbearing & Trapping Regulations

Key Topics

  • Trap Restrictions & Seasons – Mississippi generally runs a fall–winter furbearer trapping season (for example, November through mid-March) with no statewide bag limit on many species. Always check the current year’s season dates and any zone-specific rules.
  • Trap Checking Requirements – Traps must be visited regularly (often within a maximum window such as 36 hours) and animals removed; specific details are spelled out in MDWFP regulations.
  • Trap Identification – Each trap must bear a unique ID (such as the trapper’s license number or other required mark). Unmarked traps may be subject to confiscation.
  • Unlawful Possession of Pelts – Pelts carried outside the season or across state lines may require documentation identifying the trapper, date, and location of harvest.
  • Bobcat & Otter Pelt Tagging – CITES or state tagging requirements apply for certain species (such as bobcat and river otter), particularly for export out of the United States.
  • Fur Dealer & Reporting Requirements – Fur buyers and dealers must follow Mississippi rules for licensing, record keeping, and reporting purchases and shipments.

Montana (FWP)

Authority & Overview

Key Topics

  • Trap Restrictions & Seasons – Seasons and quotas are set by species (beaver, bobcat, marten, otter, fisher, swift fox, etc.) and often by trapping district. The FWP regulations specify legal trap types, set locations, and any area closures.
  • Trap Checking Requirements – Check intervals and methods are described in the FWP regulations and may depend on trap type and target species.
  • Trap Identification – Traps generally must be marked or registered under the trapper’s license or identification number, as outlined by FWP.
  • Unlawful Possession of Pelts – Possession of untagged pelts of quota or CITES-listed species outside legal seasons is prohibited. All possession must comply with harvest reporting and tagging rules.
  • Bobcat, Otter & Other Pelt Tagging – Certain furbearers (including bobcat, otter, fisher, swift fox, etc.) must be physically checked and tagged by FWP within a set time after the season ends (for example, within a specified number of days). See current booklet for exact deadlines.
  • Fur Dealer & Trapper Reporting – Trappers often must file harvest reports by a given deadline. Fur buyers and dealers may have separate licensing and record-keeping requirements.

Wyoming (WGFD)

Authority & Overview

Key Topics

  • Trap Restrictions & Seasons – Furbearer seasons and legal methods are laid out in the annual WGFD brochure, often with specific areas and dates for bobcat and other species.
  • Trap Checking Requirements – Trap tending and check intervals are described in WGFD regulations and must be followed precisely to remain in compliance.
  • Trap Identification – Traps must be permanently marked with the owner’s name and address or WGFD-issued identification number.
  • Unlawful Possession of Pelts – Possession of pelts taken out of season, without proper licenses, or without required tags is prohibited. Additional requirements may apply for export or sale.
  • Bobcat & Otter Pelt Tagging – Bobcat and certain other species are subject to mandatory check-in and tagging (or pelt sealing) by WGFD before sale or export.
  • Fur Dealer & Reporting Requirements – Fur dealers must hold appropriate permits and maintain records of transactions as set by state law.

Kansas (KDWP)

Authority & Overview

  • Regulated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).
  • Most trappers need a valid Furharvester License to trap and sell furbearer pelts.
  • Official info: Kansas Furbearer Regulations

Key Topics

  • Trap Restrictions & Seasons – Kansas sets specific seasons for furbearers (raccoon, coyote, opossum, bobcat, etc.) and defines legal devices, set types, and locations. Details are listed in the annual regulations.
  • Trap Checking Requirements – Trap check intervals and humane standards are specified by KDWP and must be followed to remain legal.
  • Trap Identification – Traps must be tagged or marked with the trapper’s name and address or other approved identifier (such as a KDWP number) according to state regulation.
  • Unlawful Possession of Pelts – Harvest and sale of pelts require a valid Furharvester License and compliance with all season and tagging rules. Possession of illegally taken pelts is prohibited.
  • Bobcat & Otter Pelt Tagging – Bobcats (and any other regulated species) may require pelt tags, check-in, or special documentation for sale or export; check current KDWP rules.
  • Fur Dealer & Reporting Requirements – Fur dealers must be licensed and keep records of fur purchases, sales, and shipments as required by Kansas law.