Furbearer Trapping Regulations

Before trapping in Big Thicket National Preserve, read all trapping regulations. Trappers are responsible for knowing where they may and may not trap. State of Texas hunting regulations apply except where the following Big Thicket National Preserve regulations are more restrictive (Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations).

Before you leave on your trip, please inform a relative or friend of your intended point of entry, route of travel, and time of return. Do not cross or park on private property without the consent of the landowner.

 

Regulations

Refer to Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR), Chapter I, for each hunting regulation's corresponding CFR reference(s).

1. Trappable Species – Only the following furbearing animals may be trapped with a Big Thicket trapping permit: beaver, grey fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, raccoon, and striped skunk. [36 CFR 7.85(b)]
2. Trapping Season – The Big Thicket furbearer trapping season occurs December 1 to February 29. [36 CFR 2.2(b)(4)]
3. Documentation – While trapping, you must be in possession of (1) a current Big Thicket furbearer trapping permit and (2) a State of Texas hunting license. A State of Texas trapping license is not accepted. Commercial furbearer trapping is not allowed; only recreational trapping is allowed at Big Thicket. If you are also hunting in the preserve, a Big Thicket hunting permit is required. [36 CFR 1.6(a); 36CFR 7.85(c)]
   The top portion of the furbearer trapping permit must be placed in a visible location in your vehicle or boat when parked. Each trap must have a waterproof tag with the trapper’s name and telephone number attached. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 2.2(b)(4)]
4. Trapping Locations – Furbearer trapping is restricted to the designated trapping area on your permit. Traps cannot be within 500 feet of hiking trails, roads, residences, or businesses. Traps cannot be set inside powerline or pipeline rights-of-way or fire breaks but can be set adjacent to them. [36 CFR 2.2(b)(4)]
5. Trapping Means – Trap style is restricted to foothold and body-gripping (“Conibear”) traps only. Body-gripping traps must have a diagonal opening of 10 inches or less. When setting under water, water level must be at least 6 inches deep. Snares are prohibited. Trappers may set up to 24 traps in total.
   Traps must be checked at least every 24 hours. Live feed game cameras can be used to check traps. Captured animals must not stay in traps more than 24 hours and must be removed upon discovery. [36 CFR 2.2(b)(4)]
   The use or possession of dogs, bow and arrows, electronic or manual calls, attractant lights, or falconry is prohibited. Use of smoke, explosives, or chemicals to kill or flush animals is prohibited. [36 CFR 2.2(b)(4)]
   Furbearing animals may not be taken if not caught in a trap. Any firearm in compliance with State of Texas law is permitted to dispatch trapped furbearers. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2)]
6. Hunter Orange – Hunter orange or international orange must be worn while trapping. Trappers must wear a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange or international orange, including a hat. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h); 36 CFR 7.85(a)(4)]
7. Reporting – Trappers must return their completed Furbearer Harvest Report by April 1. Failure to return your Furbearer Harvest Report, or committal of any other violations, may result in refusal of a permit the following year.
8. Vehicles and Parking – Vehicles may be parked along roads or in designated parking areas. Do not block gates or roads. Off-road use of motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATV/UTV) and motorcycles is prohibited. [36 CFR 4.13(a); 36 CFR 4.10(a)]
9. Trail Marking – Flagging or any method of marking is prohibited. [36 CFR 1.6(g)(2); 36 CFR 1.6(h)]
10. Campfires – Ground fires are prohibited while trapping. Portable cooking stoves are permitted. [36 CFR 2.13(a)(1)]
11. Trash – Carry out all trash including empty shells and cartridges. Field dressing is allowed. Human waste must be buried at least 100 feet from any water source and not within sight of any road or trail [36 CFR 2.14(a)(1); 36 CFR 2.14(a)(9)]

 

Reminders

Big Thicket furbearer trapping permits must be renewed annually. Trappers must be present in-person and provide a Texas state hunting license and driver’s license or state ID to receive a trapping permit. Parents and legal guardians may obtain permits for their children under age 16. To receive another trapping permit, you must submit your harvest report by April 1.

State of Texas regulations for trapping are available at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

 

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