Link to: Beaver and Otter Trapping Map

Statewide Season Limits
Beaver: No limit
Otter: 3 per person. Only 1 may be taken from Unit B, and only 1 from Unit C. Also see Note 3 below.

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 needs a metal tag.
• Snares may be used to take beaver from Dec. 1 to Mar. 31, statewide, if the location at which snares are placed is ice-covered. Snares must be made of 1/16 - inch or larger cable and must 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. Click here for a list of these streams in the Upper Peninsula.
2. The Gladwin Field Dog Trial Area is closed to trapping except for beaver and otter trapping, which is permitted from Nov. 15 through Mar. 15, 2008
3. Fur harvesters must purchase a new license after Mar. 31. The season limit for otter does not change with the purchase of a new license. Otter taken after Mar. 31 count against the 2007-2008 bag limit. A free otter kill tag  is required.

Beaver and otter trapping is closed in the following areas:

Alger: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Benzie: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Leelanau: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Mecosta: State land in Colfax Township.
Newaygo: White River and 100 feet from either side of the River from M-37 downstream to the Oceana county line. Pere Marquette River (Big South Branch) and 100 feet from either side of the River from 13 Mile Road downstream to Oceana County.
Schoolcraft: Seney National Wildlife Refuge, closed to otter trapping. Contact the Refuge on possible beaver trapping.

Also see General Fur Harvester Rulesand Special Management Units .