(Fur-bearing Animal Regulations
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The following are defined to be fur-bearing animals:
- Badger
- Beaver
- Civet cat*
- Fox
- Mink
- Muskrat
- Nutria
- Opossum
- Otter
- Raccoon
- Ring-tailed cat
- Skunk
*This is another name for the common spotted skunk.
- A trapper's license is required to take or attempt to take fur-bearing animals, except that a person who possesses a hunting license may take and possess a fur-bearing animal, provided the furbearer (or any part thereof) is not to be sold.
- A department-issued CITES tag is required to be attached to all otters taken and possessed in this state.
- A landowner on their own land or their authorized agent is not required to have a trapper's or hunting license if these nuisance animals are taken while causing loss or damage to agricultural crops, livestock, poultry, or personal property. However, such animals or their pelts may not be possessed or sold.
- Seasons, legal means of taking, and rules about fur-bearing animals or their pelts are covered in another guide (brochure) called Fur-bearing Animal Regulations. Fur-bearing animals may be hunted at night on private property with the aid of an artificial light.
The links to the left refer to the Fur-bearing Animal Regulations brochure.
Contact Information:
For other information concerning hunting and fishing regulations, parks, wildlife or other subjects related to TPWD, call our toll-free number: (800) 792-1112 during regular business hours.
At any time of the day, a person may call toll-free (800) 792-GAME(4263) to report a violation of the state's game and fish laws. A reward may be offered to eligible callers who provide information which leads to a conviction.