Course Outline
These courses are offered throughout the province at VARIOUS locations.
The Standard Trapping course is your first step toward becoming a trapper.
The course includes:
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instruction on the safe use of traps and other equipment,
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biology of fur bearers,
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animal management,
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marketing and grading of furs,
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skinning and fur handling, as well as
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humane trapping techniques.
Added Info
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The minimum age to take the course is 12, however, an adult in attendance must be assigned responsibility for any student under the age of 18.
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The cost of the course is $450.00 and includes the Trapper Education Manual and a 1 Year FREE Membership with the Alberta Trappers Association
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This does NOT include your lodging and meals - this is arranged and paid for by your own preference
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Courses Run Friday, Saturday and Sunday
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BEGINS AT 9:00 AM
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The Alberta Government refers to a Trapline as a Registered Fur Management Area (R.F.M.A)
There are two kinds of trapping licences in Alberta:
- Registered Licence
- Resident Licence
Registered Licence
A Registered License allows a trapper the right to trap a portion of Alberta and with that privilege the trapper may have a cabin to help with trapping activities. This is most commonly called a ‘trapline’. A trapper does not own the land but has the right to trap the fur on that portion subject to a five-year permit with annual renewals. The trapper cannot sell the land on which they trap, selling a trapline refers to the assets within that trapline.
Resident Licence
The Resident Licence allows a trapper to trap on private property with the owner’s permission. This simply requires the consent of the landowner through a properly filled out government form called a WA 19A, available for download here, or at a Fish and Wildlife district office. Your Resident Trapping Licence number must be legible on the form. Many trappers choose this method of trapping and – subject to seasons – resident trappers can harvest most furbearers in the province.
Both Registered and Resident trappers are subject to the rules, regulations and seasons. A guide to these is found in the Alberta Trapping Regulations, which are published yearly.
Course Dates & Locations
Aug 29 - 30, 2026 - Fur Tanning Workshop - WESTLOCK
Sep 11 - 13, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course, LETHBRIDGE COLLEGE
THIS COURSE IS A CLOSED COURSE
Sep 11 - 13, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course, FORT MCKAY First Nation THIS COURSE IS A CLOSED COURSE
Sep 18-20, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCKÂ - THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
Sep 18-20, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course - FORT McMURRAY
Oct 2, 2026 - Hide Processing Workshop - WESTLOCK
Oct 2-4, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course - GRANDE PRAIRIE
Oct 2 - 4, 2026 Standard Trapping Course - MASKWACIS Samson Cree Nation
THIS COURSE IS A CLOSED COURSE
Oct 3 - 4, 2026 - Hide Tanning Workshop - WESTLOCK
Oct 16 - 18, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCK
Oct 16 - 18, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course - MD BONNYVILLE
Oct 24 - 25, 2026 Resident Trapline Management - WESTLOCK
Nov 13 - 15, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course, FORT CHIPEWAN Mikisew Cree First Nation
THIS COURSE IS A CLOSED COURSE
Nov 20 - 22, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCK
Dec 4 - 6, 2026 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCK
Jan 22 - 24, 2027 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCK
Feb 19 - 21, 2027 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCK
Mar 19 - 21, 2027 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCK
Apr 16 - 18, 2027 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCK
May 14 - 16, 2027 - Standard Trapping Course - WESTLOCK
Instructors Vary
Trapping Instructors are trained by the Alberta Trappers Association. They follow a Code of Conduct as well as staying up to date with their skills at an annual training session.
Trapping Course FAQ
The Alberta Trappers Association Education Department is here to support YOU and provide all the tools to become a successful Alberta Trapper!Â
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Please contact Tracey Fedorvich the Trapper Education Co-ordinator or Ross Hinter the Community Liaison/Program Developer  at 780-349-6626
Do I have to take a course, or can I challenge the exam?
The challenge exam was discontinued several years ago now. You must take a Standard Trapping Course in Alberta to be able to obtain a trapping license.
Will my trapping license come with this Standard Course?
Once you have successfully completed the Standard Trapping Course, you will receive a certificate that shows you have passed the course. Take your certificate to a Fish and Wildlife office. Pay for your license. Currently the cost is $20 for a Resident Trapping License.
What is the cost of the Standard Trapping Course?
The current cost is $450, which includes the Alberta Trapping Manual and a FREE CURRENT Year Membership with the Alberta Trappers Association.
How long is the course?
The course runs for 3 days, 8 hours each day. This includes classroom and field hours.
After taking this course and becoming licensed, is my training valid in other provinces?
If you were licensed in Alberta and have your proof, you can obtain a trapping license in other provinces. You will need to obtain the provincial regulations for trapping in that Province. Here are the Regulations for the Province of Alberta.
Can I attend a Standard Trapping Course in my own area?
Yes, it is possible to run a course in your area if there are 12 students, an adequate facility with washroom, heat and power, along with a suitable bush field site for the practical portion of the training. Please contact us to set this up.
Do I have to purchase a trapline in order to trap with my license?
No, you do not need to purchase a trapline. With your license you may trap on private land in Alberta, once your have obtained permission from the landowner along with the completion of the WA-19A formÂ
Are there other required courses that I need?
No, it is not required to take up-grading courses or workshops. In the furthering of your skills and success in trapping, consider the additional courses and workshops offered. Most workshops pay for themselves as you become skilled with your trapping and fur handling. The Snaring Workshop is an indispensable one if you are going to trap with Lethal Neck Snares. View the ATA Position Statement here.
How often do Standard Trapping Courses run?
This course is available at the Westlock location monthly. Westlock is in the center of the province and enables both northern and southern students to obtain the training. Please visit our Education Page to stay up to date on other locations in the province that are scheduling courses.
Why is the course $450 when other provinces charge less?
The ATA Standard Trapping Course runs over a course of 3 full days. It has earned the reputation as one of the highest standards of Trapper Training in North America! The cost covers:
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Administration
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Facility Rental (if not at Westlock Location)
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Manuals
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Provincial Certified Instructors and their Food & Lodging
Now that I have my course, my license, permission to trap...Is there anyone that can mentor me and help me get started?
Yes, we offer a FREE Adult Mentoring Program. Visit the details on our website to apply. We also offer a FREE Youth Mentoring Program. Depending on your location, local branches of the ATA may assist you in locating a trapper willing to mentor you in the field.
