After struggling to find a lure that would work in the conditions of my northern Maine marten and fisher trapline, I decided to make my own. My requirements? First and foremost, the lure had to hold up to the rainy spells that we have during the November season here, and keep working. It also had to continue to function during the deep freezes. That necessitated a grease based … [Read more...]
Making Trapping Lures: Ingredients for a Predator Call Lure (Video)
An Overview of the Jump Traps: Video
Skunks: The Best Investment You’ll Ever Make (DVD)
The strong odor clues you in as you approach that perfectly crafted coyote set you put in the day before. Skunk! Darn it! The black and white striped stinker comes into view and you're disappointed, but perhaps you shouldn't be. Skunks are more valuable than most trappers think, if you know what to do with them. That's where Kyle Kaatz' skunk video comes in. In … [Read more...]
Dyeing Traps with Cold Dip
You can buy traps from the factory and use them without dyeing, but it's not recommended. They'll start rusting quickly, causing poor performance, likelihood of failure, and a shorter life span. Traditionally, traps were dyed with tannins from the bark and/or boughs of certain trees. They were then dipped in wax. The dye provided a thin layer of protection by binding with … [Read more...]
Why Fur Prices Vary by Size, Species and Location
North American fur prices vary by region – sometimes substantially – and if you’ve ever looked over fur price averages from the major auction houses, you may find yourself confused by all of the different terms, and wondering how fur in your area stacks up against the averages. I get questions like this all the time, including “what’s so special about Western bobcats that makes … [Read more...]
World fur trade remains strong, despite China slowdown | Apparel Industry News | just-style
Driven by resurgent interest from catwalks, the international fur trade has remained strong despite a predicted slow down in the Chinese luxury sector, new figures reveal. Source: World fur trade remains strong, despite China slowdown | Apparel Industry News | just-style … [Read more...]
Alan Liere: The marvels of a contemporary trap line | The Spokesman-Review
Until it was virtually banned in Washington, trapping was a good management tool.If you don’t believe that, ask the folks around Loon Lake what they think of the beaver with an appetite for their ornamental trees.Mention the muskrats that like to build their nests in Styrofoam docks.Both those fur-bearers are doing what they have been doing for eons, but when they compete with … [Read more...]