So if trapping during trapping season can you keep them for fur?

Most of the time no from what I understand. But you can give them away so they don't go to waste.

All fur taken on the job goes into our budget. You can fur trap on vacation.

Up for the last time, job closes tomorrow.

Chris, do you know how many applicants there typically are for these positions? I imagine it varies quite a bit, but seems like a good opportunity for an outdoors person. Seems to me that a lot of those positions were held for years by the same person. Has that changed also? Thanks!

Old coy, yes it varies wildly. I've seen from as few as a dozen to over 60. I believe it depends a lot on the district, remoteness of the duty station, species worked on, local housing cost, job opportunities for wives etc.. Years ago it was considerably higher... coming out of the "fur boom" in 88 when I hired on I was told there were over 200. With the crash in 87 lots of full time fur trappers were looking for a way to continue trapping for a living. Not so much anymore.

You are also correct that the "old guard" stayed in these positions for decades. It was their life style. We went many years without any vacancies. The younger generation seem to move from job to job and even switch careers far more often. It appears to me this reality applies to all trades not just these trapping jobs. Times change.

BTW, today is the deadline to apply for this position.

Chris, thanks for the info. I am only a bystander now, retired 4 years ago, and only thinking about past decisions. Half my family came from the Rapid City area. We left when I was in grade school and we moved to Nevada. Some still live in the area. My dad worked for the state in Pierre for 30 years. Lots of water under the bridge I guess! Anyhow, I hope you all get some great people hired!