Canine Trapping with John Chagnon – DVD

Trapping coyotes and fox in northern Michigan can be both challenging and exciting, and the area experiences a lot of the same conditions trappers face on lines throughout the country. Rain and wind are frequent, cold weather threatens to freeze sets solid, predator movement patterns vary, and the weather can change drastically in an instant. This is John Chagnon’s backyard. Chagnon is the head of PCS Outdoors, one of the top trapping supply dealers in the country, and an avid trapper. In this video, John takes us along on his northern Michigan canine trapline, sharing tips and techniques along the way.

Chagnon has a laid back style of trapping instruction. In fact, I’d say this video is really more of a mix between instruction and entertainment, which makes it fun to watch. He shows examples of the gear and equipment he uses on the line, and gives an overview of predator habitat use and movement patterns, and how that relates to set locations. He then shows how he constructs the dirt hole set and the scent post set, which is very similar to the flat set. Along the way, you see plenty of video footage of catches, including coyotes, red and grey foxes, and bobcats. Well known trapper J.W. Crawford from Pennsylvania is the man behind the camera, and spends a few minutes explaining one of his favorite sets as well.

If you’ve never trapped in Michigan before and can’t make the trip, Canine Trapping with John Chagnon provides a great deal of the experience, and it’s loaded with tips and advice to help make you a better trapper.