Hunting Muskrats: Techniques for Trapping and Shooting
Muskrats are abundant across North American marshes, ponds, and wetlands, making them a great entry point for new trappers and small-game hunters. Whether you pursue muskrats for fur, population control, or waterfowl habitat improvement, understanding their habits—and using strategic trapping or shooting methods—is key to consistent success.
This guide covers reliable muskrat sets, gear, shooting techniques, habitat clues, and field safety to help you get the most out of your next wetland hunt. If you’re planning additional small-game or furbearer outings, you can easily compare vetted outfitters through Find A Hunt to explore your next opportunity.
Understanding Muskrat Habitat & Behavior
Muskrats thrive in calm, shallow water with abundant vegetation.
Prime Habitat
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Cattail marshes
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Slow-moving creeks and drainage ditches
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Pond edges and backwaters
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Wetlands with arrowhead, bulrush, or submerged plants
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Farm ponds and irrigation canals
Key Behaviors
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Crepuscular activity: Most active at dawn and dusk.
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Feed on aquatic vegetation: Look for feeding platforms or chewed stalks.
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Burrow or lodge builders: Houses serve as reliable set locations.
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Predictable travel routes: They use the same underwater trails repeatedly.
Understanding these movement patterns helps determine where to set traps or where to look when hunting with a firearm.
Essential Gear for Muskrat Hunting & Trapping
Trapping Gear
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Body-grip traps (110s): Most common and effective for runways.
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Foothold traps (#1 or #1½): Good for den entrances and feeding shelves.
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Colony traps: Excellent for high-density runways in legal states.
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Stakes and wire: To anchor sets securely.
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Chest waders: For navigating cold, shallow water.
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Lure: Mild food-based attractants when needed.
Shooting Gear
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Rifle: .22 LR with subsonic or standard loads
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Shotgun: 20- or 12-gauge with #6–#7½ shot for close-range water shots
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Optics: Small binoculars for low-light spotting
Additional Essentials
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Gloves for handling traps
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Waterproof pack or bucket
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Headlamp for morning or evening checks
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Fur-handling knife for skinning
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Floating retrieval pole or hook
Scouting for Muskrats
Signs to Look For
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Freshly chewed cattails or arrowheads
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Slides entering or exiting the water
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Bubble trails beneath the surface
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Active feeding platforms
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Visible lodges or bank dens
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Narrow, worn aquatic trails (runways)
Muskrats stick to predictable travel lanes—you’ll often see muddy “tunnels” in vegetation from repeated use.
Trapping Techniques for Muskrats
1. Runway Sets (Highly Effective)
Muskrats travel through underwater channels they create.
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Place 110 body-grip traps directly in these tight trails.
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Stabilize traps with sticks or wire.
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Ensure full coverage of the runway for reliable triggers.
2. Den Entrance Sets
Place foothold traps at submerged den entrances.
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Set 2–3 inches underwater.
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Use minimal lure; muskrats are returning naturally.
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Anchor traps solidly to prevent loss.
3. Feeding Shelf Sets
Muskrats feed on small shelves or floating vegetation mats.
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A foothold trap set at shallow depth works well.
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Use light bait such as apples or carrots if legal and needed.
4. Colony Trap Sets
Excellent for high-density areas.
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Place in narrow canals or ditch runways.
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Fully submerge to keep sets legal and effective.
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Check local laws—some states regulate or restrict colony traps.
5. Float Sets (Where Legal)
Construct a floating platform baited with apple slices.
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Add a foothold trap on the feeding area.
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Anchor to prevent drifting.
Shooting Techniques for Muskrats
Shooting is most effective in open farm ponds, river backwaters, and calm marsh pockets.
Best Shooting Times
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Dawn or dusk when muskrats swim to feed
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Windless evenings—ripple-free water makes spotting easier
Shooting Tips
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Aim for the head or just behind it to avoid excessive pelt damage.
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Lead slightly for swimming muskrats.
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Use a steady rest along a bank or blind.
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Keep shots close-range for clean, ethical harvests.
Retrieval
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Use a small boat, waders, or a long retrieval pole.
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Avoid overreaching—wet banks can be unstable.
Fur Handling & Meat Use
Muskrats offer high-quality fur and mild, dark meat.
Fur Handling
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Skin promptly after harvest.
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Flesh carefully to preserve pelt quality.
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Dry hides on wire or wood stretchers.
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Store finished pelts in cool, dry conditions.
Meat
Muskrat meat is edible and often compared to dark duck meat.
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Best roasted, slow-cooked, or used in stews.
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Remove glands during skinning to avoid off-flavors.
Check regulations for meat consumption in areas with water contamination concerns.
Safety Considerations
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Check all trapping laws—state regulations vary widely.
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Mark traps discreetly but clearly to avoid conflicts with other users.
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Use caution on slippery banks or ice edges.
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Wear gloves when handling muskrats—avoid contact with waterborne pathogens.
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Identify targets carefully when shooting around water or reflective surfaces.
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Practice safe firearm handling at all times.
FAQs: Muskrat Hunting
Is trapping more effective than shooting?
In most wetlands, yes. Runway and den sets consistently outperform shooting.
What’s the best trap for muskrats?
110 body-grip traps for runways and colony traps for high-density ditches.
Do muskrats damage ponds?
They can. Their burrowing may weaken banks or drainage structures.
Are muskrats active in winter?
Yes—especially during warm-ups. They continue feeding under ice.
Is muskrat fur still valuable?
Fur markets fluctuate, but pelts are still sold and prized for traditional garments.
Plan Your Next Small-Game or Furbearer Hunt
Muskrat hunting—whether through efficient trapping sets or well-placed evening shots—offers a practical way to manage wetlands and enjoy valuable fur and meat. With the right gear, location, and technique, you can enjoy consistent success across a range of waterways.
If you’re ready to explore other small-game, predator, or big-game opportunities, compare vetted outfitters and plan your next hunt through our hunt marketplace.
