Episodes

In this episode I discuss the different options for fastening traps, and go through the evolution of stakes and drags throughout trapping history, as well as the current products available on the market. Enjoy! Show notes: Fur Real website i mentioned early in the show Why Use Trap Drags? A Review of Trap Drags

In this episode, I discuss the need for, and process of getting permission to trap on private land. Trappers are held to a high standard when it comes to landowner permission, and gaining permission is critical to our success on the trapline. I wrote a blog post about this a while back, and I read through that post and provide additional thoughts and commentary. I also mention the Trappers World review of my new book, "Fur Profit", and talk about the NAFA July 2018 fur auction. Enjoy!

In this episode, I finish up the marten/fisher/mast discussion, go over listener emails, discuss the preliminary results of the NAFA July fur auction, and a few other odds and ends. I'm a bit tired and it was a bit rough, but I hope it turned out okay. Enjoy!

In this episode I discuss my absolute lack of bobcat trapping experience, but provide some information and suggestions for a new trapper looking to trap bobcats for the first time. There are a lot of DVD's available with good bobcat trapping information. I suggest one or two from a trapper in your general area/habitat type. If you find bobcat habitat, travelways and sign, all there is to do is make the proper set and you're golden! In the second part of the episode I discuss marten/fisher and w...

In this episode I discuss the difference between a bait and a lure, and the different types of lures, primarily food, call and gland lures. I then discuss what a lure 'base' is, what a base does, and the different types of bases most lures are made of. If you're enjoying the podcast or would like other topics discussed, shoot me a message, I'd love to hear from you. Also, the best way to support the podcast right now would be to pick up a copy of my new book, "Fur Profit". Enjoy!

In this episode, I discuss various aspects of drumming or tumbling fur, including an overview of the process, situations where it's done, and benefits trappers can achieve through proper fur treatment. I then discuss Responsive Management survey data on public views on trapping and how that affects how we as trappers get our message across in public. Here are some links to things I mentioned in the show: Sources for tumblers: https://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/Tumblers-and-Accessories-C444.asp...

In this episode I discuss my first published magazine article, an overview of trapping magazines, and making and using beaver tail oil as a predator trapping lure. Enjoy!

In this episode, I go over some news items and discuss trap treatment options for trappers. Enjoy! Note: Click here for an article I wrote last year on dyeing with cold dip. There are some great comments on the post as well.

In this episode I discuss some news, go over the results of this week's Fur Harvesters Auction, review a Herb Lenon book, and discuss trap modification. Specifically, I go into detail on modifying old or less-than-desirable new foothold traps to make them suitable for coyote trapping.

In this episode, I review Kellen Kaatz' new DVD "The Flat Set Fix", review Herb Lenon's 1944 classic "Secrets of Successful Trapping", give a shout out to an old trapping friend in Montana, and go over the recent NAFA Fur Auction results. Enjoy!

In this episode, I talk about my ride-a-long with a professional beaver trapper on his spring beaver long line. If you ever get the chance to spend time with experienced trappers, there's lots to learn, and it's a great chance to improve your knowledge and understanding in the trapping world. Enjoy!

In this episode I recap some recent springtime events, bait preparation and trap cleanup. I mention a new Kaatz Bros. DVD and some stuff from John Chagnon of PCS Outdoors and Lenon Lures. I also mention a new site, Trappers Report, and preview the next episode about a ride along on a spring beaver long line.

In this episode I talk about the coming of spring and the end of trapping season here. I give a recap of my experience under ice beaver trapping this winter and talk other details. Enjoy!

"A lot of moving of a lot of ice". In this episode, I discuss my late winter under ice beaver trapline. Fur prices are low, but I'm having a blast and learning lots! I also discuss Russ Carman's Professional Fox Trapping Methods book.

In this episode, I discuss lure problems on my trapline, and the need to formulate my own Long Distance Call lure. I then introduce the idea of the new lure making project - I'd like to educate others about lure making as I begin to learn the trade. I give an overview of the current book and DVD lure making resources available, and outline topics I'd like to cover in the lure making project.

In this episode, I express my jealousy for you Alaska trappers, and talk about experiences we Maine trappers have had using the newly-required lynx exclusion devices on our marten and fisher traplines. I go over Bob Noonan's article in Trapper's Post on the devices, as well as my own experiences and the recent article I published here on Trapping Today. Enjoy!

In this episode, I go over some recent trapping news, including a potential bobcat trapping season in Indiana, an interview on trapping with Vermont's Fish and Wildlife Commissioner, and a visit to the NTA by Tom Miranda. I then discuss Coni-Pans, their use in bodygrip traps, and the benefits I see to using coni-pans on my trapline. Enjoy!

Holding off on sending that raw fur to auction due to the low prices? In this episode, I discuss the options trappers have for getting their fur tanned, and go over some selling scenarios you'll need to think about when trying to profit from tanned fur. I discuss the pros and cons of self tanning, as well as share some resources on self tanning. I then discuss the major custom tanneries available to trappers in the U.S., the process of getting fur tanned, along with costs and pros and cons of ea...

In this episode I talk about some recent videos I made for the Trapping Today Youtube channel, including preserving meat with salt for trapping bait, rotting down some meat for a lure base, and spring strength on 330 Conibears that have had their springs compressed for probably 20 years. I briefly go over how the recent Fur Harvesters auction went, and discuss dealer options for purchasing copies of my new book, Fur Profit, for resale. I then go into a discussion about becoming a writer in the t...

In this episode, I go deep into the conversation around trapper ethics and our role in wildlife management by reading through my responses to some recent interview questions. I review "A Life on the Line", a trapping documentary film set in western Manitoba, and discuss a few other things, including an old interview with Montana trapper Willis Kent. Enjoy!

In this episode, I ponder the end of trapping season and discuss what you can expect from Trapping Today in the coming months, particularly a shift toward more product reviews during the offseason, and things I can get around to during a busy summer. I open the floor to questions and requests - would love to know what you would like to hear/see in the future and am happy to try tackling trapping related questions. I give some fur auction updates and talk about the 'roadkill fur lady'. Enjoy!

In this episode, I give a recap of the bobcat interview, discuss the recent NAFA auction and fur prices, review two beaver tapping books, and discuss an old interview of the legendary Fuller Laugeman of Montana. I also thank several listeners for tuning in, providing feedback and supporting the podcast. I appreciate it guys!

I was asked to give an interview with a public radio station in a western state about bobcat prices and how high prices may be affecting trapper harvest and populations. I did some research and wanted to hash things over in the podcast to practice for the interview. Hope it goes well!

In this episode I talk about my GoPro video mistakes, recent updates on the fur market, the NAFA February fur auction, fur grades from FHA, and a little bit on trapping lure, my lure philosophy, lure testing, lure making education, and potential for a 'no secrets' lure. I got so far off topic, I didn't get a chance to cover the topic I mentioned at the beginning of the episode! No worries, I recorded Episode 13 as soon as I finished this one. Enjoy!