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Where to Trap

Find Properties Open to Public Trapping

With support from the USDA, the DNR partners with private landowners to lease public access to hunting and trapping habitats across the Voluntary Public Access (VPA) Program. Additionally, through the Managed Forest Law (MFL) and Forest Crop Law (FCL) programs, private forest lands are open to the public for recreation, including trapping.

Trappers can use the following tools to find their next trapping location:

  • Public land access
    • Use this resource to find public land for any outdoor activity, including hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking, camping and wildlife viewing.
  • Voluntary Public Access Program (VPA)
    • Through this program, hundreds of landowners have opened their land to the public for year-round hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing. Trappers do not need to contact landowners for permission to access these properties.
    • Over 30,000 acres of private land are accessible to the public and can be found using the VPA interactive map.

Use the DNR's Public Access Lands Maps to explore public trapping options across the state.