Trapping & Fur Harvesting

Topics:

Types of Hunting
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Furharvester Licensing & Regulations

  • All residents and nonresidents age 16 and older must have a fur harvester license to trap or hunt furbearing animals. 
    • A person under age 16 years is not required to have a Furharvester License to trap fur-bearing animals if accompanied by an adult who possess a valid Furharvester License while trapping furbearing animals.
    • There must be one licensed adult for each person under 16 years of age. 
  • Residents and nonresidents age 16 to 64 must also have paid the Habitat Fee. 
  • A hunting license is not needed to hunt furbearers. 
  • Coyote and groundhog may be hunted with either a furharvester license or a hunting license. Go to our Go Outdoors Iowa online licensing system or visit one of a local retailer  to buy your licenses.
  • Nonresident furharvesters wanting to purchase an Iowa nonresident Furharvester License may do so only if their state of residence also sells a nonresident Furharvester/Trapping License to Iowa residents.

Additional Regulations

[embed automatic list of documents - Furharvesting & Trapping - here]

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Trapping & Fur Harvesting Season Dates

We work hard to keep our calendar current, but always refer to the hunting regulation booklet for official, legal season dates.

  • General Trapping: November 2, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025
  • Beaver: November 2, 2024 - April 15, 2025
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Iowa's Wildlife Visitors

Populations of large mammals, once native to Iowa, have been gone from the Iowa landscape for 80 to 100 years. While we no longer have breeding populations of these animals in Iowa, expanding populations in nearby states increases the potential to receive visits from wandering animals. 

Find out more about our occasional wildlife visitors including:

  • Wolves
  • Bears
  • Mountain lions
  • Moose
TIP Line

Turn In Poachers

Poachers are thieves who are stealing our fish and wildlife resources. Help us keep them out of business. If you see poaching, call 1-800-532-2020. 

Submit a TIP and learn more
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Far Harvester Education

Fur Harvester Education is not-mandatory in Iowa in order to hunt or trap.  This course is designed to give participants the knowledge, skill, attitude, and judgment to selectively and responsibly trap furbearing animals for the many benefits it provides.

Participants who attend a hands-on Iowa Fur Harvester Education Workshop will receive instruction on:

  • History and heritage of the fur trade;
  • Biology and management of Iowa furbearers;
  • Wildlife regulations and their purpose;
  • Ethics and responsibility;
  • Fur harvesting equipment;
  • The basics of harvesting Iowa Furbearers;
  • Marketing Furbearers;
  • Public relations; and
  • The basics of outdoor safety and survival.

To sign up for a hands-on Fur Harvester Education Workshop visit Go Outdoors Iowa Events to locate and register for an upcoming workshop in your area!

The Iowa DNR also recognizes the online Today's Trapper Course as a means to receive certification.  Those students wishing to complete the course online to receive certification must complete the course by clicking the link below and following the additional instructions to receive an Iowa Fur Harvester Education Certificate.


 

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