Trapping Regulations for Youth

If you’re just getting started with trapping, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the regulations and make sure you’re following them correctly. Below we highlight some of the key trapping regulations that apply to youth. You should also review the current copy of the Alberta Guide to Trapping Regulations before you begin trapping:

Trapping Licences

Registered Fur Management Licence

Age Requirement	Important Information for Youth
18	The spouse or a resident child (under 18 years of age) of the holder of any Registered Fur Management Area Licence may hunt and trap fur-bearing animals within the fur management area without a Registered Fur Management Licence. Harvests by these persons must also be included in the annual report completed by the appropriate licence holder.

Resident Fur Management Licence

Age Requirement	Important Information for Youth
14	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.

Indian Fur Management Licence

Age Requirement	Important Information for Youth
14	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.

Métis Fur Management Licence

Age Requirement	Important Information for Youth
14	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.

Detailed information on each of the above licences is available on pages 6 and 8 of the Alberta Guide to Trapping Regulations. Always refer to the official regulations for answers to your questions on trapping in Alberta.

Note: 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.

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.

Sale of Pelts by Youth

Any youth that may lawfully trap may also sell the pelts and parts of fur-bearing animals taken.

Mandatory Requirements for First-time Trappers

A first-time trapper is a person who has:

1. Never held a licence — in Alberta or elsewhere — that authorized the trapping of fur-bearing animals, or
2. Not completed a fur management course

Before obtaining a fur management licence, first-time trappers must either:

1. Pass a test which deals with humane trapping and fur management, or
2. Complete a Trapper Education course

Trapper Education Courses are offered by the Alberta Trappers’ Association throughout Alberta during the fall and winter:

Appointments to write tests may be made at Fish and Wildlife Division district offices. Testing times vary with each office.

Updated: Apr 5, 2017