In this episode, I give a shout out to the sponsors of TrappingToday.com, give a preliminary update on the FHA Auction results, and talk a little bit about my trapline and under ice beaver trapping. I also cover a post on trapping bait at the Live Free and Trap blog, talk about a cool oral history project on old time Montana trappers, and discuss a research project to … [Read more...]
Group wants lethal traps banned in Idaho wolverine habitat | The Spokesman-Review
Sound familiar? Similar groups tried to ban trapping in Canada lynx habitat as well. I'll discuss lynx issues in episodes 5 and 6 of the Trapping Today podcast. An environmental group has asked Idaho officials to prosecute a trapper who killed a wolverine and ban lethal traps in areas inhabited by wolverines, but state officials say they will do neither. Source: Group wants … [Read more...]
Thompson fur tables saw prices and yields rebound in 2017
I wouldn't put too much stake on a single sale up north, but it's good to hear the Thompson, Manitoba trappers did well on their marten and other fur sales this year. Hopefully this is an indicator that marten prices will do well for the rest of the selling season, but we'll see! After a couple years of lower prices, the Thompson fur tables bounced back in 2017 by handing out … [Read more...]
Trapping Today Podcast: Episode 3
In this episode, I discuss beaver trapping in a low market, particularly the difference between fur trapping and animal damage control trapping, satisfying landowner needs, developing experience and reputation as a trapper, and other benefits of trapping in a low market. I also discuss the arguments for and against fur trapping in a market like this. Enjoy! … [Read more...]
Water Trapping with John Chagnon: Beaver, Otter, Mink, Muskrat & ‘Coon
Water Trapping with John Chagnon – Beaver, Otter, Mink, Muskrat & ‘Coon 2013, PCS Outdoors 1 hr 45 minutes If you’re looking for a break from the big time, hard charging competitive world of professional trapping, and just want to have some fun watching a water trapping video, John Chagnon’s Water Trapping DVD is for you. In a little under 2 hours, John takes you … [Read more...]
The Black Book of Coyote Trapping – Kellen Kaatz
A lot has changed in the coyote trapping world over the past few decades. New trap designs, staking methods and setting techniques have made leaps and bounds with the innovative tools and technology we have available today. Kellen Kaatz is a modern coyote trapper, and his new book, “The Black Book of Coyote Trapping” is the go-to resource for coyote trappers looking to … [Read more...]
Trapping for Castor: Thinking Beyond the Simple Value of a Beaver Pelt
Lower demand for beaver pelts leads to lower prices, which leads to a lower beaver harvest, which lowers the supply of beaver castor. If the demand for castor remains the same (which it has), the only possible outcome is a much higher castor price. That's what we saw in this week's Fur Harvesters auction, where beaver prices averaged between $7.56 and $12.05. That's about as … [Read more...]
County Tackles Gnawing Problem (Fairmont Sentinel)
The beaver population in Martin County has been on the rise, causing no end of trouble for area farmers. In December, Martin County commissioners increased the county’s beaver bounty from $20 to $50 per beaver, in an effort to alleviate the issue. According to drainage administrator Michael Forstner, this was necessary because of the low value currently in the market for … [Read more...]