How to Be a Fur Trapper

Before the days of synthetic fabrics, fur clothing was the only way to stay warm in the winter.

Trapping animals for their fur can be a way to enjoy the outdoors while earning a part-time income. Fur trapping has been a way of life for wilderness dwellers for thousands of years. Trading furs was an important way for settlers to communicate with Native Americans and trapping and using furs was essential to staying warm and eating before the advent of synthetic fibers and grocery stores. Becoming a trapper is not difficult but requires a love of the outdoors and likely some mandatory education if you've never held a trapper's license before.

Instructions

1. Read the trapping regulations and licensing requirements for your state. In some states, completion of a trapper education course is required before a license can be purchased.

2. Take a trapper education class from your state's department of natural resources. This course will not only go over the state's regulations about where you can trap and when, but will also give you information about furbearing diseases you need to be aware of, what type of animals you can trap and where you can sell them, if you intend to do so.

3. Apply for a trapper's license through your state. In some states you will need a separate license for different animals and in some you can get one license that covers everything.

4. Purchase your traps. Each different animal you trap requires a different type of trap. Decide which animals you will trap and get the right traps for those animals.

5. Find the land upon which you wish to trap. You can purchase land, trap on land you already own or talk with landowners and gain their permission to trap on their land. Some landowners are amenable to having a trapper on their land if it reduces some of the wildlife damage they normally incur. In some cases, you can purchase an existing trapline from a trapper who wishes to retire.

6. Devise a method for checking your traps. In the winter, snowshoes, snowmobiles and dogsleds are common methods of transportation whereas in the fall, an ATV, a horse or walking on foot will help you check your traps.

References

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Trapper Education
• Idaho State Historical Society; The Fur Trappers; Jan. 2005
• Montana Trappers Association: Wildlife Management

Resources

• National Trappers Association