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Trapper Education
A trapper education course teaches participants how to responsibly trap furbearing animals and bears in Maine. This comprehensive course provides a foundation of knowledge and skills upon which to build. Topics covered in the 10-hour course include trapping ethics, proper trapping equipment, responsible trap setting, and the importance of sound wildlife management practices. (See course content below.)
Maine’s Trapping Education Courses are considered home study courses. Participants must complete the online module OR the workbook AND attend the in-person course which includes a short, written exam to successfully complete the course. Upon successful completion you will receive your Maine Trapper Education Certification Card.
Trapping Education Course
- Fur handling
- Tools of the trade
- Trap setting: Types of traps, trap setting, and best management practices
- Handling and releasing animals
- Trapping laws and regulations
- Landowner relations and trapping ethics
- Hands-on field exercises
- Use of exclusion devices
- Course includes the bear trapping module
Students must be at least ten years old to attend the course, students under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
New courses will be posted below as they become available.
Can't find a course for your area? Contact the Recreational Safety Division Office at (207) 287-5220
When registering online, please make sure that all fields are filled out completely and accurately.
Current Courses
| County | Location | Contact | Date/Time | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland | Gray - Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Regional Office | Steve Barr - (207) 446-4173 or Stephen.L.Barr@maine.gov for questions/information | November 24, 8:30am-3pm |
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| Cumberland | Gray - Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Regional Office | Steve Barr - (207) 446-4173 or Stephen.L.Barr@maine.gov for questions/information | December 14, 8:30am-3pm |
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| Kennebec | Augusta - Sportsman Alliance of Maine - Outdoor Center | Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berard@maine.gov for questions/information | December 04, 8:30am-3:30pm | |
| Penobscot | Brewer - Penobscot County Conservation Association (PCCA) | Charles Shaffer - (207) 446-4132 or Charles.B.Shaffer@maine.gov for questions/information | November 24, 8:30am-3:30pm | |
| Piscataquis | Willimantic - Big Pine Gun Club | Charles Shaffer - (207) 446-4132 or Charles.B.Shaffer@maine.gov for questions/information | December 07, 8:30am-3:30pm |
Looking for the Black Bear Trapping Education course? Click here
This course is shorter and designed for those that wish only to trap black bear in Maine.