FWP puts mandatory trapper education on hold

Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Trapper education will not be mandatory for the 2018/2019 trapping season.

The decision to not move forward with implementing a new mandatory trapper education program came last week after questions arose about whether the Fish and Wildlife Commission has clear statutory direction to implement the program.

The commission approved a package of trapping requirements at its August 2017 meeting. The package included equipment modifications and mandatory trapper education. However, as the department worked to implement the education program, questions arose as to whether the commission was the appropriate venue to bring forward the question of mandatory trapper education.

FWP will continue to work with the trapping community, staff and legislators to ensure the tradition of humane and ethical trapping in Montana continues.