In addition to the general fur harvester rules, the following regulations apply to beaver and otter trapping:

• Only foothold, body-gripping or conibear-type traps may be used for taking beaver and otter. Traps with teeth are illegal. Exception: See below for use of snares to take beaver.
• A catching device of any type must have a permanent etching or metal tag bearing the user's name and address or Michigan driver license number. If one or more snares are attached to a pole, both the snare and the uppermost end of the pole need a metal tag.
• Snares may be used for taking beaver in water or under ice statewide. Snares must be made of 1/16-inch or larger cable. Snares not under ice must have a loop which is at least half submerged and be set in a fashion to hold the beaver completely submerged. Snares shall be removed and made inoperative within 24 hours after the close of the beaver season.
• Up to 10 muskrat pelts may be legally taken in beaver or otter sets.

Notes:

1. The beaver and otter trapping season in Unit A extends through April 30 on designated trout streams only. For a list of these streams in the Upper Peninsula, see Fisheries Order FO-210.10.
2. The Gladwin Field Dog Trial Area is closed to trapping except for beaver and otter trapping, which is permitted from Nov. 15, 2011 through Mar. 15, 2012.
3. Fur harvesters must purchase a new license after March 31. The season limit for otter does not change with the purchase of a new license. Otter taken after March 31 count against the 2011-2012 otter season bag limit. A free otter kill tag is required.

Beaver and otter trapping are closed in the following areas:

Alger: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Benzie: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Leelanau: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Schoolcraft: Seney National Wildlife Refuge, closed to otter trapping. Contact the refuge on possible beaver trapping.

Also see Special Management Areas.