Trapper Education

A volunteer is a person who, of his or her own free will, provides goods or services (time and experience) without the expectation of financial gain. Each volunteer is unique and there are many reasons for why people volunteer their services: personal fulfillment, a desire to help others learn something new, to increase your own knowledge, to promote a cause, just to name a few. The benefits gained from volunteering as a Trapper Educator are unique and personal to you.

As a Volunteer Trapper Educator, you can volunteer for a very important role in our program. The public will look to you to demonstrate what it means to be a responsible and ethical trapper. You will be responsible for imparting the knowledge needed to help other trappers increase their trapping knowledge, improve skills and safety, and become informed custodians of Arizona wildlife resources. This is not a duty to be taken lightly.

One of the reasons that the suite of Arizona hunter education programs is successful is due to the commitment and devotion of you, the Volunteer Educator, who supports it. We recognize that each Volunteer Educator provides invaluable skills and expertise. They enable the AZGFD to provide the community with a wonderful opportunity and quality service. You can be crucial to the success and continuation of the Arizona Trapper Education Program and we thank you for considering joining our ranks.

The purpose of the trapper education program is about more than safety and requirements, its goal is to produce responsible, knowledgeable, and involved trappers - trappers who understand the importance of complying with trapping laws and behaving ethically.

Any person born after January 1, 1967 is required to successfully complete a Trapper Education Course prior to obtaining an Arizona trapping license. 

Any individual nine years of age or older may complete a trapper education course offered through the Department. Any person 14 years of age or older is required to purchase a trapping license to trap predatory and furbearing animals. Any person under the age of 14 is not required to purchase a trapping license, but must apply for and obtain a registration number.

The Arizona trapper education program is not just for children or trappers. This educational program is a valuable experience for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and has an interest in conservation.