FTA Trappers College

This program combines classroom instruction and in-the-field trapping

The Fur Takers of America (FTA) Trappers College is a one-of-a-kind intensive training program aimed at those involved in or interested in professional and recreational wildlife trapping. The program has earned recognition for offering comprehensive field and classroom training in modern trapping techniques, furbearer management, public relations and related subjects.

The FTA Trappers College is marketed by the FTA as “the only one of its kind in the world.” Its design is to serve both novices and experienced trappers, as well as wildlife professionals and individuals seeking advanced knowledge in trapping and furbearer management. The course is structured over approximately six days combining classroom instruction and in‐the‐field sessions.

A week in Indiana

Upon arriving to Camp Potawotami, a YMCA camp in northern Indiana, all students are interviewed as to their trapping experience. The students are then divided into five different groups based on that experience. They then meet their group’s instructors and the other students they will be spending the week with.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: professional trapping techniques; bait and lure application; trap and snare placement; water and dry‐land trapping; wildlife biology and behavior; managing non‐targets; skinning, grading and marketing fur; trap repair and modification; the use of GPS and topographic maps; public relations for trappers; and furbearer management. A typical day consists of breakfast, in-the-field trapping and training, back to Camp Potawotami for more field instruction, supper, and then capped off with additional classroom instruction.

The rationale behind the college is not only skill enhancement for trapping, but also improvement in the understanding of wildlife ecology, reduction of human-wildlife conflict, ethical and effective trapping practices, and the promotion of trapping as a wildlife management tool.

The breadth of the program means it is suitable for a variety of participants: from hobby trappers or landowners wanting to enhance their knowledge, to professional trappers, nuisance wildlife control operators, wildlife biologists, conservation officers and agency staff. Experienced instructors with decades of combined experience lead the sessions. Attendees gain tangible benefits: they receive a certificate of completion with 70 contact hours from Purdue University. They also benefit greatly from networking with other trappers and wildlife professionals.

The program

The FTA Trappers College is very detailed in its instructional program. Some highlights include:

Field and classroom mix: Each day includes about eight hours in the field and four hours in the classroom, allowing hands-on skill development supported by theoretical learning.

Trapline problem solving and advanced techniques: Students learn how to troubleshoot real trapline issues — non-target captures, equipment malfunction, placement errors, terrain/water-set challenges.

Wildlife biology and behavior: Understanding target species’ habits, behaviors, movement patterns and habitat needs is fundamental to effective trapping and management.

Public relations and ethics: A growing component deals with how trappers and agencies present the practice of trapping to the public, handle misconceptions, and engage in ethical wildlife harvest practices. As CSF noted, it helps with policy education.

Fur processing and marketing: Beyond catching, the College provides instruction on skinning, handling, grading and marketing fur — a more complete lifecycle of the trade.

New technologies and mapping: The program covers use of GPS, topographic maps, modern trap and snare types, updated techniques for both land and water sets.

Networking opportunity: Make the most of the opportunity to interact with seasoned professionals — ask questions, learn from their experiences, and build contacts.

Expect variation: Because instructors come with diverse backgrounds, you will hear varying viewpoints on techniques.

Certification benefit: If you’re involved in wildlife management, agency work, or policy, the fact that the program provides certification and recognized contact hours may be beneficial in your credentialing.

The FTA Trappers College serves an important role beyond individual skill development — it helps bridge the world of wildlife management, policy, ethical harvest and practical trapping techniques. Training like this helps the broader conservation and policymaking community understand trapping’s role, dispel myths, and ensure that the practice is carried out responsibly and effectively.

In a time when trapping is under scrutiny, such focused, professional-level training helps ensure that practitioners are knowledgeable, ethical, efficient, and aligned with wildlife management goals. It enhances the credibility of trappers as conservation partners and helps equip participants for modern challenges.

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