Trapper Education course available

Trapper Education class registration is available on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website, and just a few seats are left in North Idaho classes.

Several spots remain available in a March 23 class; a March 24 class is already full, but those interested can check online to see if there are any seats open due to cancellations. Successful completion of trapper education training will be required to purchase an Idaho trapping license for the 2018-2019 trapping season which begins July 1. The requirement can be met by certification through completion of this trapper education course. Trappers who purchased an Idaho trapping license prior to 2011 are exempted from the new requirement.

A large number of people will need this class to continue or to begin trapping. If you are not exempted from this requirement, you are encouraged to sign up for one now.

The classes will be held in Coeur d’Alene at the Idaho Fish and Game Panhandle Region office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. in the hunter education classrooms.

Registration can be completed on the IDFG 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. Registration can also be made at any IDFG office using cash, check or debit card. There is no convenience fee charged when registering at IDFG offices.

Trappers and potential trappers are very strongly encouraged to take a class as soon as possible. Even with numerous classes scheduled, waiting to take the training may make it difficult to find a spot in a class that is compatible with your personal schedule.

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

The trapping classes teach basic trapping techniques with a strong focus on safety, trapping rules and trapping ethics. Selecting safe and responsible trap set locations is emphasized. Other topics include furbearer management, trapping laws, proper equipment, avoiding non-target catches, furbearer identification and habitat preferences.

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