The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards sets performance standards for traps used in harvesting eight different furbearing species in Newfoundland and Labrador. All trappers are required to use trap types for certain species that have not received certification under the agreement. Consult the Hunting and Trapping Guide for more information.

Anyone wishing to trap furbearing animals must first apply to the Wildlife Division upon successful completion of a Trapper Education Course. 

Two licences are required on the Island of Newfoundland:  

  Beaver Trapline Licence
  
On the island, beaver are managed on a trapline system. Only trappers approved to hold a beaver trapline can legally be issued a licence to trap beaver. This licence authorizes the holder to trap in and over a trapline area described on a map provided to them. Each year beaver trappers are required to apply, on or before Oct. 15, for renewal of their trapline area. Beaver traplines may be reassigned if the trapper fails to meet the Oct. 15 deadline for renewal, or fails to meet trapline utilization requirements. If you do not currently hold a beaver trapline and wish to be placed on a priority list for a vacant trapline, please forward your request to: 

Wildlife Division
Beaver TraplinePO Box 2007
Corner Brook, NL
A2H 7S1 

Applicants are placed on a priority list determined by the date of application and are offered vacant beaver traplines as they become available. Consult the Hunting and Trapping Guide for more information.

  General Trapper’s Licence
  
On the island, trappers must apply annually for a general trapping licence that authorizes trapping for all species, except beaver, anywhere in the province, during the open seasons prescribed, and in accordance with trapping regulations. Upon successfully completing a trapper education program, trapping applications are mailed to all eligible trappers.

All trappers are required to apply to the Wildlife Division to obtain a trapping licence. Completed applications may be returned with required licence feed to:

Trapping Licence Application
Central Cashier’s Office
PO Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Effective 2008, holders of a general trapping licence are permitted to shoot fox, lynx and coyote on the Island of Newfoundland, and during the open season for furbearers using a .22 centre fire rifle not greater than .225, or a shotgun using shot size #2, or larger, excluding slugs.

 In Labrador trappers only need to obtain a General Trapper’s Licence:

In Labrador, a general trapping licence authorizes trappers to trap for all species, including beaver, during the open seasons prescribed and in accordance with trapping regulations. Upon successfully completing a Trapper Education Course, trapping applications are mailed to all eligible trappers.

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