Author Topic: Trapping Journals or Records? (Read 817 times)

KYtrapper17 · « **on:** July 16, 2003, 04:32:55 PM »

This season I want to keep a journal or some records of my line. I want to kepp up with every set, what it caught, where it was, the lure used, and type of set. Should I do a journal like thing or just keep records? I've been thinking about doing both: keeping a journal a putting in a entry for every day of trapping season, and keeping a record book of every set and valuable info about the set, so I can review it at the end of the season so I can see what is working for me. What do you do?

coondogintenn · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2003, 06:02:14 PM »

i dont keep a journal or anything,i probably never will,but i think its a good idea.you can overlook your sets on paper and fix problems,good way to learn from mistakes and stuffs

foxtail · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2003, 06:09:19 PM »

I started just using a grid form to figure what I was getting. Then I started to get so many critters that I could not keep up with my records.
Now I just write down what I get at each stop and write it in a permanent notebook.

foxtail · « **Reply #3 on:** July 16, 2003, 06:18:10 PM »

You have mail

foxtail · « **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2003, 12:39:28 PM »

KY, did you get the mail?

KYtrapper17 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2003, 04:18:46 PM »

Foxtail: I'm anxious to check it, but I use my brothers email address because I don't have an email. He is on vacation and won't be back till Sunday, but as soon as he gets back I'm gonna make him get on his e-mail.

foxtail · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2003, 06:46:32 PM »

OK, I think you will like it.

coyotero · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2003, 01:27:29 PM »

I keep written records of every location,set and catch.It has helped me to evaluate what is working versus what are my favorites.I've made up my own shorthand so I can write everything do in a hurry.

KYtrapper17 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 19, 2003, 04:18:26 PM »

Foxtail: Was the e-mail from Ric off Sullivans Line. If not I couldn't find it.

foxtail · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2003, 04:51:38 PM »

I will send it again.
I used the email link off of this site.
If you don't get it by10:00 cst let me know.

foxtail · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2003, 04:57:00 PM »

I emailed you and pm ed you.
same message

KYtrapper17 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2003, 03:04:56 AM »

Got It Foxtail. I sent you my address this morning at about 9:00.

foxtail · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2003, 06:56:54 PM »

It didn't come.
.net

foxtail · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2003, 12:19:03 PM »

KY, it is in the mail.

KYtrapper17 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2003, 03:39:13 PM »

Thanks Alot Foxtail :grin: : I will be checking the mail everyday. I'll let you know when I receive it.

jim-NE · « **Reply #15 on:** July 26, 2003, 05:49:40 PM »

I kept a journal the first 5 years or so when I first started. I learned a lot from my notes when I looked back over them. I always thought if something happened to me, it would be a good map for someone to go out and retrieve my equipment for me in an emergency, too. Luckily didn't need to go that route with it.
I used it too to keep track of what lures/baits I used at each set. It was handy, but took a lot of work to maintain it properly. I gave up to save myself time on the line.

KYtrapper17 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 29, 2003, 08:01:24 AM »

Got it Foxtail! It seems like a real quick and easy way of keeping up with your sets. I will use this method and the method I made up this year to see wich works best for me. Thanks Alot! :grin:

foxtail · « **Reply #17 on:** July 29, 2003, 10:03:15 AM »

You are most welcome. That is what trappers are supposed to do, help each other. I am glad that you like it.

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #18 on:** July 31, 2003, 04:10:02 AM »

When I started I just knew I'd forget where I left things. I started making what may be called strip maps... a line on a legal pad that roughly traces the route I drive. I show major features lie ; bends, forks fences, mills, ponds etc. Sets are marked with an x and if dragged a D; snares with a loop. I use initials for lure and bait. Catches are likewise indicated with initials. At season's end I list the lure and combos on a seperate sheet with the catches. This shows some interesting trends. I don't make any special forms and I have a map that my son or another who is somewhat familiar with my trapping habits could run / retrive the line if I were laid up.