2020-21 Trapping Regulations and Information

The following trapping regulations are effective August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021.

 

Statewide Restrictions

Attendance

Every trap must be visited daily and any animal caught therein removed, except for completely submerged Conibear™-type traps, which must be visited at least once every 72 hours and any animal caught therein removed.

Remote trap checking systems may be used in lieu of visiting the trap, provided the system has the following features:

    • a control unit that monitors the trap in real-time and reports trap status and unit status to a centralized application database at least once every 12 hours;
    • a software application that notifies the user of unit status, trap activity, and system health issues within 10 minutes of these events via text-based messaging systems, or an in-application notification; and
    • on-demand test procedure that is used at each deployment of a unit to confirm that the unit is placed in a location where its wireless communication can be received and processed.

If the remote trap checking system control unit reports a trap closure, the trap shall be physically visited within 24 hours of the time the trap was reported closed. If a remote trap checking system control unit fails to report its status after a 12 hour period, or reports a system health issue, the trap shall be physically visited within 24 hours of the last time a status report was sent. Remote trap checking system users shall maintain records of trap status and notification alarms for a period of no less than seven days after receipt. Records shall be made available for inspection upon request by a representative of the Commission.

 

 

Tagging Requirement

Bobcat and Otter Tags (CITES tags):

  • Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of bobcat or otter carcasses or pelts.
  • All bobcat and otter carcasses or pelts shall be properly tagged within 30 days following the close of the applicable hunting or trapping season. Unused tags can be used in subsequent seasons.
  • $2.20 per tag
  • Call (888) 248-6834 for information on purchasing Bobcat and Otter tags.


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Fox Tags:

  • Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of a fox carcass or pelt.
  • All fox carcasses or pelts shall be properly tagged within 30 days following the close of the applicable hunting or trapping season. Unused tags can be used in subsequent seasons.
  • $2.25 per tag
  • Call (888) 248-6834 for information on purchasing fox tags.
  • No fox tags needed in Beaufort, Chowan, Davidson, Hyde, Johnston, Rockingham and Stokes counties and Winston-Salem due to local law exemption.

Legal Trap Types

Collarum Reporting Forms

Collarum-type traps can be used only on coyotes and only under a depredation permit. All non-targets must be released

All forms are in a PDF format

Fox Laws

Only the N.C. General Assembly has the authority to allow fox harvest in a county through passage of a local law. 

Click here for more county-specific information on fox harvest seasons

Local Laws

Unlawful Harassment

 

In North Carolina, it is unlawful for a person to interfere intentionally with the lawful taking of wildlife resources or to drive, harass, or intentionally disturb any wildlife resources for the purpose of disrupting the lawful taking of wildlife resources on public or private property. NOTE: This law does not apply to activity by a person on land he owns or leases or to a person who incidentally interferes with the taking of wildlife resources while using the land for other lawful activity such as agriculture, mining, or recreation.

Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable for a first conviction by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00, by imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or by both and punishable for a second or subsequent conviction by a fine left to the discretion of the court. (North Carolina General Statute 295)

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you experience unlawful harassment, immediately notify your nearest wildlife enforcement officer, county sheriff's office or local police department. Advise the authorities of this law and that you wish to hunt peacefully.

WHAT NOT TO DO

Do not provoke a fight, threaten reprisals or use profanity. Remember these anti-hunting activists are seeking confrontation and may be accompanied by the news media.