Government trapper/wildlife control agent as a career?

[OregonBoy]

I'm posting this here simply because I don't know where else to put it. I will graduate from high school in a little over a year, and I've been doing a lot of thinking about my future. I would like to pursue a career that will allow me to spend a lot of time in the outdoors, and which somehow relates to my love of hunting. One idea I've been toying with is becoming a government trapper/wildlife control specialist for the USDA's Wildlife Services division. Can anyone here provide any information on what kind of education and technical skills would be required to pursue this career? Any other information/opinions on this career would be welcome as well. Thanks  

[Siskiyou]

Avoid those mail order home school programs.  Contact the F&W Service and find out what their hiring criteria is.  Years ago a kid in the Navy paid for one of those home school programs advertised in the back of outdoor magazines.  He worked hard but he found out that type of training does not meet the criteria for getting hired.  Again check with the agency personnel department.  You might find links on the internet.  The right course work in a Community College or State College might give you a leg up.  

I am not sure but I believe some of those trapper positions are contracted out.  Again check with the agency and then you will have a better idea on what moves you need to make.  A high schooler might want to  sign on as a volunteer.  In addition your high school might give you ROP credit.  It will give you a feel of the job, and also inside information.  If you impress people it might open the door to a career.  If you mess-up big time, you just might close the door.

[Lawdog]

OregonBoy,

All depends on your state.  As 'Siskiyou' stated here in California it's contracted out by incident.  We used to have state trappers but with the budget problems we have now in California I don't for see any being hired in the near future.  In talking to the one contract trapper/hunter I know he says the state gets a hold of the best person qualified by experience.  Lawdog
 

[OregonBoy]

Thanks for your help. I'm going to contact ODFW and our local USDA trapper, who I found out lives a half-hour away, to see what I can find out about requirements. But I'm still interested in any additional information anone can provide. Thanks again...

[oso45-70]

Oregonboy,
This day and time you will probobly need some degree work like animal managment, Habitat and environment outlook. It used to be that a young man could go to work with fish and wildlife or predator control but them days are long since gone. If you are serious about any of the jobs you are talking about you might think about  going to college and taking some of these subjects. Good luck Young Man, Hope you make it.......Joe.....

[ba_50]

There is an article in the October 2004 issue of Outdoor Life you can look at.