Bismarck  (NDGF)The North Dakota Cooperative Fur Harvester Education Program is sponsoring three fur harvester education classes for anyone interested in trapping or hunting furbearers.

Courses in Bismarck and Jamestown are set for Aug. 21, 23 and 25. A course in Dickinson is Aug. 18 and 25.

Courses are free and take 16 hours to complete .

Students will learn the history of the fur trade in the Dakotas, furbearer identification, tools and techniques for harvesting furbearers in North Dakota, as well as proper handling (skinning, fleshing and boarding) of furbearers.

Upon completion, graduates are issued a certification card that is recognized by any state requiring trapper education prior to purchasing a license.

Anyone interested in signing up for the class should visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov, click on the education link and fur harvester education.