- FTA EDUCATION -
Trappers College
PROFESSIONAL TRAPPERS COLLEGE FURBEARER MANAGEMENT SHORT COURSE
September 12-18, 2027
YMCA Camp Potawatomi, Wolcottville, IN
- FTA EDUCATION -
Trappers's College
PROFESSIONAL TRAPPERS COLLEGE FURBEARER MANAGEMENT SHORT COURSE
September 12 - 31, 2027
YMCA Camp Potawatomi, Wolcottville, IN
TUITION
$1,850
DEPOSIT
$850 (non-refundable)
FINAL PAYMENT DUE
August 1, 2027
CONTACT HOURS
TUITION
$1,850
DEPOSIT
$850 (non-refundable)
FINAL PAYMENT DUE
August 1, 2027
The most comprehensive program of its kind.
Trapper's College is dedicated to teaching the most professional, current, and humane methods of trapping and furbearer management. Students and instructors travel in from across the U.S. and Canada — commercial fur harvesters, wildlife biologists, conservation officers, researchers, and nuisance wildlife professionals alike.
First held in 1980 at Pingree Park, Colorado, the College found its permanent home in northeast Indiana in 1986 and has run there every year since.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
1,800+
GRADUATES
45+
YEARS RUNNING
50
STATES + CANADA, NORWAY, SPAIN
1,800+
GRADUATES
45+
YEARS RUNNING
50
STATES + CANADA, NORWAY, SPAIN
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Tuition covers more than class time.
01
Purdue Certificate of Completion
05
Lure Samples
02
Trapping Rocky Mountain Furbearers + Trapping Books
06
College Graduate Patch
03
FTA Certification & Rating
07
70 Contact Hours
04
Networking with trappers & professionals nationwide
08
Field Exercises at Pigeon River WMA
CURRICULUM
Topics Covered
- Professional trapping techniques
- Management & natural history of furbearers
- Population dynamics of furbearers
- Bait / lure application & uses
- Trap & snare placement in detail
- Avoiding non-target species
- Fur handling & grading
- Wildlife diseases & human risk
- Building snares
- Dry-land & water sets
MEET THE FACULTY
Taught by working professionals.
E.J Kelley
Professional Trapper / Canine Specialist
Charlie Masheck
Professional Trapper
Dave Eckels
Veteran Trapper
Brian MacGowan
Purdue Extension Wildlife Specialist
Robert Colona
Professional Trapper
Mike Mazur
Director
Doug McKenzie
Professional Trapper, NWCO
NEED HELP ATTENDING?
Scholarships Available
Both cover tuition, room, and board. Application deadline is May 1; awardees are notified by June 1.
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Charles & Pat Park
Created in memory of Charles Park to keep his belief in trapping education alive. Open to thos who've never attended the College before.
Covers: Tuition, room & board
Deadline: May 1. Notified by: June 1
Requirement:
Completed Scholarship Application
Completed FTA Trappers College Registration Form
Note:
No previous enrollment in the Trappers College. Travel arrangements and expenses to be self paid.
Able to attend the current calendar year Trappers College.
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Gary Jepson
Helps experienced trappers who might not otherwise afford it attend, keeping the next generation of fur trappers learning and growing.
Covers: Tuition, room & board
Deadline: May 1. Notified by: June 1
Requirement:
Must be an experienced fur trapper
Completed Scholarship Application
Completed FTA Trappers College Registration Form
Note:
Travel arrangements and expenses to be self paid.
Able to attend the current calendar year Trappers College.
NOTIFICATION: Awarded individual will be contacted via phone or email Notifications of award will be by June 1 of each calendar year
To make a donation to either scholarship opportunity, please contact Cristina Jones at 908-982-8753 or ftatrapperscollege@gmail.com
Seats fill up fast. Reserve Yours.
An $850 non-refundable deposit holds your spot for up to 2 years
Questions about Trappers College or donating to a scholarship? Contact Cristina Jones at 908-982-8753 or ftatrapperscollege@gmail.com
GALLERY
Trappers College 2026
