Hunting Forum

I am on break till Jan 20 then classes start back up.  I want to start trapping just for fun over break in the future (not this year obviously) In Wisconsin you need to take a course before you can get a license.  I don't think they have an online option, which is what I'd prefer but they do have a correspondence class where I think they just send you the materials and then you send it back but I'm not sure.  Any one take this before? Is it worth it or should I try to find an actual course this summer.  Any information on it would be great thanks.

Most state trapper ed courses are very basic like hunter ed rules, regs, safety, and etc. They aren't real heavy on the how too. I never had to take NYs as I was grandfathered in.

You mention that there is not an on-line option, but then say there is a correspondance course. Is the correspondance course recognized/accepted by the Wis DNR? If so, it's wirth a shot. But you will still have to do alot of homework/research on your own to get tips/angles on methods and timing, etc. These forums are great for that stuff as everyone is always willing to help. Otherwise, I would be more comfortable with an actual course as it allows you to pick the instructors brain for tips and angles in person 1 on 1.

I took the correspondance class with my kids two summers ago. It is easy to do, and the materials are sent to you in the mail.

Thanks dsoter, how long did it take from when you signed up? Would I be able to finish it during my week long spring break?

You wouldn't finish it within the week.

I say do the course if an actual class is not an option. But I would suggest a actual class if you can find one in your area. Hands on with traps and making sets is important. But I took the course through the mail and it took me about two weeks start to finish and then about another week or so to get my paperwork back.

Thanks I actually just got the stuff today in the mail. I contacted the organization directly and they said I had .... some number of days that should be more than enough for me even with classes. I agree I was worried about not getting the actual hands on part, so I contacted a friend in my home town because I know his dad traps, and he offered to help me next year with setting up a couple traps of my own and he'll let me come along on his line too. I'm excited for that!

I finished the course and found out I passed about a week ago. Now I just need to figure what I need to trap raccoon next fall. Any body that can give me a starters shopping list would be greatly appreciated. They give a bunch of options during the course, but they don't say what works best, and just refer you to the "Best management practices" which still leaves me with a ton of options. I will be trapping family land, and am mainly concerned with removing predators from the land more so than actually collecting furs. I have nothing now, so what are the basics I would need besides just traps, and what are everyone's favorite set ups. thanks

For coon a 1 1/2 coilspring is perfect for them. BUT. You said you want to trap predators and the aforementioned trap is a great fox trap but if you have coyotes they'll bust it up. So go minimum 1.75 coils no#2s would be best. But whatever most all traps need modification out of the box.