Fisher/Hunter/Trapper
Fisher, hunter, and trapper professions involve the capture of animals for human consumption, industrial use, or scientific research. Individuals in these fields typically work independently, often as contractors, or in groups, with some being employed by agricultural corporations or government agencies. The work environment can vary greatly, influenced by geographic location and seasonal conditions, with professionals facing challenges such as extreme weather and hazardous conditions on water.
A typical day for fishers, hunters, and trappers includes early mornings spent preparing equipment and traveling to designated areas for their activities. Fishers may work on boats, while hunters navigate hunting grounds, and trappers check and set traps. These occupations often require a deep understanding of nature and animal behavior, which is frequently learned through familial or community connections.
While formal education is not strictly necessary, many enter the field through informal training and apprenticeships. High school education can be beneficial, especially in business communication and wildlife management courses. Overall, these professions are essential for maintaining ecological balance and provide significant insights into the relationship between humans and wildlife.
Fisher/Hunter/Trapper
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Interests: Nature, animals, working outdoors
Earnings (Yearly Median): N/A
Employment & Outlook: 0% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education No formal educational credential
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Fishers, hunters, and trappers catch animals for human consumption as well as for industrial or scientific use. Individuals in these fields may work alone and often function as independent contractors, hunting or fishing in designated areas and delivering their products to clients. Other fishers, hunters, and trappers work in groups, and some individuals in these occupations are employed directly by agricultural corporations or government-run agencies.
Work Environment. The work environment for a fisher, hunter, or trapper varies widely depending on region and seasonal variations. In some areas, fishing, hunting, and trapping may be conducted year-round, while in other areas, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, or animal migration patterns may lead to seasonal variations in the availability of work. Fishers, hunters, and trappers tend to work long hours during peak seasons and are at risk from environmental threats, including dangerous river or ocean conditions, inclement weather, and other potentially hazardous conditions.
Occupation Interest. Those who make a living fishing, hunting, or trapping typically have significant experience with outdoor environments and knowledge of nature and animal behavior. Many individuals drawn to these occupations have been introduced to the field through family or friends, and many began learning the skills needed at a young age.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A typical day for a fisher begins early in the morning with gathering the necessary equipment and supplies. The fisher then travels, either alone or with a fishing crew, to the location for that day’s fishing. Ocean fishers may need to travel a significant distance to fertile fishing grounds, and traveling from one fishing site to another may represent a significant portion of the day for many professional fishers. Fishing may last for only a few hours or may take most of the day, depending on the type of quarry and the season. Following active fishing, most fishers must then process their catch for the day, which may involve scaling and gutting the fish or packaging it for transport to a processing facility.
Hunters also typically begin their day early in the morning by traveling to a predesignated hunting ground. Depending on the type of game, hunters may move through an area searching for a potential quarry or may stay hidden in one location, using bait to attract prey. After an animal has been killed, the hunter must transport their quarry to a processing location. In many cases, hunters may also remove the pelt from an animal begin the processing by cutting the animal into pieces before selling it to prospective buyers.
Trappers use bait and traps to ensnare animals and birds. On a typical day, trappers must check their traps to see if any animals were captured and must set up new traps or reset existing ones in a number of different areas. Trappers must also collect and process any game collected during the day. In some cases, captured animals must be killed if they are still alive. These animals must then be transported to a location for processing.
Pot Fishers (441.684-014). Pot Fishers catch crab, eel, and lobster using pots (cages with funnel-shaped net openings).
Line Fishers (442.680-010). Line Fishers catch fish and other marine animals using line and hook. They may work alone or in crews of other fishers.
Diving Fishers (443.664-010). Diving Fishers gather and harvest marine life such as sponges, abalone, pearl oysters, and geoducks from the sea bottom. These fishers can use a snorkel, scuba, or diving suit with an air line connected to the surface.
Spear Fishers (443.684-010). Spear Fishers catch fish such as eel, salmon, and swordfish using a spear with a barbed tip.
Predatory Animal Hunters (461.661. 010). Predatory Animal Hunters stalk, trap, and kill for bounty predatory animals, such as coyotes, wolves, and vermin.
Animal Trappers (461.684-014). Animal Trappers capture animals for pelts, live sale, bounty, or relocation to other areas.
Bird Trappers (461.684-018). Bird Trappers capture live birds for brood stock, exhibition, extermination, identification, or relocation.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Fishers, hunters, and trappers work outdoors, typically in environments that have sufficient ecological integrity to maintain large populations of wildlife. Many fishers, hunters, and trappers work in areas that are removed from human settlement, though they must be near enough to an area appropriate for storing and processing their quarry prior to sale.
Plant Environment. Fishers, hunters, and trappers may utilize a processing plant to prepare game before selling it to their clients. In these environments, employees must cooperate to complete a variety of manual tasks in order to process raw animals into products ready for sale.
Human Environment. Fishers who work on commercial fishing boats may be part of a crew that also includes an experienced captain or pilot, as well as a number of assistants and technicians who oversee the operation of the boat. Typically, on a fishing vessel, there is a rank of seniority among the crew, with each member being responsible for specific activities. Many commercial fishers begin working as deckhands, who are responsible for cleaning, basic maintenance, and supply activities aboard the boat. As a fisher advances in rank, their duties may include more time managing fish or setting nets and lines.
Technological Environment. While some fishing vessels may use complex technology, such as sonar, to find fish or other types of sensors to enhance productivity, many in the fishing industry use equipment similar to that used for centuries to catch and process fish. Hunters and trappers also use equipment similar to what was used in the past.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Many fishers, hunters, and trappers learn their occupations from parents or family members, and some begin as apprentices to professionals as teenagers or younger. While a high school education is not required for a career in professional fishing, hunting, or trapping, learning the basics of business communication and accounting can be beneficial for those looking to operate as private contractors.
Professional fishing, hunting, or trapping requires years of on-the-job training, and individuals in high school may want to enroll in classes offered by federal- or state-run wildlife organizations, which can provide training in how to find and handle wildlife. In addition, there are a variety of private fishing, hunting, and trapping instruction programs that will enroll high school students with the consent of a parent or guardian.
Postsecondary. There are few postsecondary programs aimed at professional fishers, hunters, or trappers, and there are typically no postsecondary education requirements for those seeking to work in one of these professions. However, there are certain college-level courses that may aid fishers, hunters, and trappers in establishing their businesses or finding employment in the wildlife-management fields, such as degree programs in forestry and fisheries management.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
“Fishing and Hunting Workers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/fishers-and-related-fishing-workers.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.