The Cooperative Fur Harvester Education Program is actively continuing its mission to train future trappers across North Dakota, offering an introductory course that focuses on critical aspects of the practice. Established in 2008, the program aims to develop comprehensive education standards for the activity. It also works to instruct both individuals new to trapping and those with existing experience on the humane treatment of furbearer resources. The initiative emphasizes safety protocols, adherence to relevant regulations, and sound wildlife management practices, serving residents throughout the state, including those in Burleigh and Morton counties.
The program delivers its curriculum through a 16-hour course designed to provide a thorough introduction to fur harvesting. This educational experience is structured with two evening classroom sessions, which lay the groundwork for understanding the theoretical and regulatory components of trapping. Following these initial sessions, students participate in a full day of hands-on outdoor instruction. This practical segment is crucial for developing essential skills in a real-world setting, preparing participants for responsible harvesting.
During the outdoor instruction, participants gain direct experience with various trapping techniques and furbearer handling. Students learn how to skin muskrats, a fundamental skill for new trappers, and how to safely handle beavers. The field stations are a key part of the practical training, covering different types of equipment and methods. Instruction includes water sets, which are used for aquatic furbearers, as well as cable devices and foothold traps, used for a variety of land-dwelling animals. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are exposed to the breadth of modern fur harvesting methods.
Phil Mastrangelo, an instructor with the Fur Harvester Education Program, acknowledges that getting started in trapping can appear challenging to newcomers. He notes that the initial exposure to trapping can be an “overwhelming course when they see all of the equipment that’s required.” Mastrangelo offers practical advice for those interested in pursuing the activity. He states that the “best recommendation I give to people is just start small and see if you enjoy it.” This guidance encourages a gradual entry into the practice, reducing the perceived barrier for new participants.
Mastrangelo also observed that many of the program's instructors themselves began their trapping journey with simpler methods. He highlighted muskrat trapping as an accessible entry point, making it easier for individuals to learn the basics before advancing to more specialized disciplines. As trappers gain experience and confidence, they can then branch into techniques such such as utilizing cable devices for species like coyotes. This progression allows for a structured development of skills within the fur harvesting community, promoting long-term engagement and expertise.
For those across North Dakota interested in learning these skills, the next set of classes is scheduled for early October. The sessions will take place from Oct. 1-3 at the Velva Wildlife Club in Velva, N.D. These courses are offered free of charge to participants, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals. Registration for the program is available online, allowing prospective students to sign up conveniently for the upcoming training. The program serves as a vital resource for promoting responsible fur harvesting throughout the state.
