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Trapper Education field days are open to registration for new and aspiring trappers across Montana.
These free, in-person field days are a required component of the Montana Trapper Education course, designed to teach safe and responsible trapping practices. The Trapper Education Course, mandatory for Montana residents aged 11 and older who have not held a trapping license for at least three prior years, includes a self-paced online component, an in-person field day, and a written test. The course also satisfies the wolf trapper certification requirement for those looking to trap wolves in Montana.
Field days provide practical experience in setting traps, handling equipment, and learning wildlife management and safety from certified volunteer instructors who are passionate about preserving Montana’s trapping tradition.
Fall Trapper Education Field Day Schedule (as of Aug.19):
Sign up for a field day online here.
Participants must complete the online coursework prior to attending a field day.
Prospective students should register as soon as possible, as opportunities may be scarce after October due to instructors’ trapping season commitments.
Wolf Trapper Certification Course
A virtual wolf trapper certification course is open to registration for trappers looking to trap wolves for the first time in Montana.
The online webinar-style course is scheduled for Nov. 5. Register online here.
This certification course is required for anyone who traps wolves in Montana. Residents who wish to purchase a trapping license to use to trap wolves are required to either complete the general trapper education course (which integrates wolf trapper education into the curriculum) or complete the stand-alone wolf trapper education course if they have also purchased trapping licenses for three seasons prior to 2022 (and are therefore exempt from the general trapper education requirement).
Non-residents must complete a one-time Montana or Idaho wolf trapper education course.
All Montana wolf trapper education courses are free, virtual-only courses and open to residents and non-residents.
Trapper Apprentice Program
New this year for Montana is the trapper apprentice program for those ages 10 and over, similar to the hunter apprentice program. Individuals 10 years and older can obtain an apprentice trapping certificate, allowing them to purchase a Resident Trapping License or a Nonresident Trapping License and trap with a qualified mentor for up to two license years. After two years as an apprentice, individuals are required to pass a Trapper Education class to continue purchasing trapping licenses.
Learn more about the trapper apprentice program online at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/apprentice-hunter.