Thinking about getting into trapping and dont really know anything about trapping. Could someone offer some sources to learn about starting into it. I know absolutely nothing about it any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Trapping info
Here is a great website to pick up some ideas. Also, if there is someone in your area that traps, see if they would let you tag along for a day.
The biggest problem with trapping is finding land to trap on. If you have public land, that is an option as well.
What do you want to try and trap?
Trapping info
Here is a great website to pick up some ideas. Also, if there is someone in your area that traps, see if they would let you tag along for a day.
The biggest problem with trapping is finding land to trap on. If you have public land, that is an option as well.
What do you want to try and trap?
Thanks haven’t really decided on what to trap yet. Just started looking into it thus far. Just looking into what it takes and if I would be interested in taking on another hobby. Thanks for the link to the website!!
Thanks haven’t really decided on what to trap yet. Just started looking into it thus far. Just looking into what it takes and if I would be interested in taking on another hobby. Thanks for the link to the website!!
The first thing you need to do is decide if you really want to do it. You really can’t do trapping half way. And you can’ be doing it for the money. There is not enough money in it to be worth the effort. You have to love doing it. If you don’t you will not last the season and you will have wasted the money it cost to buy the equipment which can be a considerable amount of money.
The next thing is to decide what to trap. Once you decide you can buy books/dvds to help you learn the specific about trapping that particular species. In my opinion it is very important to learn all you can about it so you can make correct decisions when the times arrive.
Other than that are a few tips.
Trapping one or two species well is a lot smarter than trapping more species poorly. Trapping coon is a lot different than trapping beaver and they both require their own specific equipment and techniques. You are best off sticking with on or maybe two species and doing it right.
The cheapest traps are not always a good deal. I would never buys Duke traps for instance. The money you save on the traps you will lose on replacing springs and other parts.
Traps are expensive. Do not let people know where your line is. Try to not be seen working you sets. There are many people who do not like the idea that traps are in their area and will steal or sabotage them.
Again, traps are expensive learn how to boil and dye your traps correctly so they do not rust.
Buy warm, durable waders. Cabela’s Ice Busters have worked well for me. Cheap neoprene will not last a season.
All navigable waterways and road ditches are public property and can be trapped. If you trap ditch right of ways you will stand a good chance of upsetting people who live in the area. I can tell you from experience that even though this is legal it is generally not worth the headaches.
Land owners will be much more likely to let you trap their land if you are using leg hold sets rather than conibears or snares.
I hope this is enough to get you thinking to start trapping. Once you decide what species you want to go after feel free to PM me and I may be able to help you more.
The first thing you need to do is decide if you really want to do it. You really can’t do trapping half way. And you can’ be doing it for the money. There is not enough money in it to be worth the effort. You have to love doing it. If you don’t you will not last the season and you will have wasted the money it cost to buy the equipment which can be a considerable amount of money.
The next thing is to decide what to trap. Once you decide you can buy books/dvds to help you learn the specific about trapping that particular species. In my opinion it is very important to learn all you can about it so you can make correct decisions when the times arrive.
Other than that are a few tips.
Trapping one or two species well is a lot smarter than trapping more species poorly. Trapping coon is a lot different than trapping beaver and they both require their own specific equipment and techniques. You are best off sticking with on or maybe two species and doing it right.
The cheapest traps are not always a good deal. I would never buys Duke traps for instance. The money you save on the traps you will lose on replacing springs and other parts.
Traps are expensive. Do not let people know where your line is. Try to not be seen working you sets. There are many people who do not like the idea that traps are in their area and will steal or sabotage them.
Again, traps are expensive learn how to boil and dye your traps correctly so they do not rust.
Buy warm, durable waders. Cabela’s Ice Busters have worked well for me. Cheap neoprene will not last a season.
All navigable waterways and road ditches are public property and can be trapped. If you trap ditch right of ways you will stand a good chance of upsetting people who live in the area. I can tell you from experience that even though this is legal it is generally not worth the headaches.
Land owners will be much more likely to let you trap their land if you are using leg hold sets rather than conibears or snares.
I hope this is enough to get you thinking to start trapping. Once you decide what species you want to go after feel free to PM me and I may be able to help you more.
I would agree with most of what gator posted 
There is actually quite a bit to know when trapping. From knowing how to tune your traps to actual trap placement. But, it is all pretty easy to learn the basics and then go from there. The website I linked above is an excellent resource for beginner and experienced alike.
Not to turn this into a Duke bash, but the Duke traps have been greatly improved in the last few years. I have several Duke, Victor, and BMI and they all do the job.
I trap for the enjoyment and being outside. Sure, I would like to make a few bucks in the process, but you sure are not going to get rich. I get up every morning filled with anticipation when I have steel in the ground. You never know what you are going to catch or even if you are going to have anything in the traps. Trapping is full of surprises and well worth the time
I would agree with most of what gator posted
There is actually quite a bit to know when trapping. From knowing how to tune your traps to actual trap placement. But, it is all pretty easy to learn the basics and then go from there. The website I linked above is an excellent resource for beginner and experienced alike.
Not to turn this into a Duke bash, but the Duke traps have been greatly improved in the last few years. I have several Duke, Victor, and BMI and they all do the job.
I trap for the enjoyment and being outside. Sure, I would like to make a few bucks in the process, but you sure are not going to get rich. I get up every morning filled with anticipation when I have steel in the ground. You never know what you are going to catch or even if you are going to have anything in the traps. Trapping is full of surprises and well worth the time
Quote:
Not to turn this into a Duke bash, but the Duke traps have been greatly improved in the last few years. I have several Duke, Victor, and BMI and they all do the job.
You know what, you may be right Watts. I have not touched a trap in a few years. Their conibears used to have very weak springs and the triggers would snap off. They may be better now.
Quote:
Not to turn this into a Duke bash, but the Duke traps have been greatly improved in the last few years. I have several Duke, Victor, and BMI and they all do the job.
You know what, you may be right Watts. I have not touched a trap in a few years. Their conibears used to have very weak springs and the triggers would snap off. They may be better now.
You are correct though on the older Duke’s. The jaw traps were notorious for basically “blowing up” when larger animals such as coyotes got caught. There were several accounts of traps literally in pieces at the set locations 
I think the competition in the industry finally made them change their design and use stronger steel and other components. The good thing about the newer ones is the price. A new person getting into trapping can afford to buy a dozen Duke’s and not be broke. But, like you mentioned, there are better higher end traps on the market 
You are correct though on the older Duke’s. The jaw traps were notorious for basically “blowing up” when larger animals such as coyotes got caught. There were several accounts of traps literally in pieces at the set locations
I think the competition in the industry finally made them change their design and use stronger steel and other components. The good thing about the newer ones is the price. A new person getting into trapping can afford to buy a dozen Duke’s and not be broke. But, like you mentioned, there are better higher end traps on the market
Thanks for the info guys. I am definately not considering doing it for the money, it would just give me another excuse to enjoy the outdoors. At the earliest I was planning for next year, if it all. Just doing the research and checking on the feasability of the sport for me.
Thanks again for all the pointers
Jesse
Thanks for the info guys. I am definately not considering doing it for the money, it would just give me another excuse to enjoy the outdoors. At the earliest I was planning for next year, if it all. Just doing the research and checking on the feasability of the sport for me.
Thanks again for all the pointers
Jesse
When I was in highschool I used to run a trapline on some land that my step-dad farmed. There were LOTS of woods and a stream that ran through the property…it was an awesome area to trap and I was blessed with plenty of beaver, coon and some mink. I think there was a badger there too but thank God I never ran into him. Anyway…trapping was soooo much fun. The comment about being with nature was one of the reasons I liked it so much. Keying in on the patterns of different animals and trying to outsmart them was another reason that made it so enjoyable. Checking a trapline daily does take a lot of work though and I realized that it isn’t the most convenient activity 
Oh yeah, traps are spendy too 
I hope you have a blast doing it….good luck!
Sorry, had to reminisce.
Chris
When I was in highschool I used to run a trapline on some land that my step-dad farmed. There were LOTS of woods and a stream that ran through the property…it was an awesome area to trap and I was blessed with plenty of beaver, coon and some mink. I think there was a badger there too but thank God I never ran into him. Anyway…trapping was soooo much fun. The comment about being with nature was one of the reasons I liked it so much. Keying in on the patterns of different animals and trying to outsmart them was another reason that made it so enjoyable. Checking a trapline daily does take a lot of work though and I realized that it isn’t the most convenient activity Oh yeah, traps are spendy too I hope you have a blast doing it….good luck!
Sorry, had to reminisce.
Chris
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