West Virginia Trapping

Well, are you ready to get out and go trapping. There are a few laws you have to comply with before you are able to start trapping. We go over those in this article.

The things we cover are specific to West Virginia and will help you get prepared.

How to get Started Trapping in West Virginia

To get started trapping in West Virginia you must first get your Hunter Education. When you complete this class you can get a trapping license that allows you to trap several species of animals including coyote and fox.

The hunter education class will go over many of the hunting and trapping laws of the state and help prepare you for hunting and trapping in the field.

To purchase a trapping licence in West Virginia you must present a valid certificate of completion of the hunter education course. When you have your licence you will be able to get out and go trapping.

When you have passed hunter education and got a trapping licence you need to get the equipment for the species you are intending to trap. Later on, in this article we go over all of the species that are commonly trapped in West Virginia.

Trapping Regulations

In West Virginia, trapping is a regulated sport by the fish and game. They have a hunting and trapping regulation book that you can check out right here for exact dates and laws.

How often do I need to check my traps?

In West Virginia, there is a daily check law in place. So as a trapper you must check all your traps every day.

When checking your traps and you have caught an animal in the trap, make sure the trap tags are still attached.

Tagging Traps

All traps being used in West Virginia Must have a tag with the following information on it:

• Name
• Address
• DNR ID Number

So if you need trap tags you can get them on Amazon. You can order a ton of them for a very reasonable price and not have to worry about getting more of them for a very long time.

They come custom engraved with the information you need on it. Follow this trap tag link to get 100 of them.

What can you trap in West Virginia?

Raccoons can be trapped in West Virginia and are considered a furbearer. They can be trapped during the designated trapping season and there is no limit to the number you can catch.

Red fox can be trapped and hunted in West Virginia during the designated trapping season. There is no bag limit during trapping season.

Grey fox, like the red fox, can be trapped in West Virginia. They can be hunted and trapped during the designated trapping season. There is no bag limit to the number of fox you can take during the season.

Bobcat bag limit is 3 bobcats for the designated trapping season in West Virginia. All bobcats must be electronically registered or checked within 30 days of the end of trapping season.

Mink can be trapped in West Virginia during the designated trapping season. There is no limit to the number of mink a trapper can catch during the season. Mink can not be hunted only trapped.

Muskrat can be trapped during the designated trapping season in West Virginia. Muskrats do not have a bag limit or possession limit to the number of mink you can trap. Muskrat can not be hunted, only trapped.

In West Virginia, only one fisher can be trapped per season. The season on fisher also ends earlier than most other furbearers. Be sure to know the correct end date and have traps removed on time.

West Virginia allows trappers to take beaver. Beaver have an extended season and can be trapped later. Beaver can be trapped in march if the trap is in the water. All beavers must electronically be registered or checked. Beavers can not be hunted only trapped.

One otter may be trapped in West Virginia. They may be taken in the normal trapping season. Otter can only be trapped and not hunted during the season.

Coyotes can be trapped during the designated trapping season in West Virginia, but they can be hunted year-round. There is no limit to the number of coyotes you can take during trapping season.

Skunks can be trapped during the designated trapping season in West Virginia. They can be hunted year-round and there is not bag limit to the number you can take.

Opossum

For more about trapping opossum (coming soon)

West Virginia allows trappers to trap possums during the designated trapping season. They can be hunted year-round as well. There are no bag limits placed on possums during trapping season.

Weasels can be trapped in West Virginia during the designated trapping season. There is no bag limit to the number you can take during trapping season. Weasels can be hunted year-round though.