Trappers College | Fur Takers

The FTA Trappers College

Click image to view our FTA Trappers College video on YouTube

FTA Trapper's College is the only one of its kind in the world. The college provides six days of in the field, hands-on training with some of the best trappers in the world serving as instructors.

The field experience is backed up with classroom instruction to provide the most extensive training for both beginners and experts. Class placement is based on your level of experience and needs.

Some of the topics covered include:
• Professional Trapping Techniques
• Bait/Lure Application & Use
• Public Relations & Trapping
• Furbearer Management
• Trap & Snare Placement in detail
• Topographic Maps & GPS Technology
• New Trap Types & Techniques
• Trapline Troubleshooting
• Avoiding Non-Targets
• Skinning, Handling, Grading & Marketing Fur
• Wildlife Diseases & Human Risks
• Trap Modification & Repair
• Building Snares
• Water & Dry Land Trapping
• Wildlife Biology: Behavior & Habits
• And More

Scholarships

Depending on finances, it's possible to receive a partial scholarship for tuition to FTA Trapper College. Learn More.

2025 Class Details

The 2025 class will be held September 7-13, 2025 in Wolcottville, Indiana.
Cost is $1,850 which includes tuition, room, board and meals. Travel costs not included.
Enrollment is limited to 60 students - classes fill up quickly so register today for 2025!

Class Registration Form - Our form is now fillable online. Please contact the college for class availability before you complete the form, print, sign, and mail. View and Complete Form

Read More About Trappers College

Click on the excerpt (above) of the November 2017 Fur Taker Magazine to read our 8-page article about the 2017 FTA Trapper's College. -- plenty of photos are included!

Trappers College Biologist Program

Fur Takers of America will allow three(3) FTA Chapters/Affiliates each year to send one(1) State furbearer biologist(or other State wildlife biologist) and two(2) furbearer professionals (biologists, furbearer researchers, Trapper Education Coordinators, etc.) to the FTA Trappers College.

In order to be considered for this program Chapter/Affiliate will need to fill out an application and send it to the FTA Trappers College by May 31, of the year being considered.

All applications will be reviewed and three (3) Chapter/Affiliate participants will be chosen by vote at the annual Governing Board meeting, which will be held at the June FTA convention.

Chapter/Affiliate cost for the College will be half of the prevailing tuition and the FTA will cover the other half of the cost. Transportation is not included.

A brochure with information about the College as well as an application is available upon request from the FTA Trappers College. View Application

Contact:FTA Trappers College, Cristina M. Jones Business Executive Fur Takers of America P.O. Box 6, Oxford, NJ 07863, Phone: (908) 982-8753 email: ftatrapperscollege@gmail.com

2018 - Pete Askins
2018 - Jerry Joe Barnett
2018 - Major Boddicker
2018 - Dave Hastings
2018 - Gary Jepson
2018 - Charles Park
2019 - James Edgemon
2019 - Ron Leggett
2019 - Tom Miranda
2019 - Kermit Stearns

2021 - George Stewart
2021 - Pat Park
2022 - Odon Corr
2022 - Charles Davis
2023 - Chick Andres
2023 - Roy Greenfield
2024 - Brian MacGowan
2024 - Doug McKenzie
2024 - Rick Shadel

FTA Trappers College

Next Trappers College Class - September 7-13, 2025

The FTA Trappers College

2025 Class Details

FTA Trappers College Hall of Fame Awards