Trapping seasons in New York state generally open in the fall and close in the winter or spring.
Most trapping seasons are based on geographical units called Wildlife Management Units. For a detailed map showing these units see the Wildlife Recreation Map available from License Issuing Agents and at DEC Offices.
Trap location and placement is the most important factor when it comes to being a successful and selective trapper. This is also important for trappers to avoid nontarget animals, especially domestic dogs.
On public lands and other areas where trappers may be active, pet owners can protect their dogs by keeping them on a leash. Regulations limit trap placement specifically with the intention to avoid non-target captures, and there are additional considerations all trappers must keep in mind while setting traps. Trappers should avoid frequently used trails, set body-grip traps off the ground or in a container or cubby, place larger size traps well away from roads, or use foot encapsulating raccoon traps or cage traps in highly populated areas.
By following these best practices, most, if not all non-target captures can be eliminated, and trappers can maintain a positive relationship with all outdoor enthusiasts.
Definitions
To help administer the trapping laws and regulations, DEC has defined some important terms:
Trapping: To trap means to take, kill or capture wildlife with traps, deadfalls and other devices commonly used to take wildlife, including the shooting or killing of lawfully trapped animals. It also includes all related activities such as placing, setting, staking or checking traps or assisting another person with these activities.
Public highway: The traveled portion of a public highway. Culverts, drainage ditches, and the area under bridges are not considered the traveled portion of a public highway.
Carcass: The body or parts thereof, meat, organs or viscera of an animal, including fish. Feathers (including feathers with attached skin or entire bird wings), hair (with or without skin or hide), and bones that include no attached meat, organs or viscera, are excluded from this definition.
Suspension: This term applies to animals fully suspended in the air by means of the trap anchoring system (typically a chain, cable or wire). It does not apply to traps set in water or to traps that are directly and firmly attached to an elevated structure, such as a tree.
Restraining trap: A device used to capture and restrain a mammal. These traps include leg-gripping traps (“foothold traps”), foot encapsulating traps, and cage or box traps.
Foot encapsulating trap: A trap with the following mechanical attributes: The triggering and restraining mechanisms are enclosed within a housing; the triggering and restraining mechanisms are only accessible through a single opening when set; the opening does not exceed two inches in diameter; and the trap has a swivel mounted anchoring system.
Cage or box trap: A type of restraining trap that fully encloses a captured animal within wood, wire, plastic, or metal.
More information on trapping regulations: dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/trapping/regulations