Minnesota Trapper Education Program-Correspondence Course Option

Thank you for your interest in the Minnesota Trapper Education Program (MTEP)-Correspondence Course Option (CCO). The MTEP program was created through the joint effort of both the Minnesota Trappers Association (MTA) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). This free-of-charge program was designed to improve new trapper’s knowledge of Minnesota’s furbearers and to provide basic information needed to trap them in a responsible and ethical manner. This exchange of techniques and methods will help those new to the sport avoid most of the frustrations encountered by “trial and error”. In addition, the course’s strong emphasis on ethical conduct, the respectful treatment of game and sensitivity to public perception will ultimately benefit trappers, the game pursued and the public’s attitude toward this sport in a positive manner.

The MTEP is comprised of two portions.

  1. In-Classroom Training (or Correspondence Course Option)
  2. In-Field Training

Whenever practical it is in everyone’s best interest to attend an in- classroom program. However, difficulties due to scheduling conflicts, long distances to the nearest classroom setting and other complications, the CCO is offered. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to replace hands-on activities and class/ instructor interaction with a correspondence course. For these reasons it is strongly suggested, but not required that a CCO graduate seriously consider voluntarily taking an in-classroom course at a later date for their own benefit.

  1. Please complete the Registration Form and email by clicking Submit at the bottom of the form to insure that you are properly enrolled in the correspondence course. Those without a Minnesota Driver’s License, Minnesota ID Card, Minnesota Firearms Safety Training Card or Minnesota DNR Number – leave this portion blank.
  2. Minnesota Trapper Education Manual will be your textbook for this course. When you have enough confidence in your grasp of the material presented, please contact Education Coordinator for exam. It is perfectly acceptable to look up answers in the manual. It’s more important that the manual be read than to strive for a perfect score unassisted.
  3. Email or mail completed exam back for grading. Re-Tests available
  4. Successfully passing this test will qualify you to take part in the In-Field Training to complete the certification process. Please contact me to make arrangements to complete this portion.

Upon completion of both portions you will receive a certification card, a beautiful embroidered shoulder patch and other materials available at that time. Your name will then be entered into the MDNR Electronic Licensing System (ELS) to pave the way to license purchase.

If you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Keep your skinning knives sharp!

Shawn Johnson
MTA Education Coordinator
6122 McQuade Rd
Duluth, MN 55804
218-525-4970
mcquaderoadfur@msn.com