Trapper Education courses

In Massachusetts, Trapper Education is mandatory to apply for a Trap Registration Certificate. Anyone who wants to set traps on someone else’s property must identify and register those traps. Therefore, a MassWildlife trap registration certificate is required. The certificate includes a registration number (a four-digit alpha numeric) that must be embedded/stamped on each trap you own and use.

In Trapper Education, students receive instruction on best management practices for trapping furbearers, the proper use of traps, the identification of fur bearing animals and their habitats, trapping laws, ethical trapping behavior, and landowner relations.

Trapper Education can be completed online or in-person. In-person opportunities are offered in the early Spring and early Fall each year.

All courses are free of charge and open to the public. 

Trapper Education: In-Person

No courses available. Please check back in February/March 2024.

Read about the online option below -

Trapper Education: Online

For best performance, access the online course from a computer or laptop (not a smartphone).

Successful completion of the Association of Fisheries and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) free, online, self-paced North American Trapper Education course is recognized for the purpose of applying for a Trap Registration Certificate.

1. Visit https://conservationlearning.org/
2. Click on the green "Login / Create Account" button.
3. Click on the "Create new account" button.
4. Follow the steps to create your account, making sure to provide your full, legal name and valid email address. Don't forget to record the username and password you create.
5. An email will be sent to you to complete your registration. If you do not see it in your inbox, check your Junk/Spam folder.
6. From that email, follow the instructions to enroll in the free North American Trapper Education course.
7. Work at your own pace to complete each section and associated quiz.
8. Once you complete the entire online course, you will be issued a course voucher. Save and print your course voucher. You will need a copy of it to apply for a trap registration certificate. 

Resources

• MassFishHunt: Buy your Trapping license.
• Apply for a Trap Registration Certificate.
• Apply to be a Problem Animal Control (PAC) agent.
• AFWA's Furbearer Management and Best Management Practices for Trapping
• Prevent conflicts with beavers.

Bailey and Hancock Traps

The in-person and blended Massachusetts Trapper Education course includes the training required to use Bailey and Hancock traps. If you have already completed Trapper Education online or through another jurisdiction, but specifically wish to use Bailey and Hancock traps, please contact the Hunter Education Program at [e-mail]

Special accommodations

If you have a disability or a medical condition and you would like to request special accommodations, or if you speak a language other than English and you would like to request an interpreter, please email [e-mail] or call the Hunter Education Program at [phone] and press zero to speak with an attendant.