Slick you keep talking freedoms,and that a required trappers ed class is a restriction of your freedom.
Seems to me if you lose the right to trap altogether--that would be a real restriction of freedom.So what would you rather see?? a required ed class or no trapping at all.
Tom

I feel a lot of the anti Trapper Ed comes from persons that have some to considerable trapping experience and thus don't see the reason or value in the training, or they just flat out don't want any rules other then the ones they create.
Since the start of mandatory TE in WI (1992) we have probably put 40-50K of students through that program. I was able to be involved for over 5 of those years. The number of students we had youth, adolescent and even older that new absolutely zilch about trapping was surprising to me and thus I really feel that the responsibility is as much about veteran trappers desiring capable trappers as it is novice newbies learning a new skill.

Bryce

Bryce,over the years,I have also been surprised at the number of Mothers that have also taken the class. A great thing to see.
Tom

Well Steve, even with all that pandering Born Free only gives you a D plus Grade. Maybe that will save you? It is better than Wisconsin's D rating.

Dirt, maybe you misunderstood the sarcasm in my post. We still enjoy those privileges in MN.

Or maybe I misunderstood the sarcasm in yours lol.

Gary.

You care about the freedom of Americans , all said, bottom line.

I bow to you with respect , myself appreciating our veterans who sacrificed so much for this great country we reside in, and enjoy.

So how do I a resident of Indiana come to Montana and trap this fall? What do I need to do?

I live on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and I took the New Mexico and the Wisconsin courses. They were different. Both good courses. They were fun, Thought provoking and informative. I was particularly interested in the differences in the rules between us and other states.

Probably have come out twice then take the coarse then come out trap. Only coyotes and non furbearing
This 2 will change I believe in the next 4years to allow nonresidents to trap imo seem to be desired by alot so guys can go to Idaho, wyoming.

"Footloose Montana also supported bills that increased trapping regulations: require trapper education for a general trapping license; and, create a mandatory daily trap check for all traps."

Strange bedfellows.

We have had Hunter Ed and Bow Hunter Ed in MT for years and there will always be people that think that they don't need it or want it? How about Driver's Ed.? Should we not make that mandatory? I'm not sure I'd want to drive in the vicinity of Slick if someone at some point in time hadn't "taught" him how to drive. Same with hunting. As far as who will teach the Trapper Ed courses?, I think it will be, I hope, trappers who desire to teach the next generation how to do it right! Too many times we have had "trappers" set traps in a irresponsible manner, just gives real trappers a black eye and gives footloose, etc., more ammo.

I’m of the mindset that trapper Ed is a good thing. Often, we hear about people who create circumstances that lead to justified criticism. Trapper Ed can head off some of those circumstances before they become issues. As it stands, a kid (or grown man) can buy traps in their local store and set them anywhere they think is a good location. Often these locations can be near trailheads or areas where non targets are probable. Though I’d like to think each new trapper has a good mentor, that’s not always the case. How many times have we heard a new trapper ask on what part of the pan the bait should go? An uneducated person who makes a bad decision on where and how is a direct representative of ALL of us.

Ethics or lack of is what will kill us trapping in the long run. Therefore I believe these courses are very important. You have to do the right thing when no one is looking.

Now we're going to complain about newcomers taking a Trapper Ed course.Priceless

When I was a kid, my entire education came out of Fur-Fish and Game. Nobody in my family, nor anyone I knew ever trapped. At the same time, I was taking a Hunter education class. I still remember some of the things they taught me. A good trapper education course, taught by knowledgeable people would have been a leg up for me. I will trust FWP and the trappers association to put together a good class.

Not having a mentor, I would have benefitted from a solid, state sponsored trapper ed course to provide direction. The fur takers part of the PA hunter/trapper course is a little thin. I have benefitted from the Trapperman forum more than can be described. Thanks to all the generous instructors here!

I can remember when we first brought up the subject of trappers Ed. Lots of the old timers were dead set against It. Their rational was we don't need any more trappers.

One toe, Pa Trappers Association has been running yearly trappers schols for a long time.
Anyone can take it, and very informative.

Beav, pretty sure the reason today here is, "It'll open up a door we do not want open".

Over and Out from me lol.

Well Slick Pan you are lucky that Footloose Montana and Trap Free Montana supported this pro trapping legislation designed to defeat them. This legislation probably had some opposition from trappers. Hopefully the NTA will send both of the above organization a thank you letter for supporting saving trapping in Montana. Don't forget to renew your membership in the NTA.