Trapper Courses

The Alberta Trappers Association conducts several training courses every year throughout the province. The courses are 28 hours in length and usually run in the evenings throughout the week, with a full day on Saturday. There are two instructors in this course, providing an excellent foundation for trapping principles. If there is no course scheduled for your area and you would like one, we require someone to act as a contact person to set up the logistics of the course. Contact our office for further information.

We are also available to provide speakers to interested groups such as industries, clubs or schools. A variety of presentations are available depending on the needs of the organization. Please contact us for more information.

Course Content

The program content includes:

• History & Development of the Industry

• Biology of Furbearers

• Management of Furbearers

• Required Equipment

• Preparation & Business Management

• Humane Harvesting

• Fur Handling

• Fur Marketing

• Field Trips

Dave Unger Trappers College

A standard trapping course will be offered at the Dave Unger Trappers College in Debolt Alberta. These courses are specifically designed for those interested potential trappers living in areas where we do not travel to. This said, all interested candidates are invited to register. This course is also open to any interested person in North America.

Duration

Travel to the site will take place Thursday morning. Students will settle in and be ready for instruction for 10:00am Thursday. Instruction will continue throughout the weekend and we will finish up shortly after lunch on Sunday. Students return home Sunday evening. The course is the standard 28 hours of instruction on humane trapping, pelt preparation, Alberta rules, and fur bearer management for the trapper. Upon successful completion of the instruction, the student receives a certificate which enables him/her to purchase either a resident or registered trapping license in Alberta.

Accommodation, Meals, & Structures

Students will be housed in a two person bunk house. Shower and bathroom facilities are available on site. The site has a heated classroom, field site, and fur preparation area. During the evenings a fire pit session is available to further discuss trapping methods. Meals will be provided and are included in the course tuition.

Course Photos & Clips

Testimonials

"Great venue, great instructors and a wonderful family experience for myself and my girls. It was great for both seasoned veterans or beginners."

"Excellent hands on opportunity. Family environment with a no pressure atmosphere for learning. A wonderful experience."

"Tired of wasting time doing nothing on a holiday, then tired again when you get home ? Well not for us. My 12 year old son and I experienced the exact opposite on a recent four day 'hands on' Alberta Trapper Education outing. The wealth of knowledge that we have been exposed to during this time would take a life time to learn on your own. The zeal and excitement that these dedicated 'trapper' teachers have shared and now passed on to these new stewards of Alberta's fur bearers will have a great beneficial effect on the natural resources of our beautiful province of Alberta."