Beyond BOW - Trapping Camp

Registration for the trapping camp is WAITLIST ONLY at this point. Please take the time to fill it out, as spots do open frequently. 

Do you want to really know what trapping camp is all about? Check out this Outdoor Illinois Journal article to see for yourself. It was written about the 2025 camp.

The Culture, History and Values of Modern Trapping

Spend the weekend learning about one of the most misunderstood outdoor activities in the United States. You will learn the history of trapping, modern trapping state laws, tools and techniques, furbearer behavior & habitats and how to read furbearer sign. This camp is an interactive camp. You will spend approximately half a day in a classroom setting (and will leave with your state required trappers’ education card). The rest of the weekend is outside, doing hands-on trap setting, trap line running, skinning and putting up fur, etc. By the end of the weekend, you will have a basic knowledge and confidence to start a small basic trap line of your own.  Camp starts on Saturday morning and ends on Sunday afternoon. Women Only - Ages 18+

Registration Fee - $60 (scholarships are available - contact BOW coordinator)

Lodging is not covered in the program fees. The following options are available to you, and will be selected during the registration process:

1. (no cost) Drive yourself (if you live close enough)
2. (no cost) Camping at Siloam Springs. You must bring your own tent, trailer or camper and all your own gear. (BOW covers camping fees)
3. ($90 per night) IRISH HOUSE HOTEL, Mount Sterling, IL. This is a discounted rate offered throught BOW. There will be a shuttle driving you to and from the program each day. You can opt to share a room with a friend to offset this cost. 
4. Find your own lodging nearby at your own cost. 

Applications are tracked by the order they are received. Registration will be open until we reach max capacity of 24 participants. You will be notified if you are put on a waitlist.

The camp learning will take place in west-central Illinois at Siloam Springs State Park. Preferred lodging will be in Mt Sterling at the Irish House Hotel (set up through BOW program) and Saturday evening meal and Fur Crafting will be in Mt Sterling. 

Irish House Hotel  - 883 IL-99 850 East Street, Mt Sterling, IL

Saturday Morning

• Meet at the Irish House hotel at 7:30am, and group will be shuttled to Siloam Springs State Park 7:45 am.
• Or meet at Siloam Springs State Park for 8:15am check-in. 
• 8:30 am Classroom and Trappers Education Certification 
• Lunch

Saturday Afternoon

• Small group demos of different types of sets – fox/coyote/bobcat, beaver/otter, mink/muskrat/raccoon
• Learn to make your own sets at Buckhorn Unit. Drive yourself or shuttle will take you. (it is half way betweeen Siloam Springs and Mount Sterling)

Saturday Evening

• Dinner in Mount Sterling
• Optional fur crafting (extra fee involved to cover cost of furs)

Sunday Morning

• Check out of hotel before you leave for Camp.
• Breakfast at hotel, and shuttle leaves for Siloam Springs State Park at 7:45am (or you can drive yourself)
• 8:00am Check traps and pick up traps from Buckhorn Unit.
• Return to Siloam Springs.  Learn to skin and prepare fur for the market
• Lunch – final discussions and wrap up

Please contact BOW Coordinator for more details.

Lisa Demeule   
dnr.outdoorswoman@illinois.gov