Guest post by Pat Connelly from Connelly Wildlife Management I’ve been using the OnX Hunt app since I heard Steve Rinella and the Meateater crew talking about it. I now use it every day, on the trapline and off. These are some of the ways I use the app as well as some ideas I’ve had for potentials uses. I also want to mention some features that could use some slight … [Read more...]
Earth Anchors and Stakes for Trapping
Fastening a trap is one of the most basic things a trapper must do well, but it can be done in a number of different ways. Let's go through the history of trap staking, and explore the staking options trappers have today. You have to fasten your trap to something in order to make sure the target animal doesn't get away. Aside from the use of drags (click here for … [Read more...]
Why Use Trap Drags?
Securing an animal caught in your trap is one of the critical elements of successful trapping, and there are three basic ways to do it. You can attach the trap chain to a solid object (tree or post), stake it down, or use a drag. Drags are an important tool on the trapline, and their proper use is an art that can provide a great deal of benefit to the trapper and the animal … [Read more...]
Beaver Foothold Trapping: Front Foot or Back?
"You want a front foot or a back foot catch?" That was the question from a professional beaver trapper here in nothern Maine when I asked for advice on foothold beaver trapping. To be honest, I really hadn't thought about it much....I just wanted to catch the beaver! Beaver trapping with footholds can be extremely effective in open water. At its most basic level, you're … [Read more...]