Below are links where you can learn more about trapping, including how to trap, scientific research on trap types and techniques, and trappable species. In addition, you can find reports on the regulated furbearer harvest, as well as survey reports conducted on furbearer species.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) offers basic trapper education courses through our Advanced Hunter Education Program. The current trapper education program consists of an online training program followed by a 4-hour field day component. Once you complete the online trapper education course, you will need to register and attend a 4-hour field day by using the link below.
To find a trapping course, click here for a list of courses currently scheduled.
The AFWA trapper education manual was designed to assure that content taught to students was consistent among state agencies, despite differences in trapping regulations. This is a similar method used by state hunter educational programs.
Each state is unique concerning the species and numbers of furbearers present, regulations, and traditions. Please consult North Carolina’s trapping regulations for specific restrictions regarding permissible trap-types, furbearer species and other regulations pertinent to North Carolina.
Click here for Trapper Educational Manual (pdf)
The North Carolina Trappers Association (NCTA), in cooperation with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, offers advanced trapper education courses, including hands-on, species-specific workshops.
For 2020, one trapping workshop will be offered:
Coyote Trapping
For 2021, two trapping workshops will be offered:
Beaver Trapping
Wildlife Damage Management
For more information on advanced trapper education courses offered by NCTA contact:
Todd Menke, NCTA Education Coordinator Phone: (919) 885-6187 E-mail: minkster1971@gmail.com
Click here for more information (North Carolina Trappers Association website)
Wildlife Damage Control Agent (WDCA) Program
This program allows trained and certified Wildlife Damage Control Agents (WDCA) to issue wildlife depredation permits to North Carolina residents having confirmed wildlife damage problems. It was developed to streamline the permitting process.
WDCA are authorized to issue permits for certain species on the spot, once wildlife damage has been confirmed. Under previous regulations the resident had to apply for a permit from the Wildlife Resources Commission and then wait for the permit to arrive before legally trapping, capturing, or killing an animal that is causing damage.
For more information on the certification course please download this brochure:
WDCA Program Brochure (657 KB pdf)
Tips on coexisting with Wildlife
Contact a licensed trapper during the trapping season
Contact a private Wildlife Control Agent
Contact a Wildlife Management Biologist
Contact a Wildlife Enforcement Officer
Contact an Inland Fisheries Biologist
Injured Wildlife (Wildlife Rehabilitation)
To find a trapping course, click here and look for "Trapping" under course type. Once you have found a trapping course, click on the calendar link for further information.
Learn more about the program.