The S.C. Department of Natural Resources is offering a first-ever Trapping Education class for youths, to be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Styx Classroom on Fish Hatchery Road in Columbia.
Registration for remaining spots is available at www.register-ed.com/events/view/24190. Under new trapping laws, youth who are under the required age to get a hunting license can obtain a commercial trapping license provided they complete the trappers education course offered by SCDNR.
Jay Butfilosky, furbearer coordinator for SCDNR, said that if the class fills up, prospective students should call the SCDNR office in Columbia and get your name on file for future classes.
Ricky Williams, president of the SC Trappers association, said that he is pleased with the appeal and response the class has gotten so far.
“Most people don’t know about it yet.” Williams said. “We are planning on offering several more classes next year to take place in different parts of the state. We want to encourage youth to come and learn the art and craft of trapping.”
Williams said the class is geared for student at least 12 years old, but it can handle 10- or 11-year-olds if they have some trapping knowledge.
The class will cover rules and regulations and also have some hands-on training on setting traps, targeting different species and making effective sets for catching furbearers.
“We anticipate the class growing and developing over time,” said Williams, who is optimistic that classes will grow and adult classes will be offered as trapping gets more popular in South Carolina.
In order to trap in South Carolina, you must possess a valid hunting license and a commercial fur harvesting license. These are available through the SCDNR. Commercial license are not available online.
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