As trappers we’re constantly in need of specialized supplies and equipment, and most of us don’t have a well stocked trapping shop nearby. Traditionally we’ve relied on mail order supply catalogs, and in the modern age, many of us are turning to online dealers to get our trapping supplies. Here’s an overview of some of the major trapping supply companies online today.
Kaatz Bros. Lures makes it to the top of my list because they’re currently an advertiser on Trapping Today, and I’ve had the chance to order supplies from the guys 4-5 times in the past couple of months. They’re a relatively small company, but sell much more than just lures and baits. They carry a wide variety of traps, equipment, lure making supplies, books, videos and more. Prices are very competitive. Orders are processed immediately and shipped fast. I’m yet to find an item they don’t have in stock. For a limited time, you can use the offer code TT5 at checkout to save $5 off your first order of $50 with Kaatz Bros. You won’t be disappointed with these guys.
F&T Fur Harvester’s Trading Post has the largest selection of trapping and predator hunting supplies out there. You name it, they have it. As a leader in the trapping supply industry, F&T is well known for their reputation as a reliable supplier of quality products. The F&T guys are trappers themselves, and have invested heavily in the industry and have promoted trapping as the primary sponsor of North American Trapper (now Freedom Outdoors), the popular trapping television show hosted by Alan Probst.
After several great transactions I’ve grown to enjoy doing business with PCS Outdoors. In recent years owner John Chagnon has put himself out as a great representative of the company, sharing trapping tips and adventures and making himself directly available to customers anytime. That goes a long way. They have much of their inventory available on eBay, which is where I usually order from them. I do it for the convenience, though I’m sure they don’t like paying the high eBay seller fees. Their current website is a little dated (parts of it look like we’re in the 1990’s!), but gets the job done. Prices are great and shipping is fast.
Minnesota Trapline Products has been a leader in the trapping supply industry for a long time. I’ve heard nothing but positive reviews from all of my trapper friends who have ordered supplies from them. If you’re not already aware, MTP manufactures their own line of heavy duty traps and equipment, and a few years back they purchased the Bridger Trap Company from the Montgomery family. Owner Tim Caven also makes a popular line of trapping lures, including the famous ‘Gusto’ call lure that’s so popular with northern trappers across the continent. Keep an eye on their website for specials and discounted overstock items.
If you’re an animal damage control trapper, Wildlife Control Supplies is the place for you. In addition to a selection of trapline supplies, WCS carries all of the hard-to-find tools and equipment unique to the ADC world. They know the business and can take care of all of your damage control needs.
Mark Steck is a Minnesota-born trapper who moved West in search of trapping opportunity as a young man. He started and built DakotaLine from the ground up. This innovative trapline supply company started with a focus on snares, but today they do it all. In addition to having just about everything you can imagine you’d need on the trapline or fur shed, Mark has also launched his own brands of trapping and fur handling equipment: Gold Creek Fur Harvesting Products and Wiebe Knives. An innovative company with an eye for design and professionalism, you’ll continue to see lots from DakotaLine in the future.
For such a narrow niche, the trapping supplies industry can be a crowded space. Though a few large scale dealers rise to the top, there are still a number of smaller scale companies that can help with your trapping supply needs. Here’s a list of others, and links to their sites.
Cumberland’s Northwest Trappers Supply
Murray’s Lures & Trapping Supplies
Thank you for not saying any thing about supporting your local trap supply house. I stock a large line of traps. lures and every thing else the local trapper needs and you tell them to go to the web. You should try to make sure the trapper support any local shop before ever going online to buy.
Thanks for the comment Jeff. I should clarify that this is an overview of the online supply companies. Note that in the beginning of the article I mentioned that many of us don’t have the option to go to a local shop – I would have to drive 4-5 hours to find one, and even then the selection would be very limited. So many of us don’t have an alternative and it’s good to know what’s available online.
I agree that trappers should support local shops because it’s good to have a local option when you need something quick, the service is usually great, you can share information, and an old-fashioned face-to-face transaction is hard to beat. But that’s their choice. If folks want to buy online there are a lot of great options out there.
Feel free to share your company location and contact information if you like. Hopefully trappers nearby will look you up for their supply needs.