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Trapping License Information

Trapping License Fees

Resident

Junior Trapping License (10 to 15 years) - $9.00

Adult Trapping License (16 years and older) - $35.00

Over 70 years of age - Free

Bear Trapping License (10 years and older) - $27.00 (New for 2008 Bear Trapping Season)

Nonresident

Nonresident Trapping License (10 years and older) - $310.00

Bear Trapping License (10 years and older) - $67.00 (New for 2008 Bear Trapping Season)

Trapping License Application PDF

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Who needs a trapping license?

Except for certain landowners and children, everyone must have the appropriate trapping license before going out to trap or before going out to help another person who is trapping. (An unlicensed person may accompany a trapper only as an observer.)

Which trapping license do I need? Also see bear trapping license below.

If you are a Maine resident under 10 years old, you may trap without a license.

If you are a Maine resident who is at least 10 but less than 16 years old, you must have a junior trapping license (see resident landowner below). (Note: A junior trapping license issued to a 15 year old is good for the entire year regardless of when the person turns 16.)

If you are a Maine resident who is 16 years of age or older, you must have a resident trapping license (see resident landowner below).

Resident landowners, and immediate family members, may trap (except for beaver) without a trapping license on their own land IF they actually live on that land AND the land is used only for agricultural purposes. (If you trap for beaver, you must have a trapping license.)

If you are a nonresident, regardless of age, you must have a nonresident trapping license. (Note: Nonresidents are not allowed to trap for beaver.)

If you are a nonresident who is not a citizen of the United States (nonresident alien), you are not allowed to trap in Maine.

Bear Trapping License

Beginning with the 2008 bear trapping season, a bear trapping license is required in addition to a regular trapping license, for all trappers (10 years of age and older) to trap bear during the bear trapping season.

Where can I get a trapping license?

Currently all trapping licenses are issued from the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Office in Augusta, 284 State Street, 41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. (Renewal forms are mailed annually to trappers who had a license the previous year.)

How long does a trapping license remain valid?

A trapping license remains valid from July 1st through June 30th of the following year.

Do I need to take a trapper education course?

When you apply for any Maine trapping license (except a junior trapping license), you must show proof of having successfully completed a state-approved trapper education course OR show proof of having held an adult trapping license (in Maine or any other state, province or country) since 1978.

List of Trapper Education Courses.