First-time trappers in many states and Canadian provinces must complete a trapper education program covering skills, regulations, and trapping's role in scientific wildlife management. Trapper education programs teach basic techniques with a strong focus on the responsible treatment of animals, legal methods, safety, selectivity, and ethical trapper behavior.
People born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete a Trapper Education Course before they are allowed to buy a trapping license. This requirement does not apply to people 18 years of age or younger who have a valid Youth Trapping License and are accompanied in the field by a parent, grandparent, or guardian who is at least 21 years of age and has a valid trapping license. People who are eligible to obtain a Youth Trapping License must complete a Trapper Education Course and purchase a regular trapping license at 19 years of age — or at any age if they choose to trap alone.
Trapper education courses are offered by certified instructors. Dates and locations of classes are posted on DNR's website as they are scheduled by instructors. (http://www.dnrillinois.govisafety/Pages/Trapping.aspx) People who successfully complete courses taught by instructors are issued a Student Card that allows them to buy a trapping license.
A Trapper Education Course is also offered online. People who successfully complete the online course can print a certificate that allows them to buy a trapping license.
Persons born on or after July 1, 1966 must complete the course before harvesting