Registration open for wolf-trapping certification courses

Trappers interested in learning more about the specifics of trapping wolves are reminded that Idaho rules require trappers to successfully complete a Wolf Trapper Certification course before they can purchase wolf trapping tags.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will sponsor two, separate certification courses in Coeur d’Alene. A course will be held Friday, Oct. 7 and another on Saturday, Oct. 8. Each course will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Idaho Fish and Game’s Panhandle Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave.

Pre-registration is required. Register at idfg.idaho.gov/education/wolf-trapper-education-course or contact the Fish and Game office by phone at (208) 769-1414.

The registration fee is $8 per student. Those registering online by credit card will be charged an added convenience fee of $1.75. Registrants must be at least nine years of age to take the course.

The courses cover a wide variety of topics including wolf biology, wolf behavior and management, wolf trapping techniques, proper care of a hide for maximum value and harvest reporting requirements. 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.

All instructors and assisting Fish and Game staff have expertise in furbearer management, trapping laws and ethics, responsible trapping, proper equipment and trapping techniques.

Students successfully completing the certification 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.

Fish and Game 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 course you actually want to take.