Trapping course, Salamonie Reservoir, Oct. 10-11

Indiana DNR Release:

A free trapper education course for all ages, youth through adult, will be offered by Salamonie Reservoir and the Indiana State Trappers Association (ISTA), Oct. 10-11, at the Upper Wabash Interpretive Center.

The program starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct.10, with education on trapping issues, ethics and regulations. Lunch will be provided. After lunch, participants will set traps for furbearers on the trap line under the close supervision of the instructor. Traps will be left overnight and checked the next day.

Participants have the option of leaving late Saturday afternoon or camping Saturday night at the Lost Bridge West youth campground, near the Interpretive Center.

On Sunday at 9 a.m., participants will accompany trapping instructors to check traps and handle the fur of animals caught. After the traps are checked, furbearers caught will be used in skinning and fleshing demonstrations by ISTA instructors. Sunday's lunch also will be provided.

Attendees do not need a trapping license for this program. Entrance fees to the property will be waived for participants. The course is free but advance registration by Oct. 1 is required. To register, call (260) 468-2127.

Participants may want to bring waterproof boots or hip waders and will need to dress for the weather. Overnight camping at the youth campground is optional; however, participants must attend both day sessions to earn the DNR Trapper Education Certification.

The Interpretive Center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area, west of Highway 105 in western Huntington County.