Muskrat Trapping Extended in Select Maryland Counties

Additional Time for Weather-Dampened Regions

Photo by Martha Johnston

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a week to the state’s muskrat trapping season in Eastern, Southern and portions of Central Maryland. The revised season will now close March 22 in the affected counties to make up for unfavorable weather conditions — an extremely cold winter and recent tide fluctuations — that had limited trapper access to many waterways and wetlands.

The season remains closed in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties, where the season started early enough to provide ample trapping opportunities. No other hunting or trapping seasons have been extended.

Trappers and hunters are reminded that a Furbearer Permit is required for individuals that chase, hunt, trap or otherwise pursue furbearers. Trappers who did not possess a permit or certificate of trapper education before Aug. 1, 2007, must also complete mandatory trapper education requirements. Additional information about hunting and trapping can be found in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.