Availability of Trapping Permits for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that Refuge special use permits and trap tags for the 2022-2023 furbearer trapping season on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge) will be issued beginning October 5, 2022.
District offices are currently open to the public at the days and times listed below but are subject to change. It is strongly suggested to contact the office in advance to confirm the office will be open.
Winona District, 102 Walnut Street, Suite 205, Winona, MN
Phone 507-454-7351
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In-person applications only
La Crosse District, N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI
Phone 608-779-2399
Wednesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or by appointment
In-person and remote applications
McGregor District, 470 Cliffhaven Road, Prairie du Chien, WI
Phone 608-306-0024
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In-person and remote applications
Savanna District, 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL
Phone: 815-273-2732
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In-person and remote applications
Regulations require that trappers possess a Refuge permit and trap tags to trap furbearers on the Refuge. Trappers must have a valid 2022-2023 state trapping license in their possession when obtaining trap tags. Trap tags must be obtained in person from the Winona office.
Wisconsin residents must provide printed proof of trapping privileges at time of application. Refuge employees do not have access the WIDNR electronic system to verify privileges via conservation card or driver’s license.
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 cash and checks can be accepted.
Trappers who did not return their fur catch report for the 2021-2022 seasons will not be issued a trapping permit for this year.
Please come prepared to wear a mask when entering any District Office if the county level you are visiting is in a high transmission level.
Additional information can be found in the Refuge’s Furbearer Management Plan by contacting one of the district offices. A report summarizing 20 years (1996–2015) of furbearer harvest information submitted by trappers in their fur catch reports is also available on the web at https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/Reference/Profile/60898.
If you have any questions contact Wildlife Refuge Specialist Stephanie Edeler at 507-494-6221.