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Most of us outsiders consider Alaska the last great place for a trapper, and dream of trapping the vast wilderness offering high quality pelts and lots of adventure. Trapping in Alaska is much different than anywhere in the lower 48 states, and though some northern states have conditions that come close, nothing is quite like the Alaska trapping experience. For the uninitiated, like myself, there’s certainly a lot to learn, and Dean Wilson’s “The Alaskan Trapper’s Handbook” is an in-depth introduction to Alaska bush trapping for the uninitiated.
Dean Wilson was a legendary trapper in Alaska, particularly known for his wolf trapping expertise. He was also a fur buyer, who traveled throughout the state to purchase fur from trappers far and wide. His personal experiences on his many traplines, as well as time spent with other trappers, made Wilson uniquely qualified to write the go-to book on trapping in Alaska.
In “The Alaskan Trapper’s Handbook“, Wilson describes Alaskan trapping from start to finish. He talks about Alaska’s climate, how it varies across the state, and affects trappers and the furbearers they pursue. He discusses gear and guns needed on the trapline, and transportation to get around on the line. He goes over how you build a long line, and trapping in the snow
Though the subarctic and arctic climates are harsh for even the toughest of critters, they still support a wide variety of furbearers to target. Wilson gives species information and trapping methods for lynx, marten, wolverine, wolf, coyote, red fox, beaver, otter and muskrat.
If you trap in Alaska, or simply dream of doing so, “The Alaskan Trapper’s Handbook” is a great resource, loaded with trapping information written by one of the trapping community’s legends.
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