Trapping Camp still has openings at Salamonie Reservoir on September 25^th and 26^th

Salamonie Reservoir and Indiana State Trappers Association (ISTA) will be hosting a Trappers Education Course on September 25^th and 26^th, 2010, at the Upper Wabash Interpretive Center.  The program will focus on trappers of all ages, though youth trappers are encouraged to attend.

The program will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 25^th with education on trapping issues, ethics, and regulations.  Lunch will be provided.  After Saturday’s lunch, trappers will get a chance to set traps for furbearers.  Trappers will accompany an instructor on the trap line and set traps under close supervision of the instructor.  Traps will be left overnight and checked the next day.  

Trappers will have the option of leaving late Saturday afternoon or camping Saturday night at the Lost Bridge West youth campground near the Interpretive Center.  At 9 am on Sunday, September 26^th, trappers will accompany trapping instructors to check traps and handle the fur of animals caught on the trap line.  After the traps are checked, furbearers that are caught on the trap line will be used in skinning and fleshing demonstrations by ISTA instructors.  Lunch will also be provided on Sunday, September 26^th.  Trappers will not need a trapping license to attend this program.  Entrance fees will be waived for all participants.

There are no fees or costs to attend; just pre-register and show up.  To pre-register or to get more information, contact the Upper Wabash Interpretive Center at 260-468-2127.  Trappers will need to pre-register by September 19th.  Trappers may want to bring waterproof boots or hip waders to wear on the trap line.  Trappers will need to dress for the weather.  Overnight camping at the youth campground is optional for trappers attending the course.  Trappers must attend both day-sessions of the course to receive the IDNR Trapper Education Certification.

The Salamonie Interpretive Center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area, west of Highway 105 in western Huntington County.

WHAT IS T.E.C.?

Experienced trappers from the Indiana State Trappers Association, along with Indiana Conservation Officers and the Indiana Furbearer Program provide hands-on training and instruction. Trapper Education Courses are held throughout the state. Classes are free and open for all age groups. Students under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Register with the contact person listed for the class date you are interested in. While most of these courses are one-day events, the ISTA along with the DNR and conservation officers are offering the second annual 2-day trappers education camp on October 10 & 11. Instructors will teach on trap preparation and selection, furbearer managment, location, proper fur handling and more through actual on-the-trapline experience. We will set traps and catch animals. We'll have skinning demos and much more. Don't miss this. Some of the top name in trappers of Indiana will be instructors.

For current dates on Trapper's Ed Courses check out the ISTA Calendar on our website.

Contact: Frank Lamm at 765-676-5600

VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS

Those wishing to become ISTA volunteer instructors contact your district DNR Headquarters or Ron Elliott.

Requirements: Must have successfully completed a Trapper Education Class You must have already applied through law enforcement district in which you live to be a certified instructor.

Subjects that can be covered at classes include:

• Furbearer Management
• Behavior and Disease
• Trapper Safety
• Historical Culture of Trapping
• Sportsmanship
• Rules and Regulations and Trapper Ethics
• Advanced Trapping Technology
• Trap Setting Demonstrations
• Proper fur handling techniques
• Trapline Management
• Equipment Modifications and Preparation for Upland and Water Trapping