WI · Season 2025–2026
Wisconsin trapping regulations
Source agency Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources → Buy a license →
Season dates by species
| Species | Opens | Closes | Bag limit | Status | Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver | Oct 31, 2025 | Apr 29, 2026 | No limit | Closing soon | — |
| Muskrat | Oct 24, 2025 | Apr 29, 2026 | No limit | Closing soon | — |
| Mink | Oct 24, 2025 | Feb 27, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| River Otter | Oct 31, 2025 | Apr 29, 2026 | Permit-based quota | Closing soon | Required |
| Fisher | Oct 17, 2025 | Dec 30, 2025 | Permit zones | Closed | Required |
| Bobcat | Oct 17, 2025 | Jan 30, 2026 | 1 per successful applicant | Closed | Required |
| Red Fox | Oct 17, 2025 | Feb 14, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| Gray Fox | Oct 17, 2025 | Feb 14, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| Coyote | — | — | No limit | Year-round | — |
| Raccoon | Oct 17, 2025 | Feb 14, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
| Badger | Oct 17, 2025 | Feb 14, 2026 | No limit | Closed | — |
Species-specific notes
Beaver
Method Zone-specific dates
Notes Zones A/B/C have different closes — check map.
River Otter
Notes Must apply for permit in spring.
Bobcat
Method Zone split: north / south
Notes Pelt registration required within 24 hours.
Coyote
Notes Year-round.
Legal trap types
| Trap type | Legal | Restrictions | Land type |
|---|---|---|---|
| foothold | Legal | Max jaw spread 5.875" on land (unpadded) | both |
| body gripping | Legal | Max 7" dry-land; higher sizes water only | both |
| snare | Legal | Cable restraints legal; zone-specific | both |
| cage | Legal | — | both |
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Data published Pending verification