Members of Michigan’s Trapper Education Consultation Team were recently honored with a Department of Natural Resources Partner in Conservation Award during the Dec. 4 Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting.

Members of the honored team included John Caretti of the Michigan Trappers Association; the late Bob Dougherty, an independent trapper; Chris Kettler, an independent trapper; Kahler Schuemann, an independent trapper; Mark Spencer, Jr., Northern Great Lakes Fur Harvesters; and Chuck Turk of Mid-Michigan Independent Trappers.

TECT members have volunteered their time to teach students the basics of trapping, reviewed the student trapper education manual that was provided by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and provided valuable input on the content to make it appropriate for Michigan, created a Trapper Education Support Fund to be used to purchase supplies for student kits and raised funds for printing student manuals and additional program supplies.

TECT regularly meets to discuss and resolve issues related to trapping.

“Trapper education ensures the future of trapping in our state,” DNR Director Rebecca Humphries said. “This program had significant volunteer input from these trappers and their organizations, helping to ensure we have trained, knowledgeable trappers in the field and helping to avoid non-target catches.