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Trapping And Hunting Camp

An on-the-line (not online) trapping program based at our field school. We’ll be focused on trapping for both food and fur. Our focus will be on trapping beaver and muskrat in the water using body-gripping traps. Because of this, participants should be comfortable poling and paddling a canoe.

Participants will learn about preparing traps, legal considerations (ie. how to not break the law), targeting species, animal sign and tracks, animal habits, trap placement, trap sets, skinning and processing for food and fur.

This is an advanced course, not suitable for beginners. We won’t be covering how to pole a canoe, how to use a knife or axe, how to light a fire, etc. We assume you have these skills so we can focus on trapping and hunting.

We’ll also cover a variety of deadfall traps and snares. Our curriculum here is derived from anthropological literature and what northern cultures were using on a daily basis, not survival books or YouTube. As these are illegal, we will not be using them. It is our view, however, that learning about them can bring significant depth of knowledge regarding the heritage of trapping.

Group size is limited to 6 participants in order to ensure a hands-on experience.

Details: Participants will be camping in tents outfitted with wood stoves at our field school in northern Maine. While not winter, nights will likely be below freezing and participants should plan their gear appropriately. Waders are a must unless you plan to just watch.

Schedule: Plan to arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Saturday morning.

During the course, just about everything is in season to hunt. during our downtime (early morning, later afternoon) participants will have ample opportunities to get out on their own hunting for small or large game. In order to hunt, you must have a valid hunting license.

Note: This is not a trapper education course sponsored by the state. You will not get your trappers education card for participating.