Availability of Trapping Permits for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) announced that Refuge special use permits and trap tags for the 2020-2021 furbearer trapping season will be issued by mail. Trappers who received trap tags and returned their fur catch report for the 2019-2020 season will receive instructions for obtaining their permit and tags at the address listed on their permit.

New trappers should contact the office nearest them to request an application packet. Offices are located at the following:

• Winona District, Pools 4, 5, 5A and 6
  Phone 507-454-7351
• La Crosse District, Pools 7 and 8
  Phone 608-779-2399
• McGregor District, Pools 9, 10, and 11
  Phone 608-326-0515
• Savanna District, Pools 12, 13, and 14
  Phone: 815-273-2732

Regulations require that trappers possess a Refuge permit and trap tags as well as a valid 2020-2021 state trapping license to trap furbearers on the Refuge.

Each trapper will receive 40 trap tags with their permit. All traps placed on the Refuge must have a tag attached. Refuge trapping permits are issued for a fee of $30.00 for trappers 18 years or older and $5.00 for trappers under age 18. Only checks can be accepted.

Trappers who did not return their fur catch report for the 2019-2020 season will not be issued a trapping permit for this year.

Additional information can be found in the Refuge’s Furbearer Management Plan available on the web at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river/