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Furbearers Management
Trapping of Furbearers Policy Statement
The Department recognizes that regulated trapping is a versatile, safe, effective and ecologically sound means of capturing individual animals without impairing the survival of furbearer populations or damaging the environment.
Trapping provides income, recreation and an outdoor lifestyle for many citizens through use of a renewable natural resource and provides an effective means of harvesting, managing and/or studying furbearers; controlling damage caused by furbearers; and at times, reduces the spread of harmful disease.
The Department also recognizes that trapping concerns some segments of the public that oppose trapping or use of specific trapping devices. The department supports regulated trapping and efforts to address societal concerns through appropriate education, research, enforcement and regulatory programs. Such programs shall be designed to increase awareness and acceptance of trapping by seeking to enhance animal welfare while maintaining management capabilities and other benefits associated with this activity.
IDNR Furbearer Surveys and Reports
Fur Harvest Survey Reports, Spotlight Survey Reports, and Archery Deer Hunter Survey Reports
Illinois Fur Harvest Survey
Illinois Spotlight Survey
Illinois Archery Deer Hunter Survey
Resources
Find permit, season, applications, and other related information to furbearer hunting.
Illinois Hunting and Trapping Guide
Learn more about Illinois regulations governing hunting and trapping.
Trapper Education course is required for first-time trappers born on or before January 1, 1998 * except Youth Trapping License (no Trapper Education required) may be purchased for residents or non-residents 18 years of age and younger as long as they are supervised by a parent, grandparent or guardian who is age 21 or over, while trapping.
Outside Organizations of Interest
International Hunters Education Association
Northeast Furbearer Resources Technical Committee
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies – Furbearer Management