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Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

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Trapping Education

Persons completing the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency.

Who Must Take The Course?

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, is required to complete a trapper education course before purchasing a trapping license.

This course is designed to teach new or inexperienced trappers the most ethical and humane procedures for trapping Illinois furbearers. In addition to basic techniques, it is also important that the trapper understand the unique role that trapping has played in the history of our state and nation. We believe that the trappers create a good image only by being responsible and ethical users of our fur resources. Trappers should also understand the principles of wildlife management and should cooperate with landowners, other sportsmen and mangers of the publics' natural resources. This course, taught by certified instructors, is designed to provide a solid beginning to your trapping education - an education that will continue every day you are on your trapline.

How To Take The Course

Instructor-led Classes

The traditional, and preferred method of Illinois trapper education is completed with an Illinois Volunteer Safety Instructor.  The traditional course is at minimum eight (8) hours of in-person instruction and demonstrations.  Students are required to pass a written exam to pass the course.  The traditional Illinois Trapper Safety Course is free; students will only encounter a cost if there is extra activity provided that the student may choose to participate in.

The curriculum and materials used in the Illinois Trapper Safety course are designed for students at a sixth-grade reading level.  During a traditional in-person course students can expect to participate in the following and more:

  • equipment and trapping techniques
  • trap and pelt preparation
  • wildlife and furbearer management
  • reporting requirements
  • trapper ethics
  • game identification and state regulations

Individuals may participate in any scheduled class throughout Illinois.  Persons completing the minimum eight (8) hours of instruction, passing the written exam, and displaying the necessary skills to trap independently will will receive an Illinois Trap Safety Certificate.  To find a traditional in-person course check our website for Class Schedules.

Online Certification

Students may study course material online and complete each section of the course. At the completion of the course the student must successfully complete an exam and will be able to print off a certificate verifying their assigned Trapper Education number. Trapper Education Course (TrapperEd.com website) . If you need proof of certification, contact Chaz via email at chas@djcase.com or (574)258-0100.

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