Trapping

Trapping with traps is a regulated form of hunting for predators and small predators in Norway.

Trapping with traps is an old tradition in Norway that is still practiced, particularly to manage populations of small predators. You need a separate course and certification to engage in trapping.

Legal trap types in Norway are kill traps (Goodnature, Belisle) and cage traps. All traps must be approved by the Norwegian Agriculture Agency and must kill the animal quickly and humanely. Leghold traps are prohibited.

The most common species for trapping are mink, pine marten, stoat, and corvids. Mink trapping along waterways and coastlines is important for protecting bird populations. Mink is an invasive species that causes significant damage to seabird colonies.

Traps must be checked daily (cage traps) or at regular intervals (kill traps with electronic notification). Placement is what matters most: along trails, by streams, in rock piles, or near known dens.

To engage in trapping, you need the landowner's permission and a valid hunting license. You must have passed a trapping course, and methods must comply with regulations.

Trapping is an effective management tool, particularly in areas where small predators threaten ground-nesting birds such as ptarmigan and waders.