MORE TRAPPERS<ENTERING THE FIELD

[Bogmaster]

 With increased prices on muskrats and mink,and good prices on beaver,we will see a lot of new trappers this year.Many of these ,will be getting back into it,after 30 years.
 A word to those that are rejoining our ranks----things are not like they were the last time you trapped.Traps have changed,techniques have changed----we have become better trappers.
 One of the best things you can do, is take a trappers education course----I don't care if you are Grandfathered in-----and are not required by law to take it------TAKE IT ANYWAYS---you will become a better trapper.
 The fur boom of the late 70s and early 80s cost the trappers of today dearly---we lost many tools, because of inconsiderate,or ignorant people---calling themselves trappers.We cannot afford to lose anything else---Play the game the correct way--use your heads,don't let a few dollars --cloud your decisions.------And for the good of the industry---EDUCATE  yourself.
 Tom

[RdFx]

I concurr with Toms' post.   Also always think  ahead   when setting  in  populated places.  Even if it is legal to set , is it ETHICAL to set there... for instance a boat landing where  the public is walking around , maybe with pets before getting into  thier boat or canoe.... Even if there are furbearers there, go somewhere else and set up... maybe you can go  up or down from the area and trap safely... Remember  as a trapper the public is watching you and you want to put your best foot  forward in the public eye...  Now with all my jabbering done , like Tom said go get properly educated on todays trapping techniques and laws... Good luck and happy long hours skinning this coming  season.

[Wackyquacker]

I'm on this "band wagon".  In the last year or so alone, we have had three states face major battles because of dogs in traps.  In New Mexico we are working to ward off more restrictive set back regulations presicely because of the antis efforts to exaggerate the issue of pet saftey.  This latest effort was fueled, largely, by an incident with a dog and two young trappers not understanding the implications of their in appropriate actions.  Think before you set!  If you are so unfortunate to catpture a dog "you should have had your da*# dog on a leash" is not the correct response.

[jim-NE]

Man...remember the days when there was stakes and wire under every single bridge and along every creek you walked?
I never want to go back to those days. Yes, pelts brought some serious cash, but honestly it wasn't as fun to trap then. Hard to get permission on new land because everyone already had a trapper guest or two on their place. There were fur buyers on every corner, too. And boy were there ever some slobs out there trying their hand at it. Attendance at conventions was much more noticeable back then, also.
I really enjoyed the rock-bottom price years, myself. I could get permission just about anywhere I wanted to, there were tons of animals around to practice and learn on, and you could take a big catch in each season, and just had fun with it.

I'm no expert by any stretch, but I will always offer advice if asked. I will do my part to help get others up to speed. Hopefully we won't take some steps backward with bad PR situations. Good point, and thanks for posting this up, Tom

[MChewk]

Along this ame note...I remember finally getting permission on a piece of land that had aanother traper on it for years. First year out there I'm walking the property and walk down to the creek. I see a few branches sticking up on the creek bank and walk over to inspect 2 rusted 330s still set from who knows when??? Slob trappers you bet!!

[pickles]

With the article in the Sunday paper about fur and fashion you know everyone will be setting traps. We just talked about this samething and hoped the price of fur would not go up soas to keep the in for the money crowd away.  I would like to see every kid have a chane to trap and make a little pocket money, and learn respect for the critters he catches, and resposibility of running a trap line. I just don't want soneone that just wants to make a quick buck and don't care about anyone but him or herself. 
 I have caught cat's in my traps and left them loose, as I think you should. Yet I have had other trapers tell me you should have killed the D--- thing!  they were someones pet.
I think we should always put the best foot forward, and think before we jump in and mess things for the long haul.
just my take
pickles

Semper Fi

[coyotero]

I think there will be less trappers around here.Fuel prices are going to keep some guys home or close to home.The Breaks will have lots of guys after cats but canines and water animals will get less pressure.It's the old $400.00 to $600.00 bobcat story.I can always make more money on canines as I'm in marginal cat country.If anyone ever trapped beaver hard around here I  think the numbers would be real high.

[Thumper]

The old salts, Bog and Redfox are correct. Trappers walk a fine every season with PETA, dog runners and the average Joe out walking his dog. Many people who don't understand or appreciate our sport only feed off the isolated few who are out for what they think is a fast buck. Use your head! I pass up spots I feel have good potential for canines, soley because I fear too much traffic from non target species. I don't waste much time thinking about the number chasers, I have found most of them are a flash in the pan after they find out how much time and energy goes into a successful trap line. At any rate, none of us are above education. That's why I keep coming back to this forum. Keep your feet wet and your fur dry!