Pelt day

[dakids]

Pelt day was last Saturday.   We had about 30 trappers and 6 kids.  During the trapping season trappers will donate animals.  On pelt day we get together and process the animals(skin and put up).  They are then sent to a tannery.  When we get them back they are given to schools for educational purposes.   We use this day to learn from each other and more importantly teaching the next generation.  I brought my new trapping buddy Gavin.  For a 9 year old he learns quick.  He's crazy about catching muskrats.   Since I don't know to much about muskrats I had him work with a couple experts.  He was all hands in.  He helped skin, scrape and stretch 80 muskrats.   He also tried his hand at fleshing a beaver.  His mother loved the pictures.  He is more obsessed now than he was before.   Together we proceeded a out 300 animals.   

[dakids]

We also gave away 3 brand new custom fleshing beams to the kids as well as other trapping related stuff.  Gavin got 8 muskrat traps.  I think they were donated from the 82 year old trapper that said he couldn't get out anymore.  He spent about 30 minutes explaining all the nuances of catching muskrats and Gavin didnt miss a word.  The old guy was crying a little bit while he showed him how to set the stop loss traps.  One of the best days I've had in a long time.

[dakids]

More pictures

[dakids]

More pictures

[dakids]

More pictures

[dakids]

Last ones

[tangle tooth]

Awesome work you're doing there. Thank you.

[mike89]

yes that is neat!!!  good for you all!! 

[Jerkbiat]

That is awesome!!!! Good to see some young blood getting interested in it. 

[deadeye]

Just gotta love it dakids.  You sure keep you fingers in many aspects of the outdoors. And are always willing to help others get started in one outdoor activity or another. Cheers to you. 

[Steve-o]

This is one of those threads where there ain't enough *Like* buttons to press.

Is Gavin related to you?  Or is he just the luckiest kid on the block?

Yes, those pictures of Gavin and the old-timer are the best.

[glenn57]

awesome dakids!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[markn]

 
Great job DK.

[Boar]

Filled that old mans heart! The kids, awesome, the old.man... even better!

[dakids]

This is one of those threads where there ain't enough *Like* buttons to press.

Is Gavin related to you?  Or is he just the luckiest kid on the block?

Yes, those pictures of Gavin and the old-timer are the best.

nope,  not related at all.  2 years ago I did a beaver trapping demo for a bunch of homeschooled kids.  I thought it would be 45 minutes and it turned into 3 hours.  It became hands on.  Nobody in his family is outdoorsy.  They now call me their adopted grandpa.  Last summer after my stroke all the homeschool mothers brought me food and preserves.

I dont consider Gavin lucky.  I am the lucky one.

[Steve-o]

As a coincidence... we know folks who home school.  Just this morning I was wondering how folks could reach out to homeschoolers and conduct interesting presentations or field trips.

Difference is...  Instead of just thinking about it, you are actually doing it!  Everyone wins.

[dakids]

Most homeschooled parents network with other homeschoolers

[Boar]

I think wen you have these work shops, invite as many oldtimes as you can. They feel so alive retelling thier tales of youth huge therapy and when tjey se the youngungs being so captivating but it the will take that with them