General Information – MN Trappers Association

ATTENTION NON-MINNESOTA RESIDENTS:
There apparently has been some confusion on the part of some non-residents regarding MN Trapper Certification. At this time, non residents of Minnesota are not permitted to trap legally in this State with or without a certification. Although non-resident full-time students residing in MN are eligible to purchase most DNR licenses as residents while attending school in MN, unfortunately trapping privileges are not extended to non-resident full-time students at this time. The only exception is those owning land in Minnesota are permitted to trap the land they own with proper licensure purchased.

Although everyone is welcome to complete the Minnesota Trapper Education Course – it will have no bearing on non-residents being allowed to trap in Minnesota. Non-residents intentionally purchasing resident licenses fraudulently, nullifies the possession of such licenses and is subject to legal action by the State.

TRAPPER CERTIFICATIONS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ELEVEN YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER AND/OR ARE MINNESOTA LIFETIME LICENSE HOLDERS.

For general questions contact:

Shawn Johnson
Education Coordinator
(218) 525-4970
mcquaderoadfur@msn.com

Minnesota Trapper Certification

Attention Prospective Trapper Education Students:

As it appears in the Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook:

Persons born after December 31, 1989, who have not been issued a trapping license in a previous year may not obtain a trapping license without a trapper education certificate. The Minnesota Trappers Association will conduct trapper education courses statewide, free of charge to the participants, and issue certificates that satisfy this trapping license requirement. Contact the MTA for class information. These courses include a mandatory field training portion that MUST be completed before certification. Please plan to take certification courses well in advance of the fur trapping season.

Minnesota Hunting Regulations

Trapper Certification Field Training Sessions?
Much like prospective first time hunters must plan ahead to get their Firearm Safety Certificate, prospective trappers must do likewise, to ensure they receive their Trapper Education certification well in advance of the MN trapping season. Trapper Education Course and associated Field Training Sessions are usually only available at certain times of the year.

All traditional trapper education classes and field training sessions are usually completed for the season by the end of September statewide. Most areas of the State will not have another opportunity until late winter or early spring at the earliest. Class and field training sessions are published on the website as they are scheduled. Join the MTA and receive quarterly updates on upcoming conventions and training.

After all scheduled field training sessions have been completed and particularly once trapping season has begun in portions of the State, the only alternative for an individual seeking certification is the online coursework necessary in order to complete the written exam portion of the Program. However, the field training aspect must also be completed prior to the certification becoming valid.

A list of certified Trapper Education Instructors is provided on the website but be aware that most will be extremely busy with their own trap lines at this time of year and accommodating students in need of field training will be difficult if not impossible in most cases.

The only other practical option would be for you to solicit and secure your own personal field instructor at this point in time.

Please review the documents provided under “In Field Training” on the online course portion of the website to determine if a non-certified field instructor that you know may be qualified to provide this required aspect of the Program for you.

Individuals who do not meet the specified qualifications outlined may be approved on an individual basis by the MTA Education Coordinator.

Now that trapping season has begun, the only alternative for an individual seeking certification is the online coursework necessary in order to complete the written exam portion of the Program. However, the field training aspect must also be completed prior to the certification becoming valid.

The only other practical option would be for you to solicit and secure your own personal field instructor at this point in time.

Individuals that do not meet the specified qualifications outlined may be approved on an individual basis by the MTA Education Coordinator.

New Trapper Education Program Graduate Policy 2024

Every graduate of the Program regardless of age, will receive an NTA Handbook. (MTA Education Fund)
Graduates under 21 will receive a one-year membership to MTA, which includes the Trappers Post publication. (MTA Education Fund)
Graduates age 21 and older will receive a one-year membership in the MTA without Trappers Post publication. They will have the option to add Trappers Post to their membership for $15. (MTA General Fund)
Graduates under the age of 21 will receive a gift certificate for purchasing trapping supplies redeemable at:

Cumberlands Northwest Trapper Supply
Minnesota Trapline Products
Schmitt Enterprises
Top Lot Stretcher Co

Note: $50 total retail value. The certificate is worth $30 and can be used in person or online with the 4 specified dealers at any time. The $20 bonus coupon below the certificate can only be redeemed by purchases made at MTA conventions. (MTA Education Fund)

5. Traps and trapping supplies that are donated to the MTA will be sold at our benefit auction with proceeds going into our Education Fund unless the donor specifies they want their donation used differently. Example: Items donated are to be distributed to graduates of the trapper ed program within the donor’s district. Then we will do our best to accommodate their wishes.