How did you get started

[GRIZ]

Just would like to hear how everyone got started in trapping. Wheather you actively trap or have in the past. It makes no difference if it was gophers, fur or turtles. Myself I have trapped them all and would like to hear what got others started.

[DaveO]

chit griz I had this realy nice storie all typed out and was getting close to the end,,,,,and my comfuser took a trip to Red lake and now all my typeing is gone,,,,,,,,,,,,,,


SUNDAY,,,,,BEACH!!!

[GRIZ]

Hey I looked at what time ya posted and I'm wondering if it's the coMfuser that actually took the trip.

[GRIZ]

I suppose I should start with myself.

I got started at about 5yrs old trappin pocket gophers. I had 4 - 5 generations to ask for advice which made it easier. I still had to follow my imagination once in awhile and try trappin gophers with rubber bands and other less than productive techniques. When about 12-13 I managed enough gophers to buy 5 dozen traps and a new 3 wheeler.

Thats when I made the jump to trappin fur. Not truely productive the first yr but made enough that I figured could afford an investment, an attempt to trap turtles and leeches in the spring.

A bussiness was born. That first yr I did pretty well, meeting lots of newpeople and accounts making nearly in 4 months what my dad worked hard for all yr. After the first yr took pa as a partner which we did up until the drought dried up our ponds. Without the resourses I once had I was forced to do this part time while working a job, still trapping fur in the fall.

One day after improving my trappin skills a bunch I bumped into a fellow trapper who pulled over and started talking with me. He was from wisc. just visiting some reletives in the area. When he looked in the back of my truck asked if the next day he could come with and have me teach him what and why I was doing. He said he'd be willing to pay me $300 dollars for the day.

That was one of the most rewarding things I've done. A couple weeks later he called all excited tellin me of his catch (his best) and talkin how the season wasn't even over yet. It felt really good hearing that stuff and next thing ya know with a bit of persuasion from this fellow I was giving personal instructions to others. Not on a full time basis but every now and then. It really is more rewarding hearing of others success.

For a real challenge try snaring squirrles. It's not impossible but took me awhile.

[perch destroyer]

Haven`t trapped since the late 70`s early 80`s. Back then the musk rats were bringing $9-13 and a prime coon $40-48. Sure made it worthwhile getting up at 4:30 every morning to walk the creek before heading to work.
 Started out just me and another guy with just 6 leg hold traps, then everytime we sold some rats, went and bought 6 more, and so on. Moved away from that place in 83, and haven`t trapped since. I think my boys would love to try it though.

[jigglestick]

destroyer griz and the rest of you bunch. it's up to you guys to pass this stuff on to the next generation, even while the prices are so low it aint hardly worth the gas. it is an american heritage that helped forge this country into what it is today.
lets not let it slip away. one day the prices will come back around and our kids might actualy use it to help pay the rent at some point. maybe when they're in a bind???
it's nice to have skills.

[GRIZ]

Test pic

Well that didn't work

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[Big Slick]

I am basically just starting this year...42 years old.

Got any good tips or maybe a book I can read?