New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded trappers about extended beaver trapping season dates for Central and Western New York. DEC extended the beaver trapping season in these regions until April 7, 2021, after new regulations were enacted in November 2020. 

“The extended trapping season will help increase opportunities for trappers while managing a healthy beaver population and reducing human-beaver conflicts,” Commissioner Seggos said. “New York has a long and strong tradition of furbearer trapping, and those who enjoy and contribute to this tradition are vital partners managing these resources in a sustainable manner.” 

The beaver season date changes are part of a larger regulation change affecting mink, muskrat, and beaver trapping season dates in New York State. DEC first proposed the changes following a 2017 survey of furbearer trappers and hunters about season timing preferences. Trappers and furbearer hunters indicated a preference for dates that would maximize pelt quality to promote wise, sustainable use of the abundant furbearer resources in New York. The new season dates will expand trapper opportunities in Central and Western New York, streamline water trapping dates, and more effectively manage the state’s healthy beaver population. The full summary of changes is outlined below. 

Beaver Trapping: Beaver trapping season throughout the entire Southern Zone (with the exception of New York City and Long Island) will now run from Nov. 10 through April 7. In the Northern Zone, the beaver trapping season is unchanged and is open from Nov. 1 through April 7. Please note that the printed version of the 2020-2021 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide does not reflect the newly adopted season dates.  

Mink & Muskrat Trapping: In Central and Western New York (WMUs 6P, 7F, 7H, 7J, 7M, 7P, 7R, 7S, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8M, 8N, 8P, 8R, 8S, 8T, 8W, 8X, 8Y, 9A, 9C, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M, 9N, 9P, 9R, 9S, 9T, 9W, 9X, 9Y), the mink and muskrat trapping season will now run from Nov. 10 through Feb. 15 each year, reflecting an earlier season opening date. The season in southeastern New York remains unchanged, running from Nov. 10 through April 7. Beginning this fall, the mink and muskrat trapping season in the Northern Zone will run from Nov. 1 through April 15, a slightly later opening date.