Trapper education will not be mandatory for the 2018/2019 trapping season, according to a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks news release.

“The decision to not move forward with implementing a new mandatory trapper education program came last week after questions arose about whether the Fish and Wildlife Commission has clear statutory direction to implement the program,” the news release states.

In August 2017, the Commission approved trapping requirements that included equipment modifications and mandatory trapper education. However, “questions arose as to whether the commission was the appropriate venue to bring forward the question of mandatory trapper education” as the agency went about implementing that program.

“FWP will continue to work with the trapping community, staff and legislators to ensure the tradition of humane and ethical trapping in Montana continues,” the news release states.