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 four certification courses in September and October 2016. Courses will be offered:
- Grangeville: Friday, September 9, 8 am to 4 pm, Nez Perce National Forest Service Office, 104 Airport Rd.
- Lewiston: Saturday, September 10, 9 am to 5 pm, Fish and Game Clearwater Regional Office, 3316 16th Street.
- Coeur d’ Alene: 2 separate courses: Friday, October 7; Saturday October 8, 9 am to 5 pm, Fish and Game Panhandle Regional Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave.
Pre-registration is required. Register at https://idfg.idaho.gov/education/wolf-trapper-education-course or contact the respective Fish and Game office.
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.
Any additional courses scheduled throughout the state over the next few months will be posted on Fish and Game’s webpage.
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.