As of the 2006-2007 hunting and trapping season, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires Furbearer Permits for individuals wishing to hunt, chase, trap, or pursue furbearers. This permit is also required for individuals that are participating in unarmed fox chasing. All participants in these activities, except unarmed fox chasers, must also possess a hunting license. Additionally, non-residents must obtain a non-resident trapping license.

“The new permit will allow us to monitor the participation and potential impacts of individuals who utilize Maryland’s furbearer resource,” said Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service.” “The trapping and chasing community should be commended for helping WHS design a furbearer permit. Data from this permit system will help strengthen our scientific foundations for future decision making which should ensure the long term viability of these outdoor pursuits.”

There will be two general types of permits available. An Individual Permit will apply to trappers or hunters that pursue furbearers individually or in non-organized groups and will cost $5.00. A Group Permit can be obtained by organized furbearer chasing or hunting groups with the approval of DNR. Members and/or guests of an organized group that possesses a Group Permit are covered by this permit and are not required to possess Individual Permits to engage in chasing or hunting activities while participating in group sponsored events. The fee for a Group Furbearer Permit is $10.00.

Beginning August 1, 2007 any individual that intends to trap furbearers must meet one of the following conditions: (1) complete a DNR certified trapper education course prior to purchasing a Furbearer Permit on or after August 1, 2007, or (2) possess a Furbearer Permit prior to August 1, 2007. The 2nd provision allows a 1-year grandfathering period for existing trappers to purchase a Furbearer Permit prior to August 1, 2007 without completing the mandatory trapper education course. Trappers that purchase a Furbearer Permit during this period (08/1/06-07/31/07) will be exempted from the trapper education requirement during future years. Trapper education courses will be offered at various locations throughout the state commencing in 2007.

“The time had come for trappers to become involved in a course of instruction. The trapping community should be commended for not only including the instructional component in this regulatory change during our deliberations but agreeing to assist in administering the course-work.” Peditto added.

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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more atwww.dnr.maryland.gov

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MAWC has been working with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure that our sport is treated fairly in the new furbearer regulations.  Initially, DNR had proposed legislation that would have required every fox chaser to have a license.  The bill also included educational and minimum age requirements.  MAWC opposed this and was successful in its defeat.  DNR came back months later and proposed the same language but through the regulatory process.  Again, MAWC objected and worked with DNR to create a fair, workable regulation.