Bill would extend hunting apprentice model to include trapping, add mentor-based trapper pathway

Representative Paul Fielder introduced House Bill 96 to create a trapping apprentice certificate that mirrors Montana’s Hunter Apprentice program and extends mentor-led access to trapping. “Today, I bring you, at the request of the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, a bill creating a trapping apprentice certificate,” Fielder said, explaining the bill would remove the word “hunting” from current language and make the credential an apprentice certificate that covers both hunting and trapping. Under the proposal, apprentices could participate with a mentor for up to two years before completing trapper certification coursework and a field day to obtain a full trapping license. The bill’s sponsor said it would allow youth as young as 10 and adults to learn from experienced hunters and trappers.

Quentin Kujala, chief of conservation policy for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, testified for the director in support and described how the bill would “mirror the successful program that Hunter Apprentice has come to be,” while also extending species coverage available to apprentices under commission regulations. Kujala described existing trapper license categories and said the bill was intended to add a mentor-based route that would not displace current youth trapper provisions.

Stakeholders from trapping and sporting organizations largely supported the proposal. Tom Feber of Montana Fur Harvesters told the committee the apprentice pathway could mitigate a statewide shortage of instructors and limited in-person field classes. J. R. Strand of Montana Sportsman for Fish and Wildlife and other group leaders said the bill would promote education and sustain hunting and trapping heritage.

Not all testimony was unqualified support. Mark Cook of Wolves to Rockies, initially listed as informational, raised concerns about the bill’s instructor vetting and said the department should ensure mentors are screened for wildlife infractions. Michael McKenrick, who said he supported the concept, asked the committee to clarify wording that currently treats hunting and trapping generally and flagged trap-specific rules such as tagging that differ from firearm-based hunting.

During committee questions, members sought clarification about mentor qualifications and whether guides with guide licenses could serve as mentors. Kujala said the bill distinguishes between a hunting mentor (who must have completed hunter safety and hold a current hunting license) and a trapping mentor (who must have completed trapper education and hold a trapping license), and he referenced statutory cross-references to the relevant courses. Several representatives asked staff and proponents to provide more precise language and suggested possible technical amendments before executive action.

No formal action was taken at the hearing. The bill remains before the committee pending potential language clarifications about trapper-specific requirements, tagging, and instructor vetting.