Moosehorn Furbearer Management Program News Release 2024-2025

MOOSEHORN NWR ANNOUNCES ANNUAL FURBEARER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge will be open to furbearer trapping again this year. Any licensed and qualified trapper may obtain a free trapping permit for the 2024-2025 season. All trapping will be conducted during the State of Maine seasons and there are special conditions that apply to trapping on refuge lands.

The web site with information about the application process is https://www.fws.gov/refuges/visitors/permits.html. The Special Use Permit Application for Commercial Activities, including Furbearer Trapping, FWS Form 3-1383-C, may be downloaded at Apply for a Special Use Permit on National Wildlife Refuges | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov). The application can be saved and emailed, or printed and sent to the refuge by mail or FAX (207-454-2550).

Furbearer trapping has been used as a management tool at the refuge since 1986. One goal of the program is to protect migratory birds such as American woodcock and American black duck through the management of predators. Populations of aquatic mammals such as beaver and muskrat are also managed to limit damage to dikes, roads, culverts, and water control structures. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service views trapping as a legitimate recreational and economic activity where there are harvestable surpluses of furbearing mammals and where it is compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established.