Trapping & Fur Harvesting

This is not a complete set of hunting and trapping laws but contains the information you are most likely to need to safely participate in these outdoor activities.

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Hunter Education / Safety
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Fur Harvester Education is not-mandatory in Iowa in order to hunt or trap.  This course is designed to give participants the knowledge, skill, attitude, and judgment to selectively and responsibly trap furbearing animals for the many benefits it provides.

Participants who attend a hands-on Iowa Fur Harvester Education Workshop will receive instruction on:

• History and heritage of the fur trade;
• Biology and management of Iowa furbearers;
• Wildlife regulations and their purpose;
• Ethics and responsibility;
• Fur harvesting equipment;
• The basics of harvesting Iowa Furbearers;
• Marketing Furbearers;
• Public relations; and
• The basics of outdoor safety and survival.

To sign up for a hands-on Fur Harvester Education Workshop visit Go Outdoors Iowa Events to locate and register for an upcoming workshop in your area!

The Iowa DNR also recognizes the online Today's Trapper Course as a means to receive certification.  Those students wishing to complete the course online to receive certification must complete the course by clicking the link below and following the additional instructions to receive an Iowa Fur Harvester Education Certificate.

To take the online Today's Trapper Course visit:

Populations of large mammals, once native to Iowa, have been gone from the Iowa landscape for 80 to 100 years. While we no longer have breeding populations of these animals in Iowa, expanding populations in nearby states increases the potential to receive visits from wandering animals. Find out more about our occasional wildlife visitors.