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Wolf trapper certification class scheduled
in North Idaho |
November 4, 2014 |
If you are interested in trapping, a class has
been set up to be held in Coeur d'Alene in a
couple of weeks.
Idaho rules require a Wolf Trapper Certification
class be completed and passed before a person
can purchase wolf trapping tags. The course
includes 6.5 hours of instruction including both
classroom and field experience followed by a
written exam.
Courses are offered periodically throughout the
year, but most are offered in the fall and early
winter when people are preparing to spend more
time in the field. This also coincides with the
time of the year when wolf hides are prime and
have the most value.
For those planning to trap this winter, a class
has been scheduled for Friday, November 21 at
the IDFG Panhandle Region office in Coeur
d'Alene. Advance registration is required.
Individuals interested in completing the class
can register online, or at any Idaho Fish and
Game office. The course costs $8 per student.
The fee is due at the time of registration.
Registering at a Fish and Game office is the
flat price of $8. Online registration by credit
card requires an added convenience fee of $1.24.
Registrants must be at least 9 years of age to
take the course.
IDFG also offers a general furbearer trapping
class that is different from the Wolf Trapper
Certification class. The general furbearer
trapping class does not qualify people for the
purchase of wolf trapping tags. When
registering, please be certain to sign up for
the trapping class you actually want to take.
The Wolf Trapper Certification course is
instructor-led. Instructors are experienced
trappers who are trained and certified to
provide students with both classroom study and
interactive, hands-on training. Course topics
cover a wide variety of topics related to wolf
biology, wolf behavior and management as well as
specifics regarding wolf trapping.
Instructors and IDFG staff leading the class
have expertise in furbearer management, trapping
laws and ethics, responsible trapping, proper
equipment and trapping techniques. Proper care
of a hide for maximum value and harvest
reporting requirements are covered as well.
On-site demonstrations in the field include
making trap sets free of human scent, rigging
snares, placing diverters to avoid non-target
catches, and trap site selection.
Students successfully completing the wolf
trapping course receive an Idaho Wolf Trapper
Certification Card that enables them to purchase
wolf trapping tags. Certified wolf trappers may
purchase up to five gray wolf trapping tags per
trapping season. Tags must be validated and
securely attached immediately upon taking a
wolf.
Anyone with questions about the Wolf Trapper
Certification course are encouraged to contact
the IDFG Panhandle office at 208-769-1414.
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