Every once in a while a person comes into an industry and turns it on its head. Maybe they see things differently, they aren’t happy with the status quo, and they push the limits of product development and take things to the next level. Craig O’Gorman did it in the trapping industry nearly half a century ago when he became a trendsetter for the elite trapper. Clint Locklear … [Read more...]
The MB-550: America’s Most Popular Coyote Trap
A variety of coyote traps have come and gone over the years, but one model has emerged in modern times that's set itself apart in the canine trapping community. The MB-550 is in my opinion the best all around coyote trap available today. There are some traps that work better in certain situations, but if I were to pick one coyote trap for all conditions, this is the trap I'd … [Read more...]
The Ideal Trapping Bag
As trappers, we carry a lot of tools around to make effective sets and catch furbearers. From dirt digging tools and hammers to traps, stakes, lures and more, there gear can really start to add up! Like most people, I started out toting my trapping supplies in a five gallon bucket. To deal with the small tools and accessories a bucket organizer with lots of pouches on the … [Read more...]
Bodygrip/Conibear Trap Setting Tools: A Review
If you're setting a bodygrip trap for the first time, without tools, you may find yourself in quite a dilemma. Sure, setting smaller traps like the 110 or 120 sized bodygrips can be done by hand, but once you get into the larger traps - 160, 220 and 330 size, you really need a tool. A few super strong folks may be able to set the larger conibears by hand, but doing so with a … [Read more...]
MB-750 Beaver/Otter Trap Review
MB-750 Overview-Made by Minnesota Trapline Products-Designed for Beaver and Otter-Jaw Spread: Inside 7 1/16", outside 7 3/8"-Pan size: 3"x3"-Comes with HD machine chain and two swivels-All models are standard 4-coiled-Weighs about 4 lbs. Review by Pat Connelly from Connelly Wildlife Management Although it’s been out for a few years now, I recently tried out the … [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 I Use Coni-Pans for Marten and Fisher Trapping
Traditional body gripping traps have a two-pronged wire trigger that the animal pushes as it moves through the trap, which causes the jaws to fire and make the catch. But this trigger isn't always the most ideal, and a number of modifications and improvements have been made over the years for more effective trigger setups in certain situations. Don't get me wrong - in many … [Read more...]
An Overview of Fleshing Knives
The fleshing knife is a key component to most fur sheds. If you're fleshing muskrats, mink, marten and weasels, you can simply use a butter knife, or a small pelt scraper. But if you've got any amount of meat and fat to clean off a pelt, you need a fleshing knife. Fleshing knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and a wide range of price points. The very low end, entry … [Read more...]