Hunters and trappers hear the call of the wild… and answer it. They hunt and trap wild animals for wildlife management… for food… or to harvest their fur. Trappers set up and bait traps in locations they believe will attract animals. They monitor their trap locations to remove any catches or relocate unsuccessful traps. Hunters track and catch or kill animals with rifles or bows. Hunters and trappers usually kill their quarry, butcher it, and stretch pelts on frames to be cured. For wildlife management or research, they may trap animal species to study or relocate. Hunters and trappers need a state license to perform their duties. They also need to seek permission from landowners to hunt on private property. Licenses specify the hunting season, the type and amount of wild animals that may be caught, and the type of weapons or traps that can be used. These careers may require considerable travel to reach hunting areas— whether relying on personal stamina traveling by foot, skis or snowshoes— or for greater distances, relying on an off-road vehicle, such as an ATV or snowmobile. This work appeals to those who like the freedom to make their own decisions… are skilled with using their hands… and enjoy time outdoors without a schedule. It takes resourcefulness to come up with solutions as problems arise, sometimes in dangerous circumstances or bad weather. There are no formal education requirements, but most people in the field have prior recreational hunting and trapping experience.
What they do:
Hunt, trap, catch, or gather wild animals or aquatic animals and plants. May use nets, traps, or other equipment. May haul catch onto ship or other vessel.
On the job, you would:
Patrol trap lines or nets to inspect settings, remove catch, and reset or relocate traps.
Obtain permission from landowners to hunt or trap on their land.
Travel on foot, by vehicle, or by equipment such as boats, snowmobiles, helicopters, snowshoes, or skis to reach hunting areas.
Safety and Government
law and government
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Controlled Movement
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Initiative
Attention to Detail
Independence
Integrity
Persistence
You might use software like this on the job:
Map creation software
MaxSea TIMEZERO
Trimble MyTopo Terrain Navigator Pro
Analytical or scientific software
DeerDays
Winchester Ammunition Ballistics Calculator
Data base user interface and query software
Catchlog Trading Catchlog
OLRAC Electronic Logbook Software Solution
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.