Frequently Asked Questions
Wisconsin Cooperative Trapper Education Program (WCTEP)

• Why trapper education?
• Who must attend?
• Where are the classes held?
• When do the classes meet?
• What if I am unable to attend a trapper education course in my area?
• What does it cost?
• What will I learn?
• Who are the instructors?
• What instructional materials are included?
• How do I sign up?

Wisconsin's Cooperative Trapper Education Program is administered jointly by the Wisconsin Trappers Association (WTA) (Exit DNR) and the DNR. The WTA is affiliated with the National Trappers Association (NTA) (Exit DNR).

Why trapper education?

Trapper education teaches new or inexperienced trappers ethical trapping procedures. Trapper education includes instruction in the most humane trapping methods, the history of trapping in Wisconsin and North America, and basic wildlife management principles. It is also important for trappers to learn and understand the importance of maintaining good relationships with landowners, other outdoor enthusiasts, and managers of our natural resources. The trapper education course provides a solid beginning to trapping education - an education you will use everyday on the trapline.

Who must attend?

All first-time trappers must complete the Trapper Education Course prior to purchasing a trapping license. It is recommended that you be at least 12 years old. Class size may be limited, so early registration is recommended.

Persons exempt from this requirement must be a Wisconsin resident and must have purchased a trapping license before 1992, or be actively engaged in farming as defined in State Statute 102.04(3).

Where are the classes held?

Classes are held throughout the state by certified instructors in your area. Your Trapper Education District Coordinator can be found by looking in the back of the current Wisconsin Trapping Regulations Handbook or by going to the class schedule page. By contacting him or her, you will be able to obtain the time and location of the next available course offered in your area.

When do the classes meet?

Each instructor sets their own class schedule, but commonly the course requires 3-4 evening sessions and one weekend morning or afternoon. However, some courses are held as workshops which meet on Saturday and Sunday and also require an overnight stay.

What if I am unable to attend a trapper education course in my area?

A correspondence course is available for students who cannot attend the regular Trapper Education Course classes. Contact Mike Widner, Correspondence Course Director, P.O. Box 483, Baraboo WI, 53913, (608) 356-3621 for details.

What does it cost?

The fee for the course is $8.00 payable to the Wisconsin Cooperative Trappers Education Program. This includes all your instruction materials. Some workshops, where meals are provided, will cost slightly more.

What will I learn?

The course is designed to provide you with in-class lectures as well as outdoor practice time. A written exam will be given at the end of the last session, which you must pass in order to successfully complete the course.

Course Topics Include:

• Trapping history and highlights in wildlife conservation
• Role of trapping today
• Principles of wildlife management
• Wetland values
• Furbearer management, biology, and disease
• Trapping laws and ethics
• Trap preparation, adjustment, setting, and safety
• Humane trapping methods
• Pelt preparation, skinning, grading, and marketing
• Practice setting at least 1 dry land set and 1 water set

Who are the instructors?

Each of the certified trapper education instructors in Wisconsin has completed a WTA-DNR instructor course. All are experienced trappers and many are professional biologists living in communities throughout Wisconsin.

What instructional materials are provided?

For each student: a student manual, a set of Wisconsin trapping regulations, a graduate card and arm patch, and first year's trapping license for successful graduates.

For class use: a slide program with script, video tapes, flip charts, a set of demonstration traps and pelts, a list of Wisconsin furbuyers, furbearer research results, keys to animal tracks, and more.

How do I sign up?

The Class schedule page will help you locate your trapping district where you live. Please contact the class instructors listed in the table for more information about the courses offered.

If you don't see a class in your area, contact the WCTEP District Coordinator near you, or contact the Statewide Coordinator, Nicke Shumaker at (715)754-2121.

For more information on this topic, send mail to or call:
WCTEP Statewide Coordinator, Nicke Shumaker at (715)754-2121 or contact Mike Widner, WCTEP Correspondence Course Director.

Questions for Wildlife Management