Join us for NWCOA's Western Training Event featuring Structural Bat Management (Bat2) and Certified Water Trapping Course near beautiful Jackson Hole and Grand Tetons! Sponsored by our two Platinum Sponsors
June 19-20th, 2026
8am-6pm
Structural Bat Management will be offered on Friday June 19th, 2026
You must complete the online portion of the course prior to attending the in person hands on and must complete both to receive the certification. You must also hold the prerequisite (Bat Standards) to receive certification.
This two-day course includes one day of online training that gives instruction on pricing, sales, liabilities and bat seal-up and guano removal contracts. The class will provide inspection instruction, as well as group practice in inspection. The first day will also include euthanasia and safety, PPE and decontamination protocols. (The online course must be completed prior to attending the in person portion of course on June 19th and registrants will receive a link via email to the online portion of the course on June 1st) The second day will be a hands-on in person interactive instructional day. The group will learn about working at heights, and use of scaffolding and ladders. Logistical concerns will be covered. Metal bending classroom instruction, as well as hands-on metal bending techniques will be covered. Finally, ridge, roof exhaust vent repair, chimney repairs and gable vents will be discussed.
Upon successful completion of this course and a test, the WCO will receive a certificate of completion, use of the logo mark and become a NWCOA Certified Structural Bat Management Professional.
Prerequisites: NWCOA Bat Standards Certified, part 1. This course is offered online anytime:
https://nwcoa.thinkific.com/
To receive certification for Structural Bat Management you must hold the Bat Standards certification (available online anytime) Buy Now! and complete the online day 1 of Structural Bat Management (you will receive link upon registration).
Professional Water Trapping Course Hands On Day will be offered on Saturday June 20th, 2026
You must complete the online portion of the course prior to attending the in person hands on and must complete both to receive the certification. The link to the online portion will be emailed on June 1st, 2026.
This two-day training has the goal of providing an overview of how to run a beaver business with details that will make you a stronger beaver-trapper! Participants will engage in an online class to include the behavior and biology of beavers, as well as an overview of beaver management. We will learn the different sets for capturing animals on land and in and around water, understand principles and techniques used to increase selectivity of sets, various ways to anchor traps and the importance of anchors, identify parts of cable-restraint and foothold traps, and how they are used. Actual hands-on practice with traps and equipment.
Agenda Topics:
- Beaver Biology
- Management Overview
- Benefits and complexities of Beaver Dam Removal
- Water Trapping Safety
- Tools of the Trade
- Running a Beaver Business
Hands-on Trapping Demonstration
On the second day, the class will move to an active beaver trapping site to put what they've learned into practice.
Actual hands-on practice with traps and equipment. This field experience will include a tour of an active trapping site with examples of in-water sets, crossovers, slides, castor mounds and beaver exclusion devices.
Location:
Afton Civic Center
150 Washington St.
Afton, Wyoming 83110
*Breakfast and Lunch will be provided both days*
**Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging**
Nearest Airports:
Jackson Hole
Idaho Falls
Recommended Hotel:
Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites Afton Star Valley
53 E 1st Ave.
Afton, Wyoming 83110
.02 miles from Civic Center
Other hotels in area:
Bull Moose Lodge and Saloon
91 US-89
Alpine, Wyoming 83128
307-654-7593
Flying Saddle Resort
118878 US-89
Alpine, Wyoming 83128
877-772-4422
Cobblestone Hotel and Suites
111 Greys River Rd.
Alpine, Wyoming 83128
307-207-6743
Wolf Den Log Cabin Motel & RV Park
55 Co Rd 115
Etna, Wyoming 83118
307-883-2226
Bring the family and enjoy visiting the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole and other beautiful sites and scenery!!!!
A special thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for sponsoring this event!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors!
Thank you to our Structural Bat Course Sponsor:
Thank you to our Educational Sponsor:
