MY FEARS OF HIGHER FUR PRICES

[Bogmaster]

  The big rise in fur prices can really be a double edged sword ,to us in the trapping industry.
 While it means more business for my supply business,more sales for my lure and snares and a larger fur check. It also has a big down side.
 High fur prices, always seems to bring out those it shouldn't. Everyone becomes a trapper, many of whom--do not have the knowledge or the common sense to conduct themselves in a proper manner.This is what really hurt us during the fur boom of the late 70's and early 80's. Many of the restrictions we have placed on us, were the result of the actions of some careless people, during this time.
 Just because it may be your legal right to set traps in a certain area or in a certain way-- does not mean you should.
 To those of you thinking of starting to trap, and to those of you --that used to trap(but quit,because it wasn't worth it--economically). Please use some common sense .Traps and equipment have vastly changed since the last fur boom.Laws have also .
 One of the best things you can do--join your states and national trappers associations.Take a trappers education class,attend a convention--pick up whatever knowledge you can.
 Above all--act in a responsible manner. If you don't , you hurt all of us.
 Tom

[rzwieg]

Word.
 
I miss the juicy fur check but not... those people.

[RdFx]

Besides missing those nice big fur checks , i miss  all those traps that disappeared!!     In the 35 years ive taught trappers ed i ve always stressed   trapping ethically.  Over the years ive found sets that werent  ethical and ive left notes at the sets.  Just becuase it may be legal to set a trap somewhere it doesnt mean you should. Use common sense as  Tom has mentioned.

[cotton jonas]

man how i miss the fighting for a parking spot on a farm you figured ya had all to yourself. and like Lee says the stole traps and fur.
 i like money as good as the next guy but hate to see big money back in trapping for what it brings out in folks.

[Macthediver]

Yep the experts and the Yahoo's I know the ones you speak of. Don't want to spend the money to buy traps so take yours or don't know how to make a decent set so just take your critter. While studying your methods of course. If I'm being totally honest I believe I lost more coon and traps to the coon hunters with dogs. Not to mention property owners who were sick of being bother or have their land tresspassed on.  Oh the fun and games..
 
Mac

[BUCKDUSTER]

good advise. i'm fairly to trapping, but never really considered money. i'm simply an avid outdoorsman who enjoys nature and the thrill and challenge of hunting, fishing and trapping. trapping is the only one that you can get your money back out of it, and breaking even is simply fine with me. trapping gives me another great way to bond with my son, teach him the responsibilities and woodsmanship that ive always felt nessasary in life in general. plus, just being able to out smart a fox or coyote, or figure out the workings of a pond or stream for beaver's, mink, rats and coons is rewarding enough. especially when my 7 yr old son and i get together, make our plan, set it up, and score.   but, thats just my rant.

[fishdaddy]

your right i know places i could catch more gray fox but i dont set them because of all the loose running dogs.also most of the traps ive lost have been to hound hunters.

[mcbammer]

Is  posting   pictures  causing   any   problems ?   and   is  it   discouraged?

[Bogmaster]

 As long as the pictures are in good taste,they can be posted. But if they are not ,I will delete them.
 Tom

[mcbammer]

Just   thought   I  would   ask  .  The   activeist    are   on  the   war  path  here.   I   havent   learn   how  to   post  pics  yet .

[Bogmaster]

 Thats why I said pics must be in good taste--the anti trappers cruise this and other trapping forums and take some of the things that are posted and use them on their sites against us. Thats why some things that are posted on here are locked up or deleted.
 I ask that all posters use their heads before they put anything on here,some do not think before they act.
 I need to learn how to post pics also.
 Tom

[bblwi]

We saw a large increase in early season coon trappers this fall and that is with coon prices about like they were the year before. Now with averge rats at 9-11 instead of 6-9 and reds over 40 we will see an increase in trappers I am sure. We have over 80 already scheduled for our 3 trapper ed classes this spring.
 
Bryce

[Bogmaster]

 Bryce,its all those that get back into trapping when prices are high that scares me. So many of them have not gone through the trappers ed courses. Thats why I have always felt trappers ed should be mandatory for anyone that sets a trap.
 Tom