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From 1937 to 1940, legendary trapper and instructor Herbert Lenon put together a series of trapping videos that were the first of their kind. We’re talking serious, old school, silent films on trapping. Herb was a true innovator in the trapping industry and put a lot of work into getting trapping information out on video. This DVD captures the original footage from Herb’s trapline as he describes how to make sets. Since there’s no sound, the video cuts back and forth between footage in the field, and cards with text written on them to describe what’s being taught. It’s pretty amazing what Lenon was able to do with such limits in technology of the time.
In a little under an hour, the DVD covers a wide variety of trapping methods in different terrains and varying seasons. Herb covers coyote, fox and wolf trapping in great detail, including his legendary ‘Old Indian Set’ among others. He shows the traps and drags used, and even has incredible method of setting traps on trails in deep snow. I was amazed at the lengths taken to reduce scent and avoid human disturbance at a set. Lenon sure took his job seriously and didn’t take any chances! The video also shows some water trapping methods, including beaver, mink and muskrat sets.
While a lot has changed in trapping since Herb Lenon made his instructional videos so many decades ago, trappers can pick up a lot of tips and tricks by seeing how the old timers trapped. This may not be the entertaining, high speed videos trappers are used to nowadays. Instead, it’s a unique piece of history, and any trapper interested in history should check this one out!
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