Trapper Education Workshops

Furbearer trapping has long represented one of the many facets of a well-rounded wildlife management plan and has lately had a resurgence of interest by many landowners and hunting clubs. To support this interest, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF), in conjunction with the Alabama Trappers and Predator Control Association, USDA Wildlife Services and support from Safari Club International, continues to offer Trapper Education Workshops throughout the state.

Since their beginning in 2007, the workshops have provided an abundance of information to decrease the learning curve for any new trapper. The workshops span one and one-half days conducted in an outdoor classroom setting where students learn about the history of trapping, furbearer management, laws/regulations, and ethical trapping practices. Students are paired with seasoned trapping mentors and travel to the field where they receive hands-on training with a variety of trap types and sets used for catching furbearing species, such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, beavers and raccoons. The workshop continues the following morning: running the trapline and collecting the catch. Skinning and fleshing lessons then demonstrate how to prepare pelts for the market, enabling participants to obtain the basic skillset they need to become a proficient trapper.

Trapping is not only an effective method for managing both nuisance and other furbearer species, but it has also proven to be a vital tool in restoring populations through capture and release efforts. Trapping has always been and will continue to be an essential aspect of wildlife management.

For more information on upcoming Trapper Education Workshops, go to www.outdooralabama.com or contact your local WFF District Office.