Iowa DNR: Outdoor Skills Courses Popularity on the Rise

Decorah Vikings win, City Council votes, New Referenda on the ballot — we're the one telling Decorah's story. Donate now. Wilderness shows featuring life off the grid in remote parts of Montana or Alaska—often showcasing survival in harsh, below-zero conditions—have grown popular enough to inspire genre-specific channels. Those programs may be playing a role in increased interest in outdoor skills courses across Iowa. Public interest in homesteading-style skills, including learning about wild edibles, gardening, backyard chicken flocks and other self-sufficiency practices, has grown alongside participation in hunter education classes, learn-to-hunt programs and Becoming an Outdoors Woman events. That increased interest has led to expanded course offerings from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, county conservation boards, Iowa State University Extension and other organizations. The Iowa DNR began its Learn to Hunt classes around 2017, focusing on locally sourced protein and teaching participants how to hunt, clean and prepare specific types of wild game. The program has since expanded to include more specialized skills, such as bow hunting and the return of a beginner trapping class. "We've seen a shift in our hunter education participant demographics moving from younger, male and rural, to an older, more rural-urban mix and with more moms taking it with their kids," said Jamie Cook, hunter education coordinator with the Iowa DNR. "We saw a big jump in hunting interest during the peak of COVID-19. "What we learned was that the interest in these activities has been there — and given time, many Iowans returned to the woods, waters and parks. We've seen that interest continue in our learn-to-hunt series." The Learn to Hunt series has expanded in the past two years to include a learn-to-trap class. The Iowa DNR and the Iowa Trappers Association have partnered to offer the one-day beginner trapper class for the past several years. This year, classes are scheduled in Knoxville, Mason City, St. Charles, Ainsworth and Wellsburg. The first class of the year was held Saturday in Elkader. The class is designed for participants of all ages. No previous experience or equipment is required. Participants only need an interest in learning and are encouraged to register early because space is limited. For more information and to begin the registration process, visit the Iowa DNR event registration page. "Members of the Iowa Trappers Association play an extremely valuable role running these classes," said Vince Evelsizer, furbearer and wetland biologist for the Iowa DNR. "They are experienced and can truly help beginners learn to trap." Evelsizer said the changing demographics seen in hunter education classes have also been reflected in beginner trapping courses and the reasons participants are interested in trapping. "Some want to learn so they can tan their own furs — to enjoy furs in their prime — while others want to manage their hobby farm and small chicken flocks," Evelsizer said. The one-day class includes both classroom instruction and hands-on field experience. The classroom portion covers trapping regulations, furbearer management, ethics and history. The remainder of the day focuses on outdoor demonstrations and learning different trapping techniques. Lunch is often included, and participants at many events leave with traps and stakes. "We feel that the information, experience and instruction from the one-day class provides a good foundation," Evelsizer said. "We want beginners to keep asking questions, connect with a mentor and, if they can't find one, call us and we will help with that. The instructors are experienced trappers who understand the value of passing on the skills to younger trappers." Feedback from attendees has been positive, Evelsizer said, with many participants noting how helpful the instructors were and that trapping was not as challenging as they initially expected. "They enjoyed it and learned a lot," he said. For many attendees, the class is only the beginning. Evelsizer said online resources can help participants continue developing their skills, but technology cannot replace time spent outdoors. "As a group, hunters and anglers are relying more and more on technology and becoming more dependent on electronics and apps than on honing our skills, like identifying animal tracks, animal signs, trails, reading terrain and moving through the timber or field with minimal disruption," Evelsizer said. "Technology is valuable, but spending more time outdoors elevates our woodsmanship skills, and that experience can't be replaced with technology," he said. The beginner trapper program is offered through a partnership between the Iowa DNR and Iowa Trappers Association. It is part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters, anglers and trappers amid an overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation participation. Discover what's happening near you! The free DecorahNews.com newsletter brings updates, inspiring stories, and practical tips right to your inbox.