2007/2008
Trapping Guide

General Information

Licences and Permits

Manitoba trapping licences are available only to residents of Manitoba. Fees¹ are:

• Registered Trapline (RTL) Permit: $10.00
• Open Area Licence²: $5.00
• Open Area Licence - Treaty²: Free
• Youth Trapping Licence/Permit^{1, 2}: Free

¹Youth trapping permits are available free of charge if the trapper is 12 to 17 years of age on the:

1. day of the first common season (October 1 for Beaver) and
2. day that the permit is obtained

The age requirements for this youth permit are the same as for youth hunting licences.

²Special Trapping Areas - separate approvals must be obtained from the nearest District Office to trap in STA's.

See Mandatory Trapper Education requirements for more information regarding trapping licences.

When fur is being shipped, sold or taken to a taxidermist or tanner for mounting or dressing, the following information must be provided: name, address and licence number of the trapper who caught the furbearer, plus the area where the furbearer was taken. Record licence numbers correctly or your fur production will not be credited to you.

Accidental Furbearer Capture Policy

Occasionally, a furbearer will be taken accidentally (outside the open season, for example).The trapper may be allowed to keep and market the animal if a possession permit (cost of $10 for a furbearer) is obtained as soon as possible from Manitoba Conservation. All other accidental captures of the same species by the same trapper must be turned over to the nearest Manitoba Conservation office and will remain the property of the Crown. The exception is black bear; open area trappers are not allowed to keep a black bear taken accidentally.

Trapping and Sharing the Land

Trappers share Crown and private lands with other users. It is important that trappers use care where they place their traps to minimize the potential contact with other users of the land.

• Trappers who use private lands are encouraged to provide the landowner with a map showing the locations of their traps and the types of traps being used.In this way, the landowner can caution other users of the land about trapping activity and reduce the possibility of injury to other users and domestic animals.
• With the permission of the pasture manager, PFRA/community pastures are generally open to trappers after livestock have been removed.
• When trapping in built-up areas and /or cottage subdivisions, trappers are advised to use extreme caution in selecting the locations for sets. Please remember that people and pets may frequent the area.

Sunday Trapping

Taking furbearers, timber wolves and black bear is permitted on Sundays, provided:

• the trapper holds a valid trapping licence
• it occurs in an area and valid season where trapping of that species is permitted

Trappers should also contact municipal officials about by-laws that may affect the discharge of firearms including for Sundays.  Several municipalities have such by-laws in place which override provincial legislation.

Firearm Use

The discharge of firearms is prohibited within 300 metres of developed or improved areas in provincial parks, and within some portions of Whiteshell Provincial Park, and apply while trapping. Several municipalities have similar by-laws. Please consult with the Manitoba Conservation District office or local Municipal Office to confirm locations.