Trapping can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, matching wits with animals in the wild, learning their habitats and responsibly harvest abundant furbearers. But after the catch is made, the work begins. Proper fur handling - skinning, fleshing, stretching and drying the pelts - is an important process that can be extremely rewarding when done right. But it requires the … [Read more...]
Bodygrip/Conibear Trap Setting Tools: A Review
If you're setting a bodygrip trap for the first time, without tools, you may find yourself in quite a dilemma. Sure, setting smaller traps like the 110 or 120 sized bodygrips can be done by hand, but once you get into the larger traps - 160, 220 and 330 size, you really need a tool. A few super strong folks may be able to set the larger conibears by hand, but doing so with a … [Read more...]
OnXMaps: A Trapper’s Perspective
Guest post by Pat Connelly from Connelly Wildlife Management I’ve been using the OnX Hunt app since I heard Steve Rinella and the Meateater crew talking about it. I now use it every day, on the trapline and off. These are some of the ways I use the app as well as some ideas I’ve had for potentials uses. I also want to mention some features that could use some slight … [Read more...]
Habitat Matters When You’re Marten Trapping
Habitat drives populations. One of the first things you learn as a fur trapper is to spend time in the habitat that best supports the species you’re pursuing. Abundant water and young aspen draw in beaver. Cattail marshes are muskrat magnets. Coyotes like open spaces and the forest/field edges. Marten need mature forests. As a marten trapper I learned early on to look for … [Read more...]
MB-750 Beaver/Otter Trap Review
MB-750 Overview-Made by Minnesota Trapline Products-Designed for Beaver and Otter-Jaw Spread: Inside 7 1/16", outside 7 3/8"-Pan size: 3"x3"-Comes with HD machine chain and two swivels-All models are standard 4-coiled-Weighs about 4 lbs. Review by Pat Connelly from Connelly Wildlife Management Although it’s been out for a few years now, I recently tried out the … [Read more...]
Georgia Trapper Kirk DeKalb and his “Greatest Discovery”
Kirk DeKalb is a legendary trapper in Georgia with more than 16,000 beavers to his name. With that much experience, you're bound to learn a thing or two. We discuss Kirk's background and a fascinating discovery he made along the journey. It may even help explain why animals are avoiding your sets! Support our Sponsors:Kaatz Bros. LuresOnXMaps (use code 'TRAP' for 20% … [Read more...]
Cold Weather Gear for the Trapline, Part 2 – Podcast Episode 146
This episode continues our discussion on cold weather gear for the trapline, and what I recommend based on my experience. Enjoy! Support our SponsorsKaatz Bros. LuresOnXMaps Mentioned in this episode:Carhartt Arctic BibsChoko Extreme Snow BibsBig Bill lightweight wool pantsFleece Pants (couldn't find the ones i have, but these should work)Cold Pruf base layerWoolX Base … [Read more...]
Cold Weather Gear for the Trapline, Part 1: Podcast Episode 145
It's starting to get a bit cold here, so let's talk winter clothing for the trapline! I had the chance to learn and test out a lot of gear on my Alaska trapping trip. In this episode I go over my thoughts and opinions, and what I've learned and come to prefer for trapline clothing. Support our SponsorsKaatz Bros. LuresOnXMaps (use code 'TRAP' for 20% off!)Walter Arnold, … [Read more...]