Wisconsin Cooperative Trapper Education Program (WCTEP)

Photo from one of the University Fur Ecology Schools. John Irwin, trapper education instructor and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Students.

WDNR Photo

The future of furbearer trapping in Wisconsin is secured through an educated public that understands the need for and value in wildlife management. This is accomplished through trained trappers familiar with modern and humane methods of animal restraint, as well as the proper handling of furbearers. The mandatory WCTEP program brings experienced and skilled trappers, trained and apprenticed in the trapper education program, into the classroom where they can share their knowledge and understanding with those interested.

Trapping in Wisconsin

Trapping of our state’s furbearers is a source of recreation and income for several thousand established trappers, as well as the hundreds of new trappers coming through our program each year. It is carefully regulated to protect sensitive species from over harvest such as with bobcat, fisher and otter. However, it can also be used as a control measure to reduce certain populations, such as muskrat, beaver and raccoon, which can cause property damage and facilitate the spread of disease. The future of trapping in Wisconsin depends on proper management and ethical trapping – a task that requires the cooperation of all trappers, landowners and resource managers.

Wisconsin's Cooperative Trapper Education Program is administered jointly by the Wisconsin Trappers Association (WTA) (Exit DNR) and the DNR. The WTA is affiliated with the National Trappers Association (NTA) (Exit DNR).

Trapper Education Courses in Your Area

Trapper Education Program Details

Questions for Wildlife Management