Many of us talk about trapping as a food source in a WS situation. How many have actually tried it? Were you doing it legally?
I recently attended a mandatory trapper's education course that is required to get my trapping license. What an eye-opener. Like most of us, I've played with deadfalls, various triggers, etc. etc. Mostly this took place at camp or in my backyard. This class was a bare minimum introduction into the sport and art of trapping furbearers. Something I've been interested in for years and finally got the chance to take the plunge.
As a veteran hunter and fisherman, I felt I had a pretty good understanding of animal behavior, habitat, etc. I think veteran trappers take this knowledge to a whole new level. To paraphrase one of our instructors; a hunter has to figure out where his quarry will be within 25-250 yards to have a high degree of success. Trappers have to figure out within a couple of inches where the critter will place its paw.
I highly recommend this type of training to anyone who hasn't done it. Most, if not all the states Fish and Game Depts. offer it free of charge. Furthermore it is normally a pre-req to getting a trapping license. Without a license (and sometimes even with) that deadfall in your backyard is an illegal hunting implement, among other things.
For our friends in Canada, I believe most of the provinces require this training as well. Don't know about the cost though.
Good Luck and see ya on the 'line.
I recently attended a mandatory trapper's education course that is required to get my trapping license. What an eye-opener. Like most of us, I've played with deadfalls, various triggers, etc. etc. Mostly this took place at camp or in my backyard. This class was a bare minimum introduction into the sport and art of trapping furbearers. Something I've been interested in for years and finally got the chance to take the plunge.
As a veteran hunter and fisherman, I felt I had a pretty good understanding of animal behavior, habitat, etc. I think veteran trappers take this knowledge to a whole new level. To paraphrase one of our instructors; a hunter has to figure out where his quarry will be within 25-250 yards to have a high degree of success. Trappers have to figure out within a couple of inches where the critter will place its paw.
I highly recommend this type of training to anyone who hasn't done it. Most, if not all the states Fish and Game Depts. offer it free of charge. Furthermore it is normally a pre-req to getting a trapping license. Without a license (and sometimes even with) that deadfall in your backyard is an illegal hunting implement, among other things.
For our friends in Canada, I believe most of the provinces require this training as well. Don't know about the cost though.
Good Luck and see ya on the 'line.
