Maryland Fur Trappers

MD Fur Trappers Association to Sponsor Junior Trapper Education Day

Maryland Fur Trappers Inc. announces that it will sponsor its Junior Trapper Education Day on Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Participation is open to all students 16 years of age or younger. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Some of the instruction will be in the field, rain or shine; dress for the weather, waterproof boots are recommended. Lunch, soft drinks and snacks will be provided. There will be no fee, however PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Topics of instruction will include conservation and stewardship of natural resources, furbearer biology and natural history, furbearer regulations and ethics, trapping methods and fur handling techniques.
This is an outstanding opportunity for youngsters interested in our natural resources to learn about the importance of trapping as a conservation and wildlife management tool.

The location for this year’s event will be at the Burbage Camp near Powellville, MD. For more information, directions and to pre-register, call Alfred Bradford at 410-957-0183 or Charles Burbage at 410-835-8610.

Headquartered in Frederick, MD, the MD Fur Trappers Association is a leader among sportsman’s groups promoting conservation and sound scientific wildlife management practices. Founded in 1961, the organization is comprised of fifteen districts statewide and is affiliated with the National Trappers Association, the National Wildlife Control Operators Association,
and the Maryland Wildlife Control Operators Association. A number of members are licensed by the MD Department of Natural Resources as Wildlife Control Cooperators, providing assistance to residents of the State dealing with nuisance wildlife issues

Advanced Trapper Education Course

Camp Hickory, Garrett County
September 5-6, 2008
Maryland State Trapping School

Purpose
To provide a quality learning experience for beginning to advanced trappers.

Focus
1.Furbearer biology and management in Maryland.
2.Importance of trapping in resource management and animal damage control.
3.Overview of the fur harvest industry.
4.Animal behavior (intelligence, dispersal, etc.), and their application in trapline strategies.
5.Effective lure and bait usage.
6.Principles of land trapping.
7.Principles of water trapping.
8.Snares and ethical snaring methods.
9.Fur Handling and grading
10.Trapping ethics:
·Responsibilities to trapped animals
·Responsibilities to the non-trapping public.
·Responsibilities to fellow trappers and trapping organizations.
·Individual obligations that contribute towards the continuance of the fur, harvest industry.

Date
September 5-6, 2008.

Location / Facilities
Housing will be provided at Camp Hickory in scenic Garrett County, Maryland. Camp Hickory is a modern, year-round environmental education facility. Sleeping quarters, cafeteria, and the lecture hall are climate controlled. Attendees are required to provide their own bedding and toiletry items. Camp staff will provide all meals and snacks.

Trapping Conditions
Trapping will be conducted on both public and private lands. Trapping conditions are varied and will be representative of, and applicable to all regions of Maryland. Land trapping locations will range from crop and pasture land to rugged heavily timbered mountain terrain. Water trapping conditions will vary from slow moving beaver flowages to whitewater trout streams.

Instructors
Your instructors have been selected from some of the premier trappers in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Region. In addition, Maryland DNR, Wildlife and Heritage Service personnel will be present to conduct lectures and provide technical expertise.

Class Size
To insure that students receive ample personal attention during field activities, class size will be limited to approximately 40 individuals. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Fees
$100.00 for MFTI members, $125.00 for non-members. The non-member fee includes a one-year membership to the MFTI. Payment should be made to the Maryland Fur Trappers Inc.. Payment can be made at the school or mailed in advance to:
Dan Tucker
6093 Blue Stone Circle
Frederick, Md. 21702
(301) 663-6258

Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available for qualified individuals. It is the Maryland Fur Trappers Inc., sincere wish that all interested persons may attend. If fees or transportation are a barrier to your attendance, please contact Dan Tucker at the number listed above. Every effort will be made to address your specific needs.

Conduct
A standard of behavior is necessary to preserve the integrity of the Maryland State Trapping School, and to protect the health and safety of all participants. Instructors will supervise all activities and advise / enforce all rules pertaining to this event. Misconduct may forfeit your fees and continued participation in the Maryland State Trapping School. All minors that are not accompanied by an adult shall be required to possess a contact phone number for their parent or guardian, and a signed copy of the attached Maryland State Trapping School Application and Health Information form.
·Firearms, alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco products are prohibited on Camp Hickory grounds.

Equipment List
1.Provided by the student:
·Toilet articles including towels, soap, etc..
·Bedding and pillow or sleeping bag.
·Foul weather clothing.
·Knee and/or hip boots or waders.
·Paper and writing instruments.
2.Provided by the Maryland State Trapping School:
·Meals, snacks, and drinks.
·All necessary trapping equipment. However, students are encouraged to bring their own equipment if desired.

Contact List
If additional information is needed, please contact one of the following people after 5:00 pm..
·Daniel B. Tucker(301) 663-6258
·Roy Stanley(301) 865-3412
·Richard Garrett(410) 673-2061
·Garland Maust(301) 245-4216