Wilderness shows featuring life off the grid in remote parts of Montana or Alaska, living in harsh conditions below zero, have been popular to the point of having genre-specific channels, and may have a role in the increased interest in outdoors skills classes here in Iowa.

Public interest in homesteading-type skills courses like learning about wild edibles, gardening, backyard chicken flocks, as well as attendance in hunter education classes, learn to hunt classes, Becoming an Outdoors Woman and more has been on the rise, and with it, an expanded menu of course offerings by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, county conservation boards, Iowa State University Extension and more.

The Iowa DNR began its series of Learn to Hunt classes around 2017, focusing on locally sourcing protein and teaching the skills to hunt, clean and cook specific wild game. That course menu expanded to include more specialized skills, like bow hunting, and the return of the beginner trapping class.

The learn-to-hunt series has expanded in the last 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 few years and this year, classes are scheduled in Knoxville, Mason City, St. Charles, Ainsworth and Wellsburg. The first class was held this past Saturday, in Elkader.

The class is designed for participants of all ages. Participants do not need any previous experience or have any equipment, just have an interest and show up and learn. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. For more information and to begin the registration process, visit license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/EventsHome.aspx

The changing demographic seen in hunter education classes has been reflected in the beginner trapping class, and, in the reasons why they’re interested in trapping.

The one-day class is part classroom and part hands-on in the field. The classroom portion provides instruction on trapping regulations, furbearer management, ethics and history, then the rest of the day is outdoors going through different trapping demonstrations and sets. Lunch is often included and participants at many of these events will go home with traps and stakes.