Trappers are reminded that Idaho rules require trappers to successfully complete a Wolf Trapper Certification course before they can purchase wolf trapping tags.
Courses are offered periodically throughout the year, but few are taught during trapping seasons as the instructors are trappers who are out in the field running their own trap lines.
The course includes 6.5 hours of instruction including both classroom and field experience followed by a written exam.
Upcoming courses include:
- Salmon - Aug. 12, IDFG Office, 99 Highway 93 North
- Lewiston - Sept. 8 & Sept. 9 (two courses), IDFG Office, 3316 16th St.
- Nampa - Sept. 9, IDFG Fisheries Research Building, 1414 East Locust Lane
- Coeur d’ Alene - Sept. 22 & Sept. 23 (two courses), IDFG Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Avenue
The course costs $8 per student, and advanced registration is required. Individuals interested in completing the class can register online. Online registration by credit card requires an added convenience fee of $1.75. The fee is due at the time of registration. Registrants must be at least 9 years of age to take the course.
The Wolf Trapper Certification course is instructor-led. Instructors are experienced trappers who are trained and certified to provide students with both classroom study and interactive, hands-on training. Course content covers a wide variety of topics related to wolf biology, wolf behavior and management. There are specific rules regarding wolf trapping that are covered in the class.
Instructors and Fish and Game staff leading the class have expertise in furbearer management, trapping laws and ethics, responsible trapping, proper equipment and trapping techniques. Proper care of a hide for maximum value, and harvest reporting requirements are covered as well.
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.
Students successfully completing the wolf trapping 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. Tags must be validated and securely attached immediately upon taking a wolf.
Anyone with questions about the Wolf Trapper Certification course is encouraged to contact the nearest Fish and Game office, or consult Fish and Game's website by going to Education/Hunter Education and view the trapper education question and answer section.
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 complete.