Trapper education course scheduled in Coeur d'Alene

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is now offering voluntary trapper education courses to help educate both new and experienced trappers.

The goal is to promote safe and ethical trapping, to minimize incidents of non-target catches, and to minimize impacts of trapping activity on other recreationists.

A two-session introductory trapper education class has been scheduled in Coeur d'Alene for Friday, April 17 from 6-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Attendance at both sessions is required to complete the class. Participants must be at least 9 years old to take the course.

Space is limited and registration is required.

Registration can be completed on the Fish and Game website, fishandgame.idaho.gov.

The cost for the course is $8 per registrant. Online registration requires an additional credit card convenience fee of $1.24.

The introduction to trapping class teaches basic trapping techniques with a strong focus on safety and ethical trapper behavior. Selecting safe and responsible trap set locations is emphasized.

Other topics include furbearer management, trapping laws, proper equipment, avoiding non-target catches and furbearer habitat identification.

The class is a mixture of classroom instruction and field experience. While new trappers will learn a great deal in the class, beginning trappers are encouraged to have an experienced trapper serve as a mentor for a season or two when just getting started.

In 1996, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies conducted extensive research into trapping. The organization established Best Management Practices for trapping of each species of furbearer.

The purpose was to minimize conflicts among various recreationists where trapping occurs.

Their best management practices are readily available online and will also be presented in this class.

The market price for fur and fur products fluctuates significantly from year to year based upon supply and demand. A decline in demand in the late 1990s and early 2000s caused many longtime trappers to put their traps away.

The worldwide demand for furs increased significantly around 2010 with the growth in the economy of China and growing personal wealth among Chinese citizens.

Increased demand and higher market value have led to renewed interest in trapping. New trappers are taking up the activity, and trappers who stopped trapping when fur prices declined are starting to trap again.

Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation educator in Coeur d'Alene for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.