If you are a beginner to trapping, you must first study Alberta's trapping
regulations and make sure you are following them correctly before you get
started. Review the current regulations at:
Key trapping regulations and guidelines that apply to youth
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Youths Accompanying Trapper
Non-family members 12 years of age or older are permitted to accompany
and trap with an adult who holds a valid licence (until the youths are
eligible to obtain a licence). Written permission from the youth’s
parents or guardians is required.
Mandatory Requirements for First-time Trappers
A first-time trapper is a person who has:
-
Never held a licence — in Alberta or elsewhere — that authorized the
trapping of fur-bearing animals,
- Not completed a fur management course
Before obtaining a fur management licence, first-time trappers must
successfully complete the Alberta Trapper Education Program. Trapper
Education Courses are offered by the Alberta Trappers’ Association
throughout Alberta during the fall and winter:
Trapping Licences
Detailed information on each of the below licences is available on pages
7 and 8 of the
Alberta Guide to Trapping Regulations. Always refer to the official regulations for answers to your
questions on trapping in Alberta.
Registered Fur Management Licence
| Age requirement |
18 |
| Important information for Youth |
A resident child (under 18 years of age) whose parent holds a
Registered Fur Management Licence as a senior or as a partner
may hunt or trap fur-bearing animals within the registered fur
management area without a Registered Fur Management Licence.. A
person who is 12 to 17 years of age who has obtained permission
from the senior holder of a registered management area and who
has been authorized in writing by their parent or guardian may
hunt or trap fur-bearing animals in the registered fur
management area provided they do so under the senior holder’s
direct supervision. Harvests by these persons must follow
applicable seasons, quotas and other restrictions and also be
included in the annual report completed by the Senior licence
holder.
A person who is 12 to 17 years of age who has obtained
permission from the senior holder of a registered management
area and who has been authorized in writing by their parent or
guardian may hunt or trap fur-bearing animals in the registered
fur management area provided they do so under the senior
holder’s direct supervision.
Harvests by these persons must follow applicable seasons, quotas
and other restrictions and also be included in the annual report
completed by the Senior licence holder.
|
Resident Fur Management Licence
| Age requirement |
14 |
| Important information for Youth |
An Alberta resident 14 years of age or older may obtain a
Resident Fur Management Licence. Holders of such licences may
trap fur-bearing animals on lands under the following
conditions:
- If they own, lease or occupy the land.
-
If they have written permission—on Form WA 19A—from the
person who owns, leases or occupies the land.
A resident under the age of 16 years of age whose parent holds a
resident fur management licence may hunt or trap fur bearing
animals on lands where their parent is entitled to hunt or trap
under that licence. Subject to all applicable seasons and other
restrictions
A person who is 12 or 13 years of age who has obtained
permission from the holder of a resident fur management licence
and who has been authorized in writing by their parent or
guardian may hunt or trap fur bearing animals on applicable
lands, provided they do so under the licence holder’s direct
supervision.
|
Note for resident trappers
While hunting or trapping under the authority of a Resident Fur
Management Licence, resident trappers must always carry their licences
and relevant Permission to Trap form and must produce them upon
request of a Fish and Wildlife officer.
Indian Fur Management Licence
| Age requirement |
14 |
| Important information for Youth |
This licence authorizes Indians to hunt and trap fur-bearing
animals within the boundaries of the Indian Reserve in which
they live. These licences may be obtained from Band
Administration Offices.
A person who is 12 or 13 years of age who has obtained
permission from the holder of an Indian fur management licence
and who has been authorized in writing by their parent or
guardian may hunt or trap fur bearing animals on applicable
lands, provided they do so under the licence holder’s direct
supervision.
|
Métis Fur Management Licence
| Age requirement |
14 |
| Important information for Youth |
This licence authorizes Métis Settlement members to hunt and trap fur-bearing animals within the boundaries
of the Métis Settlement in which they live. These licences may be obtained from Métis Settlement Supervisors.
|
Sale of Pelts by Youth
Any youth that may lawfully trap may also sell the pelts and parts of fur-bearing animals taken.
Updated: Nov 3, 2023