Walter Arnold (1894-1980) was a legendary Maine trapper who gained notoriety through his trapping articles in Fur-Fish-Game magazine in the 1930's, 40's and 50's. Now you can experience the adventures, trapping tales, species observations and methods that Arnold shared with trappers over the years. In this episode I discuss the story leading up to the publishing of my new book, … [Read more...]
Old Eagle Eye – Walter Arnold
A big part of trapping is the challenge of outsmarting individual animals, and the sometimes frustrating back-and-forth that comes from the critters who outsmart us. It makes things interesting, and often helps us become better trappers. In this story, Arnold tells of a wise red fox that did just that for a couple of years on his trapline. Old Eagle EyeFirst published in … [Read more...]
Trapping the Elusive Mink – Walter Arnold
Anyone who's been trapping long enough has had experience with some animal they just couldn't seem to catch. Whether smart or lucky, those hard to catch critters haunt our dreams and frustrate us to no end. In this article, Arnold shares two stories of mink who gave he and his brother troubles on their traplines. Trapping the Elusive MinkFirst published in … [Read more...]
Trapping Lure Ingredients and Formulas – Walter Arnold
A certain percentage of trappers, after getting their feet under them and finding success catching furbearers, inevitably try their hand at making their own lures. I’ve done this myself, and like to compare it to fly tying. There’s just something about catching an animal with a lure you’ve formulated yourself. There is a great divergence of opinions when it comes to lure … [Read more...]
Under Ice Beaver Adventures – Walter Arnold
I love under ice beaver trapping. It’s true that it’s the most labor intensive type of trapping there is, and beaver pelts are close to worthless in today’s markets. Still, there are a number of things I like about chasing beaver under the ice. There’s no competition these days, the season is long, the rules are relaxed in my area, and did I mention there’s nobody else out … [Read more...]
Preseason Preparation – Walter Arnold
Preseason preparation has always been of utmost importance to the success of a trapper. There are just so many things involved in setting up and maintaining a trap line that if you don’t get working on them ahead of time, you’re sure to lose valuable time during the season. That time is especially valuable during those first two or three weeks in the season, when the majority … [Read more...]
Life in the Wilderness – Walter Arnold
By the 1960’s the old trapper was feeling his age, but he also had a renewed sense of energy that comes with living in the woods. He’d recently sold most of his businesses, wrapped up some personal matters, and went to live full time in the wilderness. After a bit of a break from writing magazine articles, he began to resume writing as well. The trapping was different now, as … [Read more...]
A Complicated Performance – Walter Arnold
By 1960, Walter Arnold was getting along to be retirement age. For a man who’s always been independent and worked with his hands, it can be tough to accept the fact that you’re getting old, and it’s time to make a change. Walt was in the process of selling parts of his business, closing things out, and moving to his remote camp in the woods of northern Maine. With all that was … [Read more...]