The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) will hold its 2023 trapping orientation class and snaring seminar on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9:00am to 2:00pm, at the Kenai Peninsula Archers Association archery range on Arc Loop Road just past the landfill. Starting October 24, trapping permits for the 2023-2024 season will be available.
According to Federal Wildlife Canine Officer Pete Harvey, this educational event is a great way to teach individuals about how to properly trap, but it also give the ability to obtain a trapping permit at the same time. Although trappers who have previously attended the trapping and snaring orientation do not need to re-attend, it’s not uncommon to see a few familiar faces at the event.
“The old timers have been here taking it you know 10-15 years ago but they they like to show up because they like to they like to talk trap and so it’s in tons of experience so a lot of the newer trappers learn from these guys have been doing it while,” said Harvey.
Harvey knowledges that this typically is an older generation type of event, but as of recent years, the younger generation has been starting to get involved too. It makes a great learning opportunity for the younger ones, while also allowing some of the pros share their secrets and wisdom.
“We’ll talk about their experiences and how to handle furs and stuff like that. It’s a good turnout. Usually. First few years we didn’t see very many onions, but last year we had a young adults, you know, 13-14 year old. So it was it was cool to see.”
There is no registration required to attend the event, so there’s no need to worry about the venue being too full. All you need to do is sign up when you get there! That being said, all Refuge trappers are welcome.
“Come one, come, all kind of thing. Anybody that’s interested in trapping on the Kenai.”
