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DNR promotes sustainable and compatible uses of the furbearer resource. Hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits are established based on furbearer biology, distribution and abundance of each species, public interests and needs and the incidence of furbearer damage complaints.

The following species are managed as "furbearers" in Maryland: muskrat, beaver, raccoon, red fox, gray fox, nutria, opossum, mink, skunk, river otter, fisher, long-tailed weasel, coyote and bobcat.

Trapper Education Requirement
Effective August 1, 2007, any person who is trapping or attempting to trap furbearers under the authority of a Furbearer Permit must first obtain a certificate of trapper education, except that the certificate is not required if the person held a Furbearer Permit during the 2006-07 trapping season (prior to August 1, 2007). Trapper Education Requirement.

Furbearer Tagging Requirements
A permit is required to possess the meat or skinned carcass of a furbearer for more than 10 days after the season has closed. Permits can be obtained from the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP).

The pelt or unskinned carcasses of all otter and fisher harvested in Maryland must be tagged within 15 days after the season has closed. Otter and fisher pelt tags may be obtained by contacting local offices of either the DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service or Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP).

The pelts or unskinned carcasses of furbearers harvested in Maryland, and then transported across the state line must have a "Fur Shipping Tag" accompanying them. These tags are available by contacting local offices of either the DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service or Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP).

Furbearer License Requirements
This year you will be able to obtain your non-resident trapping license in the same manner that you obtain your non-resident hunting license. 



Furbearer, Rabbit and Squirrel Project
2006-2007 Annual Report

Photo of River Otter standing next to tree trunk courtesy of John White

Maryland's Mustelids
(Weasel, Mink, Skunk, Fisher, Otter)
Photo Courtesy of John White

Close-up photo of coyote's face

Coyote in Maryland

Furbearer Management in Maryland:
Management Tools and Their Applications

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This page up-dated Monday November 10, 2008