Trapping has always been an important part of Alberta’s heritage and culture. It connects us to the land, preserves important family traditions, supports effective wildlife management, and contributes to rural economies. Alberta is home to many thriving furbearer populations, giving trappers opportunities across our vast and diverse landscapes. As someone who has trapped my whole life, I know firsthand that it is a rewarding pursuit that benefits the province in many ways.
Albertans count on government to take good care of our province’s outdoor spaces. This means keeping ecosystems diverse and healthy while also making sure wildlife populations stay strong and sustainable. Trappers play a significant role in this balance. Whether dealing with furbearers who damage property or predators impacting local ranchers, trappers are there to capably handle a variety of wildlife conflicts.
Due to their strong connection to the landscape, trappers also help us collect better data on wildlife populations throughout Alberta. This past year, Alberta’s government worked with the Alberta Trappers Association to create a logbook that captures enhanced information on trapping effort and harvest. This information provides valuable insights on furbearer demographics, activity, and range.
As we head into the 2025-26 trapping season, trappers should review this year’s guide carefully due to a number of regulatory updates. Earlier this year, Alberta’s government made changes to both the Wildlife Act and the Wildlife Regulation, modernizing our approach to how we manage wildlife. These updates reflect our commitment to conservation and the effective stewardship of the province’s wildlife populations, ensuring safe and sustainable harvest for generations to come. Key changes include streamlining enforcement, clarifying trapping definitions, and recognizing design improvements in trapping technology.
The strength of the province’s fur market is a product of the values our trappers demonstrate each season. Alberta’s trappers follow the highest regulatory standards and are recognized as world leaders when it comes to the humane treatment of wildlife. Alberta’s government recognizes their dedication, and we value the traditions and practices they continue to pass down. Good luck to everyone, and I hope you have a safe and successful trapping season.
Sincerely,
Todd Loewen
Minister of Forestry and Parks |
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- Additional traps have been certified under the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS). Trappers are reminded that it is unlawful to use traps that do not meet the requirement of the AIHTS (pages 10-12).
- Reminder that we will be making certified cage and box traps for raccoon mandatory for use beginning with the 2026/27 trapping season.
- We are beginning the phase-in period for mandatory use of certified coyote foothold restraining traps beginning with the 2028/29 trapping season.
- First time trappers must successfully complete the Alberta Trapper Education Course. If you are interested in taking the Alberta Trapper Education Course, contact the Alberta Trappers Association office in Westlock at (780) 349-6626, or visit
http://albertatrappers.com/trapper-courses.html for a list of course locations and dates.
- Non-residents residing in or within 30 miles of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, who trap on a registered fur management area that is wholly situated both north of the northern boundary of Township 118 and east of Wood Buffalo National Park, are exempt from the mandatory registration of fisher, lynx, otter or wolverine. Further, an Alberta Provincial Export Permit is not required to export such fisher, lynx, otter or wolverine outside of Alberta.
- REMINDER: For Registered Fur Management Licence holders, please ensure you renew your annual licences by September 30 each year. This is a requirement under the Alberta Wildlife Act and Regulation, and not doing so may result in your RFML privileges being revoked.
The following definitions will help you understand this Guide:
Fur Management Zone (FMZ) – Alberta is divided into eight (8) Fur Management Zones, based on similar environmental features. Season timing and length is established on the basis of these zones, reflecting differences in furbearer status, trapping pressure and seasonal pelt quality.
Killing Device
- a device designed and set in a manner to trap and kill a furbearing animal by the action of the trap;
- snare set to tighten on the neck of a furbearing animal in order to kill it, where the energy to tighten the snare is provided by the animal; or
- a device that is set so that it will hold and kill a furbearing animal under water.
Partner – a person with written permission from a senior holder (see senior holder definition) to trap on the senior holder's Fur Management Area. A partner must be a resident and must obtain a licence. Partners who are first-time trappers must meet
mandatory requirements, before their partnership agreement can be approved. For further information, contact the
Hunting and Fishing Branch.
Resident – a person who either
- has his or her only or primary residence in Alberta and
- is a Canadian citizen or admitted to permanent residence in Canada, or
- has lived in Canada for the 12-month period immediately preceding the relevant date;
or
- is on full-time service with the Canadian Armed Forces and would, if an election were held under the Elections Act (Canada), be eligible to vote in Alberta under that Act.
Registered Fur Management Area (RFMA) – a parcel of public land the boundary of which is described on the original Registered Fur Management Licence.
Registered Fur Management Licence – a licence to hunt and trap furbearing animals on the lands described on the licence, as well as on private lands that the licence-holder owns or occupies.
Resident Fur Management Licence – a licence available for trapping on privately owned and some public lands not included in Registered Fur Management Areas. For further information contact the
Hunting and Fishing Branch.
Senior Holder – the principal holder of a Registered Fur Management Area, and the person who has authority to give written consent to establish partnerships.
WMU – Wildlife Management Unit. A geographical area prescribed in legislation.
