WI Womens Trap Camp

10/03/2026

It’s been over a month since the inaugural Pennsylvania Women’s Trap Camp marked a major milestone in expanding the WI WTC, so this is long overdue. PA WTC was modeled after the Wisconsin initiative and organized in partnership with key PA experts including assistance and support from the Pennsylvania_Trappers Association (PTA). Since day one of scheduling, the PTA was present at meetings helping to identify ways to assist and make this camp possible. PTA President Andrew Hyde joined us on the final day with a generous donation of Duke 330 Super Mags from the PTA. This contribution ensured that every student left the camp equipped with an essential, high-quality trap to start their own beaver trapline, highlighting the PTA's dedicated commitment to fostering the next generation of female trappers and conservationists.
Community efforts like that of the Pennsylvania Trappers Association help make initiatives like the trap camp possible. To return the support, the Women's Trap Camp donated a custom otter board featuring original artwork by instructor Casey Rustan along with signatures from all participating students and instructors. This commemorative piece will be made available at an upcoming PTA auction. Lastly, PTA asked that the camp provide each student with an annual PTA membership—which was an awesome idea that we agreed to and will continue to do going forward. We hope that this will help to remind everyone to support those who support us trappers. THANK YOU PTA!

09/29/2026

Congratulations Alex! Thank you to all those who bought tickets and supported Women’s Trap Camp! Our next basket will be a beaver pack basket full of goodies!

Congratulations to Alex Peloquin!!!! Rebecca Van Lanen put a coyote starter kit together, the beautiful box handmade by Jim Binder, and supplies from Southern Snares, to raise funds for WI Womens Trap Camp. Tickets were sold around the state, but the winning ticket came from our district rendezvous! 🎉

09/12/2026

Come find us at the Wisconsin Trappers Association rendezvous and buy some raffle tickets to win a Henry Big Boy .30-.30, golden boy, silver boy, or youth model.   three of the raffles and today at 4 o’clock. .30-.30 ends Christmas Eve! 

09/11/2026

Wisconsin Women’s Trap Camp is full!!!

09/11/2026

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Sign up today for 2027 WI Women's Trap Camp! Must be 18 years and older. To sign up, please send the information in the photos to the following email: [email protected]. The first 23 students to respond will be saved a spot. Payment is due by September 18th. Amy Workman was the recipient of the Jody Zuelsdorff Honorary Scholarship. Congratulations Amy!!!

09/01/2026

Following the recent conclusion of Pennsylvania’s Trap Camp, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PAGC) for their warm support, extensive planning efforts, and generous funding for our accommodations and phenomenal meals.

Special recognition goes to Courtney Brauns, whose seamless coordination made the planning process stress-free, and whose contributions as an instructor were invaluable. We also appreciate Courtney Colley for delivering an exceptional presentation on trapper ethics and the importance of maintaining a respectful social media presence. Beyond joining us as new WTC instructors, both have become lifelong friends.

We are equally grateful to the additional PAGC staff who offered their expertise before and during the event: Warden Sue Edmiston: Rules and Regulations webinar; Tom Keller: Furbearers and Furbearer Diseases webinar; Jordan Stanford: Interactive Trapping Jeopardy session (which we look forward to featuring next year); Warden Meagan Aickley: In-person Rules and Regulations presentation; Evan Mock, Heather Flick, and team: Essential behind-the-scenes support.

Thank you to the Commission for its outstanding work and leadership. The women sent to represent and support this camp were extraordinary, and we look forward to continuing our partnership next year!!!

08/17/2026

My how time flies. Donation shout out to Sarah Gomez of She Traps. She has been donating to WTC from the beginning. For six years she has donated lures, baits and apparel. She has helped us instruct since 2022 and is a great addition to the team. We missed her in PA this year but she was certainly with us in spirit! She sells many of her products at state and the national rendezvous, stop in and say hi to her. Thank you Sarah!

08/16/2026

Final Day: PA WTC - Campers checked and pulled traps. Two raccoons were caught in DPs and released. After dropping off their gear the students took their fur taker and cable restraint certification exams. PTA members Bob and Wayne discussed trapping mentorship on the refuge. After lunch, the students received their door prizes and Andrew presented the Pennsylvania Trappers Association donation of a new Duke 330 magnum to each student. 14 students graduated from the WI Trapper Education Program. The campers and the WI instructors received their PA Cable Restraint Certification.

Class dismissed with many "good byes” and “see you laters". Once again, bonds created and friendships made that will last a lifetime.

And with that the first PA Women’s Trap Camp was in the books. The instructors packed up the trailer and headed west back to WI.

08/16/2026

Day 2 - PA WTC:  before going out and checking traps, instructors teach students how to humanely dispatch and safely release animals from traps. Trap checking was successful with one raccoon in a DP (no water sets were left out overnight). We followed up with teaching students how to set for beaver, muskrat and mink. Once we had enough fun playing in the water, it was time for the real work. Women put up bobcat, fisher, otter, beaver, grey fox and red fox; these ladies have talent! To wrap up the night, Warden Megan Aickley fielded questions from students and gave real life scenarios. Couldn’t ask for a better day two… minus the flat tire in the morning 😉