The seemingly widespread, long term decline in muskrat populations has been puzzling to trappers and wildlife managers for years. Despite less trapping pressure and far lower harvest, muskrat numbers continue to go down. Theories attempting to explain lower rat numbers range from habitat loss, higher populations of predators, disease, and many others. Pennsylvania … [Read more...]
Small Time Marten Line
It isn't always about putting up numbers on the trapline, and Tom Chapin and Dan Hertle are a great example of how much one can enjoy small time trapping. These two old veterans get out on foot during Minnesota's very short and limited trapping season. Most trappers these days drive their traplines, hopping out to check a couple of sets here, a couple there. Chapin and … [Read more...]
Walter A. Gibbs: Trapper, Inventor, Entrepeneur
The muskrat fur trade was big business in the early 1900's, and Walter A. Gibbs of Dorchester County, Maryland used ambition and ingenuity to build a legacy in the trapping industry as a result. Not only did he catch thousands of muskrats for the fur market, he also developed innovative traps and techniques and pioneered the trade in live muskrats. W.A. Gibbs was a railroad … [Read more...]
Trap Thieves Beware! Black Light Proves Trapper Right
It's sweet justice for a Wisconsin trapper who was having issues with a thief on his trapline. Turns out the savvy fellow found a creative way to prove that the traps at the thief's house were his. Here's a summary: DNR wardens seized three traps from Brown’s residence they believed had been stolen, although Brown claimed he owned the traps, according to the complaint. The … [Read more...]
Big Money Possum Trapping
The Trapper and Predator Caller blog has a neat article about Shay Williamson, an 18 year old New Zealander who makes over $40,000 U.S. per year trapping possums. Apparently it's really hard work, but not a bad gig for a trapper! Read the story here. … [Read more...]
Rare Cougar Caught in Manitoba
A surprised Manitoba, Canada trapper found a rare cougar in one of his coyote snares last week. One of only four cougars found in the province since 1973, this discovery has attracted great interest from Wildlife Department scientists. It is suspected that the cougar may have roamed into the area from North Dakota. Read more below: Manitoba Trapper Finds Cougar Scientists … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania Man Successful in First Fisher Trapping Season
This year, Pennsylvania instituted its first trapping season on fisher in 90 years. The five day season provided a great opportunity for trappers who were willing to work for it. Gary Blockus of The Morning Call wrote an article about one of those trappers - Ron Weller of Macungie, PA. Weller worked hard setting and tending his traps during the five day season, and it paid … [Read more...]
Minnesota Coyote Trapper Catches Wolf
A southeastern Minnesota trapper recently found a surprise while checking his coyote traps. A gray wolf, somewhat rare to that part of the state, was waiting for him in one of the traps. After contacting officials with the Minnesota DNR, the wolf was released unharmed. Read the story here. The fact that the wolf was released unharmed, while not a surprise, is what can be … [Read more...]