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Furbearer Trapping Course scheduled in Coeur
d'Alene |
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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. |
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