https://cga.ct.gov/PS98/rpt%5Colr%5Chtm/98-R-0052.htm
- In Connecticut, steel-jawed leghold traps may be set only in water bodies. On land, trappers must use padded-jawed traps, and set the traps in the animal’s burrow.
- Trappers are allowed to use bodygrip, foothold, and cage and box traps
- Trappers are not allowed to use snare traps
Legal Traps and Methods
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/hunting_trapping/pdf_files/guide2020.pdf?la=en
- Unpadded metal traps restrictions:
- May only be used below the surface of the water in a pond, lake, stream, spring hole, or tidal water
- Opening greater than 5 ¾” is prohibited, except traps with an opening of up to 7 ½” may be set for beavers in waters frequented by beaver
- Padded metal trap restrictions:
- May only be used in the burrow of an animal of below the surface of the water in a pond, lake, stream, spring hole, or tidal water. Except that, any person who has completed a DEEP-approved coyote land trapping course (must carry proof on them) may use padded metal traps on or below ground for December 1 through January 31 for taking coyotes on private land on 10 contiguous acres with written permission from owner to use such traps. When using this method, no visible bait may be used, pan tension must be two pounds or greater, traps must be securely anchored to the ground.
- Opening greater than 5 15/16” are prohibited, except that traps with an opening of up to 7 ½” may be set for beavers in waters frequented by beavers.
- Smooth Wire Trap Restrictions:
- May only be used below the surface of the water in a pond, lake, stream, spring hole, or tidal water. Except, smooth wire traps having an opening of 4 ¾” or less may extend above the surface of the water provided a portion of the trap frame remains in contact with the water.
- Opening greater than 6 ½” is prohibited, except that Conibears and similar smooth wire traps with an opening of up to 10’’ may be set for beavers in waters frequented by beavers
- The following are prohibited:
- The use of any type of snare
- Traps placed, set, or tended within 10 feet of the waterline of a muskrat house or beaver house
- Traps with serrations or teeth
- Trappers must:
- Attach their name legibly to all traps
- Obtain, and have in possession, written permission of the landowner. Written permission must be renewed annually