Johnny Thorpe, legendary trapper from New York, caught a lot of beaver through the ice in his day. Literally thousands. Thorpe trapped all through the fur boom years, when competition was a huge part of trapping, and there could be half a dozen other trappers vying for a spot to set traps at a single beaver flowage. During Thorpe's later years, he and Alan Probst teamed up … [Read more...]
Trapping Today Podcast #53: Updates from the Line, and Hunters of the Northern Forest
In this episode, I'm getting ready and excited to get back out on the trapline! I give an update on the line and plans moving forward. I talk a little about topics we'll discuss in future episodes, and read an excerpt from Richard K. Nelson's "Hunters of the Northern Forest", a book about native trappers from Chalkyitsik, Alaska in the 1970's. Enjoy! Click here to buy a … [Read more...]
Trapping Today Podcast #48: Fur Prices, Muskrat Opener and Arctic Village
In this episode, it's the eve of the early muskrat trapping season opener, I'm over extended in work and life, fur prices remain in the tank, and I still can't help but love to talk trapping! I give a shout out to Kris Pope, who recently started his "Coyote Trapping School" podcast, talk muskrat trapping with HagZ spring clips, mention the legend W.A. Gibbs of the muskrat … [Read more...]
Earth Anchors and Stakes for Trapping
Fastening a trap is one of the most basic things a trapper must do well, but it can be done in a number of different ways. Let's go through the history of trap staking, and explore the staking options trappers have today. You have to fasten your trap to something in order to make sure the target animal doesn't get away. Aside from the use of drags (click here for … [Read more...]
Lure Making Books and Videos for Trappers
Making your own trapping lure can be fun, challenging and rewarding. In some cases, it can also save you a fair bit of money. But finding information on lure making can be tough. Most of the successful lure makers have closely guarded trade secrets they wouldn't dare give away to the trapping community. That can make it tough to learn much about making you own lures. … [Read more...]
Trapping Today Podcast #37: Evaluation of Lures, Baits and Urines
After touching on some listener emails, fur prices and trapping news, I go into detail on Charles Dobbins' book, "Evaluation of Lures, Baits and Urines". Lure testing is an often overlooked topic in the trapping world, but being a professional trapper, Dobbins took it very seriously. In this book, he described how he put lures through extensive testing to determine their … [Read more...]
Trapping Today Podcast #35: Fastening Traps – Stakes, Drags and More
In this episode I discuss the different options for fastening traps, and go through the evolution of stakes and drags throughout trapping history, as well as the current products available on the market. Enjoy! Show notes: Fur Real website i mentioned early in the show Why Use Trap Drags? A Review of Trap Drags … [Read more...]
Trapping Today Podcast 31: Lure Making – Types and Bases
In this episode I discuss the difference between a bait and a lure, and the different types of lures, primarily food, call and gland lures. I then discuss what a lure 'base' is, what a base does, and the different types of bases most lures are made of. If you're enjoying the podcast or would like other topics discussed, shoot me a message, I'd love to hear from you. Also, … [Read more...]