Using a good quality trapping lure can help attract animals to your sets and keep them around longer, increasing the odds of making a catch. It's not just about lure quality, though. The way lure is applied at the set can make a difference in how long it lasts and how potent it is. That's where lure holders come in. Simply applying a bit of lure down a dirt hole isn't … [Read more...]
OnXMaps: A Trapper’s Perspective
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...]
Tax Time Tips for Trappers
I hate tax season. It's the time of year the reminds many of us unorganized types that we need to do a better job keeping records. That's because in any business, record keeping is key to minimizing your tax liability and only paying Uncle Sam what you legally owe. You may not realize this, but if you trap a significant amount of fur, your trapping activities are probably … [Read more...]
Thoughts on Trapping Bait (Live Free and Trap)
A while back, Jeff Traynor over at the "Live Free and Trap" blog wrote a thought provoking article on trapping bait. Citing a Wildlife Society study that looked at bait preferences of raccoon and skunk, he expressed some thoughts on bait that have bounced around in my head a great deal as well. How much of a difference does bait make? Are species-specific preferences … [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...]
Inside Jaw Lamination on Coilspring Traps (Video)
Using Coni-Pans on Conibear / Bodygrip Traps (Video)
Click here to buy Coni-Pans. … [Read more...]