Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent Training

The courses below are designed to certify passing students in one FWC authorized gopher tortoise agent activity or provide vital contextual background information on the biology and ecology of tortoises.

These courses are based on FWC guidelines and curriculum requirements that change over time, so they are updated frequently. Please email us for additional information on course content, costs, and schedule.

Agent Training Information

SURVEY AND PERMITTING GUIDELINES COURSE

  • 3 Days
  • Ecology and Natural History of Gopher Tortoises
  • Gopher Tortoise Permitting Process and Guidelines
  • Gopher Tortoise Survey Techniques

GOPHER TORTOISE CAPTURE PROCEDURES
(NOT BACKHOE/MECHANICAL)

  • 1 Day
  • Bucket and Live Trapping
  • Hand Shovel Excavation
  • Health Evaluations

GOPHER TORTOISE MARKING, TRANSPORT, AND RELEASE

  • 0.5 – 1 Day
  • Measuring, Marking, and Processing Gopher Tortoises
  • Transport, Holding, and Release of Gopher Tortoises

GOPHER TORTOISE RECIPIENT SITE MANAGEMENT

  • 2 Days
  • Assessing the Suitability of Recipient Sites
  • Gopher Tortoise Diet and Reproduction
  • Recipient Site Permitting and Monitoring

MECHANICAL EXCAVATION OF GOPHER TORTOISE BURROWS

  • 1 – 2 Days Per Individual
  • Field-Based Training

INFRACTION/REMEDIAL TRAINING COURSES: VARIABLE

*Private, custom courses available upon request

SCHEDULE A COURSE
Measuring
Marking
Release
Relocation