Boy, how things have changed when it comes to one of America’s most iconic furbearers, the beaver. Perhaps no other species has undergone such a dramatic shift in both economic value and abundance over the decades. Those up on their early American history know that the demand for beaver pelts was a major driver in the settling of the North American continent. The high value of … [Read more...]
Life on the Trapline (Walter Arnold)
Sometimes the best trapping stories are the short, simple tales of interesting catches and challenging conditions. They’re the things we talk about with other trappers when we meet up, whether at conventions, state associations, the local fur buyer, or coffee shop. Trapping tales are great, and they keep things exciting during those times when we aren’t running the line. In … [Read more...]
Bobcats and Bobcat Trapping – Walter Arnold
Walter Arnold had a great deal of experience with bobcats, both as a trapper and a fur buyer in Maine. The state had a bounty on the predators for many years, such that even when the pelts weren’t worth much, trappers and hunters pursued ‘cats with a great deal of effort. In this article, Arnold goes over some of this thoughts and observations around bobcats. The … [Read more...]
Dangers in the Woods – Walter Arnold
Danger abounds in the woods, and when you’re miles away from help, the risks are multiplied. In this article, Walter Arnold talks of some of the close calls and tough times that he and others faced over the years. The Unexpected First published in Fur-Fish-Game October 1944 Walter Arnold Although one might roam the woods for a year without getting into any tight … [Read more...]
Walter Arnold on Otter Trapping
The otter is a fascinating furbearer. Both playful and fierce, this water-dwelling, fish-eating mustelid makes long circuits through its home range, typically over the course of several weeks. Its long range movements combined with varying habits can turn otter trapping into a game of low percentages. But with enough practice, the patient and intuitive trapper can master otter … [Read more...]
Prestige vs. Profit on the Trapline (Walter Arnold)
As trappers, we all have decisions to make about which animals we put effort into catching each season. The reality is that most of us can’t do it all, and we often choose between catching big numbers of one or two species, or making smaller catches of a wide variety of species. In today’s era of low fur prices, many factors other than price are at play when deciding what to … [Read more...]
The Backwoods Trapline (Walter Arnold)
Trapping trips are fun. Most avid trappers have planned a trip or two out of their ordinary trapping area at one time or another. Some actually do this every season, travelling to a different state to help satisfy their sense of adventure. In this story, the two Walts (Tozier and Arnold) spend an entire season hunting and trapping in the backwoods of northern Maine. For Tozier … [Read more...]
Dirt Trapping for Fox (Walter Arnold)
When Walter Arnold talks of early snow putting a wrench in his trapping season, I can’t help but feel his pain. Here in northern Maine we can easily get dumped on with a big snow in November that remains with us until the following spring. Recently I found myself running my marten and fisher line on snowmobile in mid November. No matter where you trap, weather conditions will … [Read more...]