Trapping
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages and regulates furbearer trapping. Laws and regulations help ensure trapping activities are safe, efficient and practical.
Trappers
The preservation of our trapping heritage is meaningful and is why the right to trap is codified in the Wyoming constitution.
Recreationists
If you recreate in Wyoming you should be prepared and knowing when trapping seasons are open in Wyoming.
Why trap?
The species of wildlife that are trapped are abundant
Only common and abundant wildlife species can be legally trapped in Wyoming. No threatened, endangered or state-protected animals such as river otters, lynx and wolverines can be legally trapped.
Furbearer trapping is regulated in Wyoming
Trapping is regulated by trained wildlife professionals who dedicate their lives to wildlife management. Trapping of furbearers, except badgers, is not allowed year-round.
Regulations and education ensure sustainable trapping in the future
Game and Fish is currently involved in the Best Management Practices project, a major national effort cooperating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, trapper associations and experienced veterinarians to evaluate traps.
Regulated trapping provides many benefits to wildlife and people
Trapping helps maintain a balance between wildlife and people by reducing or preventing damage to agricultural crops and property, and reducing transmissible diseases such as rabies and distemper which benefits domestic and wild populations.