MT · Season 2025–2026
Montana trapping regulations
Source agency Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks → Buy a license →
Season dates by species
| Species | Opens | Closes | Bag limit | Status | Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver | Oct 31, 2025 | Apr 14, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| Muskrat | Oct 31, 2025 | Apr 14, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| Mink | Oct 31, 2025 | Mar 30, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| River Otter | Oct 31, 2025 | Apr 14, 2026 | Quota per district | Closed | Required |
| Coyote | — | — | No limit | Year-round | — |
| Red Fox | Nov 30, 2025 | Feb 27, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| Bobcat | Nov 30, 2025 | Feb 14, 2026 | Quota — check current year | Closed | Required |
| Marten | Nov 14, 2025 | Feb 27, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| Raccoon | — | — | No limit | Year-round | — |
| Skunk | — | — | No limit | Year-round | — |
Species-specific notes
Beaver
Notes Dry-land sets for beaver allowed in select districts.
River Otter
Method Foothold, cage only
Notes Pelt tagging required within 10 days of harvest.
Coyote
Notes Year-round, no license required for residents.
Bobcat
Notes Pelt tag required. Mandatory bobcat harvest report.
Raccoon
Notes Year-round for residents on private land.
Skunk
Notes Non-protected.
Legal trap types
| Trap type | Legal | Restrictions | Land type |
|---|---|---|---|
| foothold | Legal | Max jaw spread varies by species | both |
| body gripping | Legal | Restricted dry-land use; pan tension req'd | both |
| snare | Legal | Relaxing locks req'd in some districts | both |
| cage | Legal | — | both |
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Data published Pending verification