Trapper education course scheduled in Coeur d'Alene
Photo courtesy of IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Harvests of furbearers such as beavers, river otters and martens are regulated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game is now offering voluntary trapper education courses to help expand the trapping knowledge of 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.
An introductory trapper education class has been scheduled in Coeur d’Alene on March 11 at the Idaho Fish and Game Panhandle Region office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. Participants must be at least 9 years of age to take the course.
Space is limited and registration is required. 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.
The introduction to trapping class teaches 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 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, they 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 furbearers. The purpose was to minimize conflicts among various recreationists where trapping occurs. Their BMPs are readily available online and will also be presented in this class.