Unit 1 [PDF] - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Ohio DOW Photo
A 330 body-grip trap set for
beaver. To be set legally in
Wisconsin, trapping regulations
require this trap be at
least half underwater.
When furbearers are too low,
biologists can shorten seasons
or take other steps to allow
the population to increase.
Wisconsin requires trappers
to use tag traps with specific
identification information.
Chapter 6 - Trapping Regulations
Legal Restrictions for Trapping Nuisance Animals
Chapter 12.10 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code provides information regarding
the rules and penalties related to nuisance wildlife control. These rules
are summarized in a “Nuisance Wildlife Guidelines” handout, which needs to
be reviewed before conducting any animal damage control work or removing
nuisance wildlife. The handout can be found on the Wisconsin DNR website.
Know and Understand the Trapping Regulations
Violations of Wisconsin’s hunting and trapping regulations can be criminal
offenses. Conservation wardens and judges recognize the difference between an
unintentional violation and willful intentions to poach animals out of season or
by illegal means. Ignorance of trapping laws is not an excuse.
Upon conviction of a trapping violation, a judge may impose fines or jail time.
Trappers convicted of serious violations may also have traps, firearms and even
vehicles confiscated by the court. Judges can also revoke licenses and suspend
privileges to trap in the future.
Reporting Wildlife Violations
As a trapper, you may learn about trapping violations that need to be stopped.
Never confront a violator or get directly involved without a conservation warden
present. Instead, observe the situation and quickly report it to your local
Conservation Warden. Provide descriptions of the violators, vehicles, license
plate numbers, locations, dates, and times.
Most states have established programs to stop poaching with toll-free telephone
numbers to call when you need to report a violation. These programs go
by names such as “TIP” which stands for “Turn In a Poacher.” Many states provide
rewards for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of violators.
Callers can remain anonymous.
The Wisconsin TIP-WDNR line is: 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367)
Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 64