The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the
Wisconsin Trappers Association (WTA) offers a "hands on" Furbearer Ecology
Workshop originally designed for college students at the University of
Wisconsin Stevens Point, University of Wisconsin Madison and Northland
College in Ashland. The course, based on a 5-day course previously
taught at Madison to WDNR personnel, covered the basics of furbearer
ecology, management, trapping and fur handling. Through a mixture of
lectures ,discussions, and activities, students get a first-hand experience
with se3tting traps and skinning animals, as well as how we manage the
furbearers of the state. This workshop has become the focus of
departments across the country as many other Fish and Game and Wildlife
Agency persons will now be attending.
GOALS
OF FUR ECOLOGY TRAINING WORKSHOP
Update and inform participants on aspects of
furbearer management.
Develop a general understanding of the fur industry.
Familiarize participants with trapping laws and
regulations.
Develop an understanding and increase skill level in
the proper handling and care of pelts.
Update participants on Wisconsin Trapper Education
and Best Management Practices (BMP'S) for trapping.
Develop an understanding and respect for these unique
wildlife species and the public service trapping provides.
Familiarize students with trapping equipment and trap
techniques.
OBJECTIVES
OF FUR ECOLOGY TRAINING WORKSHOP
Learn the terminology
used in the fur industry.
Learn about the
Wisconsin Trappers Association, their purpose and goals.
Learn about illegal
methods of laundering fur.
Learn about furbearer
surveys, furbearer research, population modeling, and furbearer
diseases.
Learn about state,
national, and international impacts on trapping and furbearer
management.
Learn trapping
regulations and how the regulations are applied.
Learn about fur actions,
fur grading, and international marketing.
Learn techniques used by
trappers to legally (and illegally) take furbearers.
Learn the terminology
and workings of trapping equipment.
Learn how to care for
fur; how to skin, flesh, stretch and tan.
Learn about the
Wisconsin Trapper Education Program and BMP'S for trapping.
Lear about tagging and
registration of furbearers.
