I suck

[FREEPOP]

Got a fur harvester's survey and my numbers don't look very impressive at all, mostly depressing.

From an optimist's view, I should stick to opposum :lol:

Oh well, it was only year 2 and I have learned a ton. I have improved and hopefully before I kick the bucket, I can improve my ratio some.

[Rustyaxecamp]

I felt the same way when I filled mine out this year. So far the wife is winning her argument on the cost thing......

Like you said, I am better than last year, so who knows what this year will bring??

[FREEPOP]

Yeah Rusty, at this rate I should break even about............................................. ........man I hope I live that long :lol:

[Nealbopper]

Hey guys, i am reading your thread. I know the cost is an issue with everyone. Nothings cheep nowadays. Your note didn't go into detail but
are you guys talking about fur costs?

When talking about your numbers, are you comparing what you have spent and what you are making back in fur returns?

Do the fur rates change as the market changes or is there a set return for say a red fox pelt. Neal

[David G Duncan]

Freepop,

Can you elaborate on what this fur harvester's survey is?

I image it might be a random survey and not every trapper is surveyed. Is this correct?

Trapping is a great outdoors recreation. And is some years the average trapper might even hope to cover his expenses. But this will be a rare year, especially with the cost of gasoline, now days.

I have never kept track of the profit and loss side of my trapping experience, but I would guess that over the past fifty years there have only been about 20 or 25 years that I would say that I came out ahead. One great year was back in 1979, when Red Fox brought $85 a piece and raccoon were going for $50. Gasoline was costing about $.80 gallon and I spent $180 on gas for a two week long canine trapline.

I covered the $180 gas cost for the canine line alone, with the 30 skunks I caught and sold for $6 apiece. The 32 Red Fox and 20 some Raccoons, along with a few coyotes, muskrats and mink, definitely put me into the black that year. :lol:

But that was an exceptional year and has not repeated itself since.

Another good year was probably when we got $10 for muskrats back in about 1981. It also helped to be living near a good muskrat marsh during this time.

[FREEPOP]

Neal, prices fluctuate quite a bit from year to year. Trapping canines is a humbling experience and it takes a few years to get the hang of it. That's why I mentioned to you about trying for a few easier critters like coon and muskrat to help pay for your gas and help with experience.

Dave,
I believe it to be a random survey like for turkey and deer. Seems like I get them most every year. First fox I got in 1978 was $75 and it wasn't very nice looking, a bleached blond color. I only had one trap that year and it didn't spark the fire in me. My primary reason to start trapping recently is to reduce the predators on my beagle's friends ;) Since then I have enjoyed being outside and learning about all of mother nature's creatures but I'm just a hobby trapper and don't put huge amount of effort in it. I have many priorities and right now trapping isn't too high on the list, if I put more effort into it I know I'd do better.
I know I don't have to tell you Dave that trapping can be a lot of work and I'm just getting out of it what I put in.

[Rustyaxecamp]

It's not really the money thing to me. The wife gives me grief, but I told her going in I wasn't out to make money, and she knows it, she just likes giving me a hard time..

It's more of the personal frustration of the blood sweat and tears put in vs catches ratios that keeps me frustrated enough to keep going......

If I make enough to pay for a few new traps or to cover part of the gas, so be it. If not, it beats being cooped up at home.

Plus I like to set little personal goals for myself.... This year (hopefully): first k9 and first mink.....:help:

[FREEPOP]

Rusty, have any plans for the fourth? I'll be near Farwell, at my parents and we could take a walk and I could show you some things I know (that'll take about 50 seconds;))

[Rustyaxecamp]

I may take you up on that... I will get back with you.

[FREEPOP]

I cleaned some of the PMs out Rusty :o

[Mister ED]

Freepop,

Can you elaborate on what this fur harvester's survey is?

I image it might be a random survey and not every trapper is surveyed. Is this correct?

Dave & everyone else-

Here's a link to the survey. I do a lot of my DNR purchases on-line and they have my e-mail ... I think that is how I got the link.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10363_48664---,00.html

Ed

[griffondog]

Thank you Ed for the link. Filled out a survey and sent it in.

Freepop

Maybe you can get Joe to send one in,it will improve our catch ratios and make us all look a little better!

My wife would rather have me out trapping around home than going on hunting trips out of state. The first year we got married I went on four hunting trips. After the last one she says to me this year you get to act like your still single. Next year you will be again if your not around the house more!:lol:

Griff

[Mister ED]

Thank you Ed for the link. Filled out a survey and sent it in.
No problem Griff. Might want to post that on the MTA website as well.

Maybe you can get Joe to send one in,it will improve our catch ratios and make us all look a little better!
What could they really expect from a guy with a pink ride???

[FREEPOP]

Yep Griff, have to get him that link. I only trap one ditch, on the way to check canine traps. There are others I could and may do in the future, especially to recoup gas money.

Once you put down on paper how many traps you had out, how many days and your catch numbers, it really gets humbling. Running the beagles takes priority for me, but I do enjoy learning about all the animals behavoir by playing this trapping game.