Trap registration

Register the use of traps under our General Licences

NatureScot took over trap registrations from Police Scotland on 1 April 2020. 

You must register to use Larsen traps, Larsen mate traps, Larsen pod traps and multi-catch crow traps under our General Licences.  

Registrations are issued to individual people rather than properties. You need 1 trap registration per person that should be used on all traps that you have set.

Your registration number must be attached to all relevant traps. Read our Licensing guidance note on labelling traps.

Register online

Apply for trap registration

Alternative offline forms remain available for people who prefer to apply by email or post. Please note that this method takes longer for us to process.

Meat bait returns

You must provide a return each year if you registered to use meat baits. 

Your return must include:

  • number of traps using meat baits
  • non-target species caught  (species and total number)
  • location of capture (grid reference)

Provide your return

If you are unable to submit an online return, you can download the paper meat bait return form. 

What is a non-target species?

Non-target species is anything you are not permitted to catch under General Licence 01 and 02. Find out more about General Licences. 

Check a trap ID 

If you have forgotten your trap registration number, you can contact us to confirm it. 

If you found a trap and want to check if it is valid, send us the number and we will get back to you. 

Update your registration

It is up to you to let us know of any changes which may impact your registration, such as:

  • if you are convicted of a wildlife crime
  • if you no longer need your registration
  • if your contact details change

Upcoming changes: Wildlife trap licence 

A new licence is being introduced by the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. In future, you will need to apply for a licence to catch wild birds or to use a spring trap to catch mammals.

Scottish Parliament have yet to confirm the commencement date for the new licence. 

Until the new licence is launched, we will continue to issue trap registrations for the use of Larsen Traps, Larsen Mate Traps, Larsen Pod Traps and multi-catch crow traps under our General Licences. 

You can prepare for the upcoming changes by completing an approved training course. 

Training courses 

You must complete a training course before applying for a wildlife trap licence under the new legislation. The course must be accredited by NatureScot (previous training will not be valid). 

There are 2 modules: 

  • Wild bird trapping
  • Spring trapping

You can attend either one or both modules depending on the traps you use.

Check with the accredited training providers for prices, locations and dates:

Each module is designed to take ½ a day and both modules can be completed over one day.

Each module includes a multiple-choice question paper followed by a practical assessment. The pass mark is set at 80%.

The cost per module will be £75+VAT maximum. Organisations may apply discounts at their discretion. 

Contact us

If you already have a registration number, include it in the subject line of your email, or have it to hand when you call.

Licensing Team

01463 725364

[email protected]

How the training was developed

A group with practical experience of delivering wildlife management training was brought together to review current training packages, review appropriate standards and develop a common training package. This training package, the assessment and accreditation are signed off by NatureScot as the future relevant authority under the terms of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024. 

How does the trap training link with the SQA National Units?

The group have reviewed the existing standards that form the base across industry training and accredited awards. The standards proposed are based on the SQA National Unit Pest and Predator Control (SCQF Level 5 -FN5F 11).

How is welfare addressed in trap use?

The way traps are used and for what purpose is prescribed by legislation, particularly the Wildlife & Countryside Act, the Animal Health & Welfare Act and the Spring Traps Approval Order. The training modules provide advice on the placement, setting and use of traps to ensure welfare issues are specifically addressed. 

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