Furbearer Trapping Course scheduled in Coeur d'Alene

January 27, 2016

Many of the first Europeans to settle in northern Idaho came to the area to trap furbearing animals. Fur was traded for supplies and used to make coats, hats, gloves and other articles of clothing. In 1809, the first European structure constructed in Idaho was built near Lake Pend Oreille for the Northwest Fur Company. By 1811, four fur companies were in business in Idaho including the widely-known Hudson Bay Company. By 1899, unregulated harvest reduced beaver population levels to the point that hunting and trapping of beavers was closed until 1957. Furbearer populations are now closely monitored. Open and closed seasons are established for trapping and hunting furbearers to provide a sustainable and renewable surplus that allows for an annual harvest of most species. The furbearer species currently trapped in Idaho includes marten, mink, otter, beaver, muskrat, bobcat, fox and badger. Otters may only be trapped until regional quotas are met. Bobcat and fox are also taken by hunting. Wolves are not classified as furbearers in Idaho. They are considered big-game animals. Trappers in Idaho must be licensed and are highly regulated. All traps must bear the name or trapper identification number of the person using the trap. Idaho Fish and Game has created a voluntary trapper education program to help educate trappers. The goal is to promote safe and ethical trapping, to minimize non-target catches, and to minimize impacts of trapping activity on other recreationists. Classes are being taught by teams of volunteers and Fish and Game employees. When wolf trapping seasons were opened a few years ago, a separate and mandatory wolf trapper education class was created. Anyone who wants to purchase wolf trapping tags must first complete the wolf trapper training class. A two-session introductory trapper education class has been scheduled in Coeur d'Alene for Friday, March 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and March 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.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, fishandgame.idaho.gov. This offering is a separate and different class from the wolf trapping class, and it does not provide the certification needed to purchase wolf trapping tags. 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 and ethics, 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, all are encouraged to have an experienced trapper serve as a mentor for a season or two when they are just getting started. Registration is available online using a credit card; or, at Idaho Fish and Game offices with cash, check or debit card. The cost to register at an office is $8. Registration online is $9.75 due to a credit card convenience fee. 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 provide recommendations to trappers on best trap sizes and types to use; and, to minimize conflicts among various recreationists where trapping occurs. The Best Management Practices are readily available online. If all trappers would learn and follow these, most conflicts can be avoided. To be a responsible trapper, it must be remembered that although a trap in a specific size may be legal and appropriate in remote backcountry areas, it could very well not be appropriate to use in areas closer to town. Studying the Best Management Practices will help you understand where certain traps can be responsibly used.