Texas isn't the only place river otters are making a comeback. The recovery of otter populations in a number of states across the nation has been an exciting trend, and is opening up the opportunity for responsibly regulated trapping seasons. Just recently, wildlife officials in the state of West Virginia announced their plans to allow the trapping of river otters beginning … [Read more...]
NTA Southeast Regional Convention This Weekend
The National Trappers Association is holding its 7th Annual Southeast Regional Convention this weekend (April 9-11) in Calhoun, Georgia. It looks to be an eventful weekend, with lots of vendors and a top-notch list of professional trappers giving demonstrations, including Kirk DeKalb, Slim Pederson, Jackie Malone, James Lord, Clint Locklear, Hal Sullivan, and many others. If … [Read more...]
Fur Market Takes a Turn for the Better
It looks like the fur market is finally back! This past weekend was a huge one for fur auctions, and the results are very encouraging. First off was the Fur Harvesters Auction February 19th sale in Seattle. Essentially every item offered for sale at the auction showed significant price advances from the previous auction. Most notably, muskrats averaged $8.50, and western … [Read more...]
The Attempt to Ban Trapping in New Hampshire
A new bill introduced to the New Hampshire House of Representatives, is yet another backdoor attempt by animal rights activists to ban trapping. HB 1514 would essentially eliminate fur trapping by making it illegal to sell the fur of any trapped wild animal in the state. The bill was introduced after an outright trapping ban failed in the 2007 legislative session. Aside from … [Read more...]
River Otters Making a Comeback in Texas
Once a very rare sight, river otters are starting to appear more and more frequently in areas of Texas. DALLAS — River otters are popping up in Texas waterways where they haven't been seen in decades, giving wildlife officials hope that the rarely seen critter is on the comeback. The animals were believed to have been restricted to the Piney Woods of east Texas because of … [Read more...]
FHA Fur Auction Results Positive for Trappers
Despite a serious downturn in the wild fur market as of late, the most recent Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. fur sale posted some pretty encouraging results. Fur prices were still pretty low for some species, but others were impressive. Beaver averages were pretty low. Some raccoons did okay, while others didn't sell at all. Muskrat prices were very impressive, averaging … [Read more...]
Kirk DeKalb’s Trappin’ Tales Video: A Review
The trapping world is full of videos. Videos on how to catch bobcats, coyotes, beaver, you name it. In a sport and lifestyle where many young enthusiasts are thirsting for specific “how-to” information, trapping instructional videos abound. And I enjoy them. It’s nice to watch a meaningful video and pick up a few pointers here and there. But for the longest time, … [Read more...]
Foothold Traps are Humane, Columnist Demonstrates
The best way to combat animal rights arguments is with the facts. Massachusetts outdoor columnist Marc Folco did just that when he demonstrated, on video, what it's like to get your hand caught in the average foothold animal trap. Folco showed the public what most trappers already know: these traps are humane! The same traps demonstrated in the video below were banned in … [Read more...]