MDC to hold hands-on trapping clinic Oct. 2-3 in Lawrence County

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Missouri’s trapping seasons help control some species of fur-bearing animals and, at the same time, bring in revenue for those who like to sell their pelts.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a two-day trapping seminar Oct. 2-3 at MDC’s Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area in Lawrence County. The Oct. 2 portion will start at 8 a.m. and continue all day and the Oct. 3 portion will start at sunrise and go to noon. To get to the portion of the Talbot Area where the participants should gather, take Missouri Highway 97 north from Stotts City to Missouri Highway 96, then travel east on Highway 96 for one mile. People can register at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/179218

The two-day clinic, which is a cooperative effort of MDC and the Missouri Trappers Association, is a hands-on, outdoors clinic so participants should dress to be outside. All portions of the seminar will be taught in the field and on part of the Spring River by MDC staff and members of the Missouri Trappers Association. Topics that will be covered include trap selection, trap setting (both dry land and water sets), regulations, skinning, and other aspects of fur handling. This program is designed to give participants a working knowledge of all aspects of trapping and fur handling and will be a good source of information for those taking part in Missouri’s upcoming trapping seasons, which begin Nov. 15.

Though this program is free, registration is required using the link above. For more information about this clinic, call Lawrence County Conservation Agent Corporal Andy Barnes at 417-461-4586 or e-mail him at Andrew.Barnes@mdc.mo.gov.

MDC staff across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.