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Trapper Education Course scheduled in Coeur
d'Alene |
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March 18, 2015 |
By Phil Cooper
F&G Panhandle Regional Conservation Educator
Idaho 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 6:00-8:30 p.m. and
Saturday, April 18 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30p.m.
Attendance at both sessions is required to
complete the class. Participants must be at
least nine years of age to take the course.
Space is limited and registration is required.
Registration can be completed on the IDFG
website,
www.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 (BMP's) for trapping of
each species of furbearers. The purpose was to
minimize conflicts among various recreationists
where trapping occurs. Their BMP's 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 1990's and early 2000's caused many
long time 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. |
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