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...]
Kyle Kaatz Interviews Jeremiah Wood – Podcast Episode 80
In this episode, Kyle Kaatz takes over the podcast. In interviewing me, we chat about my background, how I got into trapping, the origins of Trapping Today, and we riff on the future of trapping and our message to trappers in today's society. This might be the most fun I've had on a podcast so far, and we're 80 episodes in!!! Hope you enjoy. … [Read more...]
Trapping New Mexico with Kyle Kaatz – Podcast Episode 79
In this episode I'm joined by Kyle Kaatz from Kaatz Bros. Lures as we discuss his experiences trapping in New Mexico. I know several trappers who have made the trip to NM to trap coyotes and bobcats, and they all have great stories to tell. Support our sponsors: Kaatz Bros. Lures Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. Mentioned in this episode: Belisle Magnum Bodygrip … [Read more...]
Trapping Mississippi and Alabama with Kyle Kaatz – Podcast Episode 78
In this episode, I talk southern trapping with Kyle Kaatz. For several years, Kyle traveled south from Illinois in the winter months to trap Mississippi and Alabama. He learned a lot about southern trapping, and discusses his experiences an the ups and downs of state hopping in the south. Enjoy! Support our sponsors: Kaatz Bros. Lures Fur Harvesters Auction, … [Read more...]
Long Line Iowa Road Trapping with Kyle Kaatz – Podcast Episode 77
In this episode of the Trapping Today Podcast, I talk long lining and state hopping with Kyle Kaatz of Kaatz Bros. Lures. We spend most of the episode talking about road trapping for raccoon and mink in Iowa: the conditions, regulations, competition, type of sets, and much much more. Hope you enjoy! Check out Kyle's Iowa trapline DVD Support the sponsors of the … [Read more...]
Methods and Location, Advanced Lure/Bait Strategies and Offseason Work with Ron Jones – Podcast Episode 76
In this episode of the Trapping Today Podcast, Ron Jones talks with us about the difference between a 'location based on method' and a 'method based on location' trapper, establishing draw stations and test sets, offseason work, and advanced luring and baiting strategies. It's an information-packed episode, so get your thinking cap on! Support our sponsors: Kaatz Bros. … [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...]