Books

[Buckshot34]

hey guys just thinking about maybe tryin trapping out next year i was wondering if there are any specific books you would recomend reading befor tryin it out?

[mhodnettjr]

what kind of animals are you going to target?

Mike

[gunrod]

Trapline 2000 was my first book. Very generic and covers everything from equipment to tuning to sets to fur handling. It's basic and can lead you in the right direction and then look for books more specific. I must say though I got better info from the forum than any book has given me. The next best thing is trial and error. That's the good thing about making tons of mistakes........it eliminates thing you don't try in the future.

[snowman11]

trapperman.com has TONS of info, if you can filter the BSing....check the archives forum

traps4kids.com

Alaska Gold forum is good too, but a little more specialized to AK.

All in all, I have read A LOT of information online. Biggest thing i fear I'm lacking is fur shed experience. I figure that's mostly learning by mistake though.

[gunrod]

All in all, I have read A LOT of information online. Biggest thing i fear I'm lacking is fur shed experience. I figure that's mostly learning by mistake though.

That's been my experience. Most when they start trapping (myself included) don't consider what will happen after the catch. Where are you going to skin, flesh and store your hides. You'll need stretchers, fleshing tools, a beam, fleshing knife and a good skinning knife. Then what will you do with the carcasses?

Of course you can always find someone who buys whole.

It's not as bad as it might sound but it needs to be considered when you start trapping. I didn't and had to do it on the run often neglecting the actual trapping part. I'll be better prepared for next year with one year under my belt now.

[snowman11]

Of course you can always find someone who buys whole.


If you go this route, MAKE SURE the wife understands that the big chest freezer you bought IS NOT for the thanksgiving turkey.

Well, it can be...but she needs to understand that it's sharing it's space.

lol

[Buckshot34]

thanks guys. i think i will prolly target mostly rats ans coons considering we have a lot in the area. i plan on doing a lot of reading befor next year and im sure i will have a lot more ?'s this forum has been great im on here every day looking at this stuff trying to take in as much info as possible

kyle

[David G Duncan]

Buckshot34,

I would recommend that you get copies of the Fur-Fish-Game magazine and/or the Trapper & Predator Caller magazine.

These publications have a wealth of information and a lot of good advertisement for books and trapping supplies.

[Joe R.]

Buckshot,

First off I am so happy to hear that you want to start by targeting coons and muskrat. That is usually the direction I steer new comers. High populations equal higher success which equals another trapper that's hooked for life at this wonderful pastime. If you get a chance get over and see Carl Crofts of C@B Trapping Supplies in Bath, MI. Right down the road from Perry and he has a large selection of books available. Heck if I get some free time I might even swing by and give you some hands on lessons.

Joe

[Buckshot34]

joe,

do you know what road that is on in bath? my family is from there so i know the area pretty well. and about those hands on lessons i wont be around much right now cause im at school but next year i would be more than happy to do the dirty for ya to get some experience under my belt

kyle

[Buckshot34]

wow that sounds bad check that i would be more than happy to do the dirty work. im might not know what im doing but i can lift alot lol.

[Joe R.]

Buckshot,

Don't worry man, I know what you meant. :lol: He lives on either Webster or Walnut St. Can't remember right off the top of my head. Basically right across the street from the school. Little side road angles off to the NW. Give him a call before heading out there since he has a normal job as well. (517)641-6997

Joe

[USMCSniper]

I was loaned Stanley Hawbakers book "Trapping North American Furbearers", it to me is like a trappers bible. I would highly recommend this book.I also subscribe to Fur Fish and Game and I clip all of the trapping articles and "scrapbook" them for later reference, I do this with all of the magazines I get if they have trapping articles. It has come in handy a ton of times already. I clip it and keep it no matter what it is about. Twice already I have remembered something I clipped and went back and read it again. I keep a list of the articles taped inside the front cover so I know what page to flip to. Also the way I see it, it is something that my boys will be able to learn from as they grow up trapping.