CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Wildlife Control Operators (WCO) training class, offered once a year, will take place on Thursday, January 31, 2013, at Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H., from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There is no charge for the one-day class, but pre-registration is required. To sign up, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/wildlife_control_ops_class.htm and download a print-and-mail registration form, or to request a form, call 603-271-2461 or e-mail wildlife@wildlife.nh.gov.

Participants MUST be present by 8:15 a.m.; late arrivals will be denied certification.

The course is presented by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the New Hampshire Trappers Association, and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services.

A Wildlife Control Operator license is required for anyone planning to provide commercial nuisance wildlife control in New Hampshire, except for licensed trappers during the regulated trapping seasons. As part of the WCO licensing requirement, you must complete the day-long WCO class given once a year in Concord, as well as successfully completing a Fish and Game Trapper Education certification course.

The WCO training class includes presentations on the capture and handling of wildlife, humane and ethical concerns, relevant New Hampshire state laws and rules, federal rules covering certain species, wildlife diseases, best management practices and proper trapping techniques. For more information and a full agenda for the WCO class, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/wildlife_control_ops_class.htm.