Just completed the BC Trappers Course

[ceriksson]

I just finished the BC Trappers course today. Very interesting and informative course and I can now apply for a trapping license as well.

I took the course more for personal knowledge as I don't have the time right now that is required to obtain and properly utilize a registered trap line. Nor do I have the time to properly market myself for nuisance trapping.

It was very informative though to learn about the various fur bearing species in the province and had some great lessons on skinning and cleaning the hides on numerous small animals.

We started by skinning squirrels which due to their abundance and relatively low value are a good training animal.

We also got our hands on racoon, beaver, muskrat and watched the instructor skin coyote, martin, mink and fox. Even if you aren't interested in trapping it was still very informative for outdoor knowledge.

I really enjoyed it and I hope to one day get more involved in the activity to supplement the hunting season. It is a very complementary activity if you can get a registered trapline or agreements with a private landowner or logging company in the same area you hunt so you can set your traps and hunt at the same time!

 

[jaydog]

I had a trapline from the time I was 13-17 in ON and enjoyed every minute- I wonder if they would recognize that licence here in BC?
How long did your course take? Who put it on? Congratulations!

 

[ceriksson]

From what I understand, qualifications in another province should entitle you to one in BC however there was one guy on the course from Ontario who had his qualification there and was told he had to take the course. The instructor though told him it shouldn't have been required and he could have gotten his BC Trapper number without having to re-take the course here in BC.

The course was held in Crofton by Jerry Baker a very active member and former executive director of the BC Trappers Association. Very good instruction. He had a course set for February however that one is full, the next won't be until next fall around this time I think. Cost was just under 400$ for 3 days instruction. Comes with 2yr membership to the BCTA and helps cover the cost of the materials and animals you process as part of the lesson. It is cheaper than the Alberta and Ontario courses apparently.

 

[Call_to_Arms]

Here in Ontario you need to retake the course if you havent had a license in 5 years, so you need to keep your licnese valid! In the GTA the instrustors are asking between $200 to $250 and the course is supposed to be 40 hours! Im doing mine in 2 weeks, the gentleman who is instrucing runs it at his camp/trap line in the Muskokas over 2 consecutive 3 day weekends. You actually get to go out and check the line and skin them fresh. Im only planning on doing pest control in my area, hopefully I can earn hunting privledges on some of the land I clear.