Comments Sought on Proposed Trapper Education Rule Changes

Idaho Fish and Game is launching a negotiated rule making process and wants to hear from the public about proposed trapper education rule changes. In response to public comment by both trappers and outdoor recreationists who participated in regional trapping workshops and testified at Fish and Game Commission hearings, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission is now considering a proposal to develop a mandatory trapper education course so all trappers have the same level of exposure to ethics, responsibility, and non-target avoidance as a minimum. Currently, a voluntary trapper education course is offered, similar to the mandatory hunter education course. The negotiated rulemaking would establish a mandatory trapper education class, the class length, and required subject matter to be covered. Additional training, including a field component, would be required for newer trappers. Under the proposal: - Trapper education certification would become mandatory to be eligible for a trapping license beginning July 1, 2017. - Minimum of two hours for everyone to cover ethics, responsibility, non-target avoidance. - Minimum of four additional hours to cover rules, species identification, methods, techniques, and wildlife management for new trappers and anyone that has purchased their first Idaho trapping license after July 1, 2010. Exceptions: Trappers that have successfully passed and are certified through the Idaho Voluntary trapper education course, or other equivalent courses from other states or countries. People who have taken any state or country wolf trapping education course are not exempt and must take the Idaho trapper education course. Additional information, including complete text of the proposed changes and how to submit comments, is available on the Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/about/?getPage=33. Comments will be accepted from April 1 through April 30, 2015.