Author Topic: Well, I am bowing out for now (Read 502 times)

frozentoes · « **on:** December 08, 2003, 04:49:16 PM »

I finally got frustrated enough that all my traps are hanging in the shed. I finally caught another possum. But, after the snow I found very few tracks of coon or anything for that matter. There were a few fox tracks through the woods close to the stream. I cannot justify driving 20 minutes to check a dozen traps only to find them empty. I have tried to find a mentor in this area to no avail. I found a "pro" trapper, but he stressed he was a pro trapper and did not have time to show me anything. All other folks are very secretive about their areas and will not let an outsider know where they are. I don't blame them, good trapping grounds are hard to come by. I just cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. I tried the dirt hole sets, pvc sets, and pocket sets. The ones I have caught must have been blind and senile. Also the deal with the traps I paid for and not received or heard anything about really ticked me off. I guess I must ahve jumped in too quick. I guess now I will just sit back and read the forums and try to absorb more info. The only problem with that is is I learn more by seeing and doing. I also found how bad fish can smell. I carry all my scents in a fanny pack. Well, I took a ziploc baggie of panfish fillets out to use in my pvc sets and put them in my fanny pack. Well, I did not use the whole bag. It was cold out so I brought the bag in the house so the bottles wouldn't freeze. A few days go by and I keep smelling something really bad. Oh, shoot the fish!! I didn't want to waste the tainted bait, so I threw the bag in the fridge thinking when it cooled down it would be alright. A couple hours later the wife goes to get something out of the freezer and about gags. The smell went in the freezer and really got ripe. She was not too impressed with me. Oops :oops: Well the next morning I took it out and really baited the coon sets. Next morning I caught the grinner. This was in the area that I had all the fired traps with no critters. I put the trap in a more open area with very few trees and no brush. Ended up with a back foot catch and a nice pile of leaves in the catch circle. That was the day I pulled all traps. I hate to be a quitter, but something has to give. I did drive by some state land that was closer and is a mixture of hardwoods and river/marsh. From the road I could see that it is being trapped for rats right now. Those bright sticks stick out like a sore thimb when you are looking for them. I just don't want to invade someone elses area. This area is 6 square miles of public hunting, but njot too many access areas. A canoe would be great here. Carrying 50+ pounds on my back through the swamp might not be too fun. We are expecting 3-6 inches of snow so maybe after it settles I will have to go exploring and leave the traps at home until I get educated better.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #1 on:** December 08, 2003, 06:01:06 PM »

Toes,don't throw in the towel all together.I know things have been frustrating for you, but remember--we all run into times like this.
When I started trappping,almost 40 years ago----no one shared anything.I learned everything by reading,and trial and error.No internet,no videos,no one to ask questions of.Did I get frustrated,you bet.I remember actually crying,because I didn't know how to set up open water rat houses.That was thousands of rats ago--and I did learn how to rat with the best of them.
Remember,those of us on here will lend as much support and help as we possibly can.Also keep Paul apprised on your trap purchase situation.
Good luck and keep posting. Tom

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2003, 01:13:38 AM »

Toes, DANG! Now why don't you PM ole RdFx and see if you two can hook up for a day or so on his line...just stay away from his "maple syrup".

trappnman · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2003, 02:40:09 AM »

frozentoes- I see that you would be in District 5 in the WS Trapping Assn.

If not, I sent you contact information by PM.

Strangely enough, this is the Dist I belong to in WS. In fact, I may have even been the fulltime trapper you called and wanted to go along with. I have many people call and want to do that each season. BUT

Oct, Nov and Dec are my busiest 3 months of the year- I DON'T have time to teach nobody anything- I barely have time to do what needs to be done. Don't take it personally, whether it was me or some other full time trapper.

But if it was me, then you will know that I answered any and all questons you (or the others) had, and made the offer that I would help all I could by email. And trust me, I spend a good portion of most mornings answering emails on trapping questions- and I am happy to do so!

So frozentoes, don't give up, and don't take the fulltimers lack of response personally- it s just like trying to talk to a farmer during harvest season- just too much going on.

Heres what you do- find the open water back up in the sidehills. Your area is much like mine. look for the trout streams. Then, when it warms up like it is suppose to next week- go out and look for coon tracks, mink tracks, whatever. Now is the time of season where you will learn the craft. I believe WS has extended checks on drowning sets, etc. Check your regs. And if I can help, ask here or email me...steve gappa, trappnman

Asa Lenon · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2003, 02:42:23 AM »

Frozentoes: Unless I missed something in my old age, I think you diagnosed your own problem. You said that after the snow come there was no activity around the sets and that you didn't want to drive 20 minutes to where you did see tracks in the snow. So, to answer your question about what were you doing wrong, probably nothing drasticall wrong. You just need to work on set location a little more and there is no better time than now, with the snow on the ground, to learn about animal's travel routes and proper set locations. Snow and track observation is the best teacher you could have right now so this is not the time to give it up. I believe I sent you some tips on canine trapping, so all you have to do is find where the animals are this time of year and apply the tips to choosing set location and constructing sets. C'mon Frozentoes, give it one more try! Best wishes! Ace :-)

frozentoes · « **Reply #5 on:** December 09, 2003, 09:57:36 AM »

Thanks to all who replied. First thing I need to say, you guys have been very helpful. I do not blame my non success for lack of advice, because I feel I have been welcomed into your forum. I pretty much bring all my questions to this board because there is always many good responses. I appreciate all the help I have been given so far.
Trappnman-I don't think you are the guy I talked to unless you are from Grand Marais, MN. I can understand if people are busy with their own lines. Also thank you for the contact info for the WTA. I need to join soon.
ASA-I am starting to think maybe all the coon I have seen bowhunting disappeared. I have not seen any dead ones, but the sign is not too good. They are still by the creek pretty regular, but I cannot seem to draw them too me. I am setting up on the high bank due to not having any way to anchor to the creek bottom or sides. I have been using what I feel to be loud lures lately.
I am back working for a few more days, so I will not be getting any sets put back in for awhile. I hope to use the weekend to scout out the state land that is closer to me. I have been putting that off due to all the deer and duck hunting still going on.

snaresonly · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2003, 03:25:20 PM »

Frozentoes, I have been reading your post for the past 2 months. I find it funny, as I am new to trapping and having some of the same problems. However I can only use snares. I thought this was a bad thing until seeing all of the problems with leg holds. 1 farm that I trap produce 32 foxes 4 years ago. They run rampid in my area. another place is a coon haven. They raise pheasants and ducks. My first week I caught nothing other then skunks and grinners. My 2nd week I caught a coon in a snare set for fox. Boy was I way off on my set placement. Then I stumbled onto a fox. then another. Then I finally caught a coon in a live trap. I was getting pissed about not catching in an area that has more fur bearers then anywhere else. Each time I catch I learn something else. I also talk to several other trappers several times a week, some online and others via phone. I even stopped by Newts 1 day to pick up snares and pick his brain. Then we got our first snow this past friday. I have been out seeing where the critters are. I have found that several sets where in the total wrong place and I missed great sets that I did not even see. As a new guy at this great sport don't give in. Now is the time to learn. 1 thing that I figured out several years ago, no matter what anyone tells you. you to try it yourself to see if they are right. Look at everything your parents told and how much you did that you where told not to. the only way you truly learn is first hand experience.