Trapper's course

[wolfman1875]

How many trapper's think they don't need to take a trapper's course and learn new thing.

[sourdough doug]

Sounds just like a question thought up by a politician.
Any trapper can learn something at any time, whether it is in course form or whatever.. Every day on the line can be a learning experience.
You should get no arguments on a question like that.

[HunterDave]

Did you just imply that if someone doesn't think that they need to take the basic trapping course that they don't want to learn anything new?
Talk about a loaded question.

The most successful Trappers that I know never had a basic Trappers course. I was fortunate enough to be able to study for and challenge the test and I think that I do pretty good. I studied the manual for two months, stopping to research each and every topic that I wanted to know more about in greater detail and asked a lot of questions online and in person. I would estimate that I put in several hundred hours studying for the test. Compare that to a three day basic Trapper course and it's not hard to determine what training was much more in depth.......so, no, I don't think that I need a basic Trappers course but yes, I am always trying to learn new things and share what I learn with others.

I've had several new Trappers fresh off the basic trapping course in my shed so I have a very good idea of how knowledgeable they are after taking the course.

[Brian Bildson]

Wonder if it would have took you all those 100's of hours of study Dave if you had learnt from knowledgeable instructors? And I guess you'll never know as you haven't taken the course.

I came to Alberta with 10 years of experience so was able to get a license but I have taken the course twice. Always pick up new tips, from both instructors and fellow trappers. Personally i believe you learn more in that environment but to each their own.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by Brian Bildson

Wonder if it would have took you all those 100's of hours of study Dave if you had learnt from knowledgeable instructors? And I guess you'll never know as you haven't taken the course.

I don't think that all of the extra study and research hurt me. Challenging the test was a pass or fail and I wanted to make sure that I passed it. With not knowing what was on the test I had to make sure that I knew and understood everything in the manual. I'm curious, has anyone ever failed the mandatory basic trapping course......or is it what we used to call in the Army as an attendance course?

[Brian Bildson]

The course consists of the same exam you had to pass Dave. There's no fast tracking that I've ever seen.

Plus in addition there is actual fur handling taking place. You have to admit it's easier to learn how to skin watching someone, and having hands on instruction.

I kind of don't get why a trapper wouldn't want the bar to be reasonably high to get a trapping license?

The other thing Dave is not everyone is a high achiever or good student. By having a mandatory course we ensure a minimum standard out there on the trapline.

[blgoodbrand1]

Me as well. You can rest assured he is a true trapper


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[Thunder Elk Hunter]

Had my son take the course even though he could have challenged the test. He said that he has learned it from me and my trapping partner, so all he had to do was challenge the course.
I told him that if he learned just one thing at the course, the money was well spent.
He did pick up a couple of things that we now have implemented in our day to day operation.

[HunterDave]

^^^^You are very fortunate to have the disposable income, many do not.^^^^

I would much rather see people who actually need the income from trapping doing it rather than someone who has money and just does it for recreational reasons.

[sourdough doug]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

^^^^You are very fortunate to have the disposable income, many do not.^^^^

I would much rather see people who actually need the income from trapping doing it rather than someone who has money and just does it for recreational reasons.

I hear you HD. What I wouldn't give to be able to be rigged like some of our compatriates are.. Sure would make the time spent at the "cabin" that much more "pleasant"