Trappers were on the cutting edge of exploring and eventually settling North America. Generations of Alabamians armed only with a set of traps were able to harvest an animal hide that can be sold for money to the fur industry or be prepared into warm winter clothing. Trapping can also be used to control dangerous predators that prey on livestock or, in hard times, even to put meat on the table. Sadly though, fewer and fewer Alabamians have received these important survival skills from their parents and grandparents. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ACDNR) therefore is sharing the historical and biological aspects of furbearer management with a new generation of Alabamians.
Online registration is now open for both youth and adult workshops on furbearer management.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering a series of youth and adult trapping workshops throughout the state this winter. The workshops are free to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit their website:
www.outdooralabama.com/trapping-workshops.
These educational workshops provide instruction on the historical aspects of trapping, biological information about furbearers and furbearer management, and the proper techniques of using trapping as a sound wildlife management tool.
All workshops are limited to just 25 participants. The youth workshops are recommended for ages 7 and up. Youth ages 7 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Youth over 16 are not required to have an adult present, but it is recommended.
The Youth Trapping Workshops will be:
- December 8-9, 2018, in Citronelle, Ala.
- December 15-16, 2018, in Red Bay, Ala.
- December 29-30, 2018, in Greensboro, Ala.
- January 12-13, 2019, in Atmore, Ala.
- February 9-10, 2019, in Scottsboro, Ala.
- February 16-17, 2019, in Spanish Fort, Ala.
- The Adult Trapping Workshops will be:
- November 3-4, 2018, in Hamilton, Ala.
- February 23-24, 2019, at Portland Landing in Dallas County, Ala.
For more information, contact Mike Sievering with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at:
Mike.Sievering@dcnr.alabama.gov or call 205-339-5716.
The workshops are a cooperative project between ADCNR, the Alabama Trappers and Predator Control Association, USDA Wildlife Services and Safari Club International.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
