I might be nuts

[snowman485]

Woke up to about 10 inches of new snow . Finally got to check my snares on snowshoes . I don't think there is anything better than snowshoeing atrap line . :lol:

[RdFx]

Snowman you will change yr mind when you have to snowshoe  (break trail) into a bvr pond for three miles  carrying gear on yr back and rest of it in a sled  (otter).  Then when you go to check it snowed another 12 inches  and you break trail again and you have five bvr to pull back out..  I stopped midway and  rough skinned and took castors out and put bvr  next to trail in brush.... next time in checking wolves had  taken everything not even heads left just tracks and some blood smears on snow..  You huff and puff some and look at the scenery abit as you shoe along LOL

[Newt]

Never had a pair of snow shoes on. But last week I wore a pistol to shoot snakes while I was in the swamps.

[RdFx]

Newt  maybe you should get a pair of snowshoes so you can walk ontop of the marshgrass lol...... then you can step and hold the snakes down while you pop em........ :-D

[Asa Lenon]

I don't think there is anything better than snowshoeing atrap line .

 :grin: I agree snowman, I love the pristine wilderness covered with fresh snow.  It sort of like de ja vu' to me, one must inherit thoughts and feeling of their ancestors as my Dad made his living trapping snowshoe line back in the depression.  I agree with 'ol RdFx though, enjoy it while your young enough to do it.  I still love to snowshoe in with a pack basket loaded with  a few traps and gear BUT when I have to put a couple coyotes and a bobcat in that basket on the way out I start think about retiring in Florida, LOL  :-D  Ace

[TraplineMusher]

I run most of my line here with the use of snowshoes and dog sled. The dogs make it easy to carry a huge load and the shoes come in handy when I jump off the sled to go check a small loop. Something about our ancestors and the way that they trapped--keeps me going everyday.
                       John

[Asa Lenon]

Something about our ancestors and the way that they trapped--keeps me going everyday.   John

I know what you mean John.  My Dad run two snowshoe lines during the 1930's depression era, trapping coyote, fox, bobcat, mink, beaver and weasel along the way. One line was 18 miles and the other 12 miles which he walked alternately everyday all winter long for several years pulling a tobaggon behind him to haul the traps and harvest.  Heavy furbearers were skinned on the spot but the canines and bobcat were trapped for bounty and the whole body had to be presented to the DNR for certification so they had to be hauled in body and all.  Its hard for me to not feel this de ja vu' when i'm out there doing the same thing.  The real difference lies in the fact that I do it by choice and Dad had to keep at it, sick or well to survive as the entire years income was made in the winter months.  Ace

[skidway]

I believe the men that chose to trap for a living back in the time Asa was referring to were also, by and large, much better trappers than you find today; out of necessity if for no other reason. Much tougher men also. How they, and especially the very early trappers, using the equipment and clothing they had even survived the winters has always impressed me.