Wolf Trapping Training Coming to Missoula
Montana will allow wolf trapping for the first time in recent years this winter, but in order to participate trappers will need to have special certification. Public information officer with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Vivica Crowser explains where and when to get the training.
The first training session occurs on September 15th at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Missoula followed by a September 16th class at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton. There will be opportunities in Anaconda, Lolo, and in the Grenough area of the Lubrecht Experimental Forest.
Wolf Trapping season runs from December 15 through February 28.
[UPDATE COURTESY OF FWP]
Classes are free of charge and will break for one hour at lunch. These one-day classes will be held on the following dates and times in west-central Montana:
Missoula:
Classes held at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (5705 Grant Creek Road)
· Saturday, Sept. 15, 9a.m.-4p.m.
· Wednesday, Sept. 19: 3-10p.m.
· Saturday, Oct. 13, 9.a.m.-4p.m.
Hamilton:
Classes held at the Bitterroot River Inn (139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive)
Sunday, Sept. 16, 9a.m.-4p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 30, 9a.m.-4p.m.
Greenough:
Lubrecht Experimental Forest (38689 Hwy 200 East). Please note that there are limited nearby facilities, so students should plan to bring a lunch, or purchase a chili lunch on-site for $8.
Saturday, Sept. 22, 9a.m.-4p.m.
Lolo:
Lolo Community Center (12345 Hwy 93 South)
Sunday, Sept. 23, 9a.m.-4p.m.
Anaconda:
Lee Metcalf Center (115 E Pennsylvania)
Sunday, Oct. 14, 9a.m.-4p.m.
Classes are also scheduled for many other communities around the state. Prospective trappers can find dates, locations, times and sign-up for a class on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Wolf Trapping Certification." For assistance with registration, please call the Missoula FWP office at 406-542-5500.
Classes are taught by FWP staff and experienced wolf trappers. In addition to specifics on equipment and techniques, participants will learn about the history, ethics, management, regulations and requirements of wolves and wolf trapping.
Wolf trappers must hold a Montana trapping license and complete the class before heading to the field. Montana’s first-ever wolf trapping season is set to run from Dec. 15 to Feb. 28, 2013. In addition, Montana has a wolf hunting season that started Sept. 1 for archers in some backcountry districts and ends Feb. 28, 2013.