Fur shed 24
Contributors to this thread:Small Game
From: Wv hillbilly
11-Nov-24
First day catch.
First day catch.
Been doing this for several years now. Wasn’t sure I wanted to deal with it this year but it’s a great way to keep track of the season.
I was blessed with a great whitetail, two black bears and a bull elk this year. The freezer is full and it’s trapping season.
Season opend yesterday here in Ohio. It rained until around 2 and I waited it out before I set anything up. Managed about 18 yote snares, 7 coon sets and four rat sets before I called it a day. I’ll keep adding sets as time allows after work.
Hope ya enjoy following along.
From: WV Mountaineer
11-Nov-24
Yes sir!
From: Dale06
11-Nov-24
Good luck on your trap line!
From: JohnMC
11-Nov-24
Never trapped so a question. You mentioned the number of set you have out. Is there a limit to number you can have set at one time? I'd assume that could vary by state??
From: jmiller
11-Nov-24
Good luck!
From: Mike B
11-Nov-24
John, can't speak for WVM, but back before they basically outlawed trapping here in WA State I knew of no limit on the number of sets a trapper could have out.
From: Buckeye
11-Nov-24
No limit on number of traps out John, not in Ohio anyways.
From: Wv hillbilly
11-Nov-24
Thanks fellas. John Mc, there’s no limit on sets in Ohio or West Virginia. I haven’t looked into anywhere else. The more you have out the better your odds.
Just finished putting up tonight’s catch. I poked in a few more this evening so hopefully tomorrow ain’t bad.
Prices were rock bottom last year and no signs of improvement. Yotes were the lowest I can remember. Think I had an 11$ average. It’s definitely not something you’ll make money off of. On the flip side of it you get to see a lot of country and get to know the animals your after very well. They can walk anywhere on the planet. Your trying to get them to step in a 1-1/2” circle of it or walk through a 8” loop.
Anyone else getting after some predators post em up here. Good luck everyone! Hope you have a great season whatever your after.
From: Chuckster
11-Nov-24
Looking forward to following this year Wv.
From: JohnMC
11-Nov-24
Thanks for info wish we could trap would be a lot of fun
From: Beendare
11-Nov-24
Any tips on the yote sets is appreciated
From: t-roy
11-Nov-24
Looking forward to following along.
From: Supernaut
12-Nov-24
Good luck!
Always a great thread to follow along, thanks.
From: Trying hard
12-Nov-24
I wish we'd have more people trapping around here....there are far too many coon,skunks,opossum,,eating bird eggs.
From: Buckeye
12-Nov-24
Dave, are the coon prime yet? Gonna set a small line out in the next week or so. I put up 3 squirrel hides about a week ago to get tanned and the leather was still blue.
From: wytex
12-Nov-24
We'll start trapping over Thanksgiving. Thankfully our bobcats bring good money but coyotes will be nothing again. Hoping to get a little for beaver but that too looks bleak.
Good luck and good job !!
From: Wv hillbilly
12-Nov-24
Thanks fellas hopefully can keep it exciting. Buckeye, I was shocked yesterday the small black one was prime. I was sure it was going to be blue.
From: Scoot
12-Nov-24
Nice! I enjoy this thread!
From: Wv hillbilly
12-Nov-24
Not much action today. One rat and one grinner. Grinner didn’t get a ride home. Busted the new snare anchor driver as well. Gotta order a new one and get my buddy to weld that one back together.
Not much action today. One rat and one grinner. Grinner didn’t get a ride home. Busted the new snare anchor driver as well. Gotta order a new one and get my buddy to weld that one back together.
From: Wv hillbilly
13-Nov-24
Another slow day. One rat and picked up a small deer head the neighbor wants me to do a euro on.
Another slow day. One rat and picked up a small deer head the neighbor wants me to do a euro on.
From: Mike B
14-Nov-24
Mike B's Link
Considering the current fur market, I'd be concentrating on bobcat and mink along with the beaver. Very little demand for muskrats right now, but then again they're easy to put up, and if you do some crafts (hats, gloves, etc) with them they can bring you a much better overall price.
As for that big gray grinning lump stuck in your trap, unless it was a monster with a perfect pelt I'd just release 'em; hate the damn things. PITA to skin and process, and they're butt ugly to begin with.
From: Wv hillbilly
14-Nov-24
Mike b I sell to fur harvesters. They send out a report on expected prices in the fall with the pickup routes and dates. Seems to be the best place to sale now.
We’re not allowed to trap bobcats in Ohio. There’s a decent population now but I doubt there will ever be a season for them.
Nothing today but wet and mud. Hopefully get home from work in time to set up some more and better locations. I’m off work Monday and Tuesday so I should be able to rack up a decent catch before going back to work Wednesday.
From: Wv hillbilly
14-Nov-24
My cousin is up from wv deer hunting till Sunday. He welded the anchor driver back together when he came in for lunch today. Hopefully it holds up better.
My cousin is up from wv deer hunting till Sunday. He welded the anchor driver back together when he came in for lunch today. Hopefully it holds up better.
From: Wv hillbilly
15-Nov-24
Flat set before it’s covered. I like the pan 12-14” away from the hole.
Flat set before it’s covered. I like the pan 12-14” away from the hole.
Just two grinners today. Got a few more rat sets out and a couple yote footholds. Took some pics. I’ll attach.
From: Wv hillbilly
15-Nov-24
Finished product. I try to blend it back in with whatever is around the area. Bait and lure in the hole with a splash of fox piss on the backer.
Finished product. I try to blend it back in with whatever is around the area. Bait and lure in the hole with a splash of fox piss on the backer.
From: Wv hillbilly
15-Nov-24
About 30 yards away across the 2 track I set a halfass step down dirt hole. It’s got a lot more eye appeal but I catch a lot more in the flat sets.
About 30 yards away across the 2 track I set a halfass step down dirt hole. It’s got a lot more eye appeal but I catch a lot more in the flat sets.
From: Wv hillbilly
15-Nov-24
Finished product. If the grinners will stay out of them for a few days should have a shot at a yote when they come back through the area.
Finished product. If the grinners will stay out of them for a few days should have a shot at a yote when they come back through the area.
From: Wv hillbilly
16-Nov-24
Sleeping when I walked up.
Sleeping when I walked up.
From: Wv hillbilly
16-Nov-24
Just three coons today. Got a few more sets out.
Just three coons today. Got a few more sets out.
It’s youth gun season here. I didn’t see anyone out hunting today. Talked to the GW mid day and he had only seen a few people out.
From: Mike B
16-Nov-24
Interesting to see that 'coon curled up like that. Every 'coon I ever trapped just leveled the area around it...shrubs, limbs...just trashed. Looks like that guy got caught and just gave up..lol
From: Wv hillbilly
17-Nov-24
Coon and a rat today
Coon and a rat today
From: Buckeye
18-Nov-24
I got 4 dp and a box trap out last night, one dog proof was sprung, one was tipped over and the box trap had a big grinner. Better luck tomorrow I hope. Should be getting the fox and yote traps out tomorrow, along with some more coon sets.
From: WV Mountaineer
18-Nov-24
Great looking sets hillbilly.
From: RJ Hunt
18-Nov-24
Oh man Dave. You know me…. Got my 22-250ai reved up and coyotes are my game til spring. Love this thread brother and keep it up. Rob m
From: Buckeye
18-Nov-24
Dang that's a small wolf Rob! Good work
From: Wv hillbilly
18-Nov-24
5 rats and a grinner today.
5 rats and a grinner today.
Thanks fellas and good work!
From: Wv hillbilly
18-Nov-24
Also had an odd ball catch in a rat set.
Also had an odd ball catch in a rat set.
From: Wv hillbilly
18-Nov-24
I believe it’s a grass pike.
I believe it’s a grass pike.
Let’s hear about some of y’all’s odd ball catches. I got two mink and a rat in a colony trap once. Also caught a yote in a snare a few years back that was carrying a rabbit. Snare held both of them when I got there. Pretty sure I had pics of it on one of the older threads.
From: Buckeye
18-Nov-24
Caught 9 fox squirrels under a bridge in a 110 conibear consecutively. Caught 17 muskrats out of one bank den . A grinner by the tail in a #2 coil spring. Caught a coon that holed up in a rock crevice and there was another coon just hanging out with him not in a trap . And one buck mink that was 3 times the size of any mink I'd ever seen . Wish I had him mounted.
From: RJ Hunt
18-Nov-24
Thanks Daniel. We get some big ones here for sure.
From: Basil
18-Nov-24
Snapping turtle in a 330. Two mallards together in a 220. Muskrat by the tail in a stop loss. Not my catch but a buddy caught a mink carrying a muskrat in a 160. Something was eating my muskrats so I staked one down & set a leg hold on each side in the water. Very wet & angry great horned owl waiting in the morning. Released none the worse for the wear.
From: Basil
18-Nov-24
Buddy caught a coyote. Noticed it was by only one toe. While he was getting the 22 out to dispatch it lunged & got free. Went flying across the field as only a scared coyote can do & straight into a snare of his.
From: t-roy
18-Nov-24
Very cool catch, Wv! I caught great horned owls a couple of times, in coon sets when I first started. Had exposed bait on both of those sets. Threw my jacket over them to release them. Caught a grinner by the tail once. Caught two rats at the same time in a 1 1/2 coil in a bank set for coons.
My older brother and his buddy let me tag along with them when I was 7 or 8. They were trapping a dredge ditch and caught a silver mink. I remember them whooping and hollering. They thought they were gonna get rich on that mink. Fur buyer gave them 3 bucks for it, I think :-) There was a mink ranch about 15 miles away, and it was most likely an escapee.
From: Wv hillbilly
19-Nov-24
Caught a bullhead in a bank run set for rats. He swam off when I released it.
Caught a bullhead in a bank run set for rats. He swam off when I released it.
Pretty cool experiences fellas! I had another first today. Ended up with a grinner, two coons and a rat. I had to weigh one of the coon. I’ve gotta look back at old records but I think it broke the shed record on weight.
Back to work tomorrow so I pulled several spots. Still haven’t seen the first yote track. I hope all the years of staying after them have paid off some. First couple years it wasn’t anything to catch 50 in a season. After 4-5 years the total started dropping. Last year I didn’t break 20. I think it shows in all the does with two fawns running around the past couple years.
From: Wv hillbilly
19-Nov-24
Anyone wanna take a guess on the weight of the big one? I didn’t weigh it but guess it’s around 19lbs.
Anyone wanna take a guess on the weight of the big one? I didn’t weigh it but guess it’s around 19lbs.
From: Supernaut
19-Nov-24
Great catches and stories all.
My 2 pugs cornered this little grinner in the yard last week in the rain. I don't know who was more confused.
I rounded it up in the bucket and walked it up into the woods behind the house. It was not appreciative of my efforts.
From: Wv hillbilly
19-Nov-24
The caption on my last pic should have said I didn’t weigh the one beside the big one but guess it at 19lbs. I weighed the big one. I’ve caught yotes that weighed less than it.
From: wily one
19-Nov-24
23.5# nice one!
From: olddogrib
19-Nov-24
There's something you don't see every day, a catfish caught with a conibear. this year I've caught some nuisance coons in dogproofs and one possum in a rabbit box trap. But what I want are confessions from those who no longer boil/dye their traps...just spray them down with Nosejammer, lol!
From: Boreal
19-Nov-24
I caught a star nosed mole in a bottom edge mink set. I also caught boar coon by the nuts in a muskrat slide set. He hadn't moved an inch after being caught!
From: Stoneman
19-Nov-24
Enjoy following this thread, curious why the opossum (grinners) never make the photo shoot?
From: olddogrib
20-Nov-24
For the same reason People magazine never declared George Jones "America's Sexiest "Man", lol!
From: Wv hillbilly
20-Nov-24
24lbs is what that big coon weighed.
24lbs is what that big coon weighed.
Ha spot on olddogrib. They usually don’t take a ride home.
From: Buckdeer
20-Nov-24
I trap mostly coons and I need to get some gopher traps set in the local cemetery for them.I have a guy that will trap my place for coyotes and cats later.He traps over 100 coyotes and around 50 cats a year.We caught 6 rats in a colony trap once and I was checking a coyote set and thought I had a darn hawk.I try to hide any carcass that yotes are hitting out of site. The hawk was just standing there and I walked up to it and it flipped over on it's back with both feet straight up in air.I grabbed him and tossed him over out of the way and pretty soon he flew off.Wasn't in a trap just wasn't giving up his meal.
From: Wv hillbilly
21-Nov-24
One rat and a grinner yesterday.
One rat and a grinner yesterday.
From: Buckeye
21-Nov-24
Put marshmallows in the DP traps last night. It worked on this big ole boar.
From: Wv hillbilly
21-Nov-24
Two grinners and a skunk in a dp today. It’ll be a bit before I can get the skunk. It unloaded both barrels. Usually when I shoot them in the lungs they don’t spray. Wasn’t the case today.
From: olddogrib
22-Nov-24
I dispatch coons with .22 CB longs, mainly to minimize "sound pollution"! I've always heard to imagine an 'X' from the ears to the eyes and place the shot in the intersection. This would be about center in the grey forehead crescent on the one pictured above. I'll admit I'm not batting at MLB averages, lol! When you hit the spot and it dances the "helicopter twist", you did good and it dies quickly. A half inch off and then you're going to waste ammo at a flopping target. Is there a better spot? P.S I don't get "point blank". There's always that one with an attitude who just watched Braveheart on Netflix and is going to use the entire chain length in a final lunge!
From: Mike B
22-Nov-24
Mike B's Link
I much preferred using 180 or 220 conibears for 'coon. It's an instant, humane kill and the critter isn't sitting there stressing out and leveling the flora and fauna.
Another option is using something like the Steinmeyer Death Ray, which is a dispatch pole. It's quick, efficient and humane, and best of all no holes in the pelt. Info at link.
From: Wv hillbilly
22-Nov-24
Olddogrib id aim a little higher that the center of the x to make sure you stay out of the nasal cavity. Side and back of the head work well also. Just like shooting a deer picture what’s inside for the shot placement.
Mike b wish we could use 220’s here. I like them but in Ohio they have to be set in minimum of 2” of water.
From: Wv hillbilly
22-Nov-24
Finally broke the ice on the yotes today. Plus 4 rats.
Finally broke the ice on the yotes today. Plus 4 rats.
From: Wv hillbilly
23-Nov-24
One coon and a grinner. Set out a few more rat and coon sets. Temps are supposed to fall off Tuesday. Probably pull most the rat and coon sets Monday evening.
One coon and a grinner. Set out a few more rat and coon sets. Temps are supposed to fall off Tuesday. Probably pull most the rat and coon sets Monday evening.
From: Buckeye
23-Nov-24
Got two coons this morning, had my daughter with me. Made me feel good, first thing this morning she says," let's go check traps daddy"
From: Buckeye
23-Nov-24
From: Wv hillbilly
23-Nov-24
Yes sir! Can’t beat that buckeye.
From: t-roy
23-Nov-24
That’s a pretty lil trapping partner you’ve got there, Buckeye!
From: Buckeye
23-Nov-24
Took her bow hunting for the first time this year. We got some work to do on sitting still and stuff, I'm just happy she has interest in the outdoors. I'm blessed for sure.
From: Wv hillbilly
23-Nov-24
Back when they were rug rats excited about everything ol dad did.
Back when they were rug rats excited about everything ol dad did.
Those are the days you’ll remember forever. I still can’t stop smiling when I think of the years my daughters went with me trapping and hunting. They’ve got more interesting things they enjoy now. They still come out and check out whatever I drag in.
From: Buckeye
23-Nov-24
Good times David! Awesome picture
From: Wv hillbilly
24-Nov-24
2coon and 2 rats today.
2coon and 2 rats today.
From: No Mercy
25-Nov-24
caught this lil guy in a Fisher cubby....
From: Brian M.
25-Nov-24
Never thought of using a 160 for a mouse trap. Perfect neck catch.
From: Wv hillbilly
25-Nov-24
Dang no mercy. Your handle is spot on!
First day all season with no catch for me.
From: Coop
25-Nov-24
Dang I miss trapping. Great thread. Back when I trapped I would carry a old Marlin 22 rifle. I'd hold the barrel right down so when coons would bite on it I'd pull the trigger when they was straight on. No holes in hide. Got use to my buddy "yelling straight on Coop!" I still have that old Marlin. Heck of a super accurate squirrel rifle. Always laugh seeing the bluing wore off of the muzzle. Good memories. Keep the pictures coming! I guess my kids when they inherit will wonder what the heck I did with that 22!
From: Wv hillbilly
26-Nov-24
Nothing today. Doesn’t shock me I only have out 13 yote snares and two footholds for them. Gun season starts next week here. I usually don’t run a line while it’s going on. Once it’s over I’ll set out a bunch of snares for the yotes.
From: t-roy
26-Nov-24
Even got a head catch, No Mercy!!
From: Wv hillbilly
27-Nov-24
Nothing today. Just got in the stand with my stick bow. I got no buck tag or room in the freezers but if a delicious looking doe walks by…..
From: Supernaut
27-Nov-24
Happy hunting!
Nice looking bow
From: Buckeye
27-Nov-24
I'm pulling everything Sunday. I may not start up again till beaver comes in after Christmas. The forecast is looking terrible for the next 4 days, lots of rain then freezing temps. Not good for fox and yote traps.
From: SD
27-Nov-24
Keep those kids aft3rbit guys! They are the reason!!!
From: Bowfinatic
27-Nov-24
Cool thread. I enjoy seeing the variety of critters and sets
From: BIGHORN
27-Nov-24
From: BIGHORN
27-Nov-24
Wv Hillbilly, My dad used to set his traps the way you showed in the pictures. I always caught goffers by putting the trap upside-down over the hole. One day my two brothers were duck hunting and they saw a big mink that ran down a hole. So, they set a trap over the hole like I always did and when they got home they told dad how they set the trap. He said that you can't catch anything like that, So they drove him out to where they set the trap and there was that big mink, caught by his neck. Dad learned something that day. Good luck on your trapping!
From: Wv hillbilly
28-Nov-24
Happy thanksgiving! Nothing today.
From: Wv hillbilly
29-Nov-24
Nothing for me today. Pulled the last two footholds I had out due to the freeze up we’re having. My buddy John had this one is one of his snares this morning.
Nothing for me today. Pulled the last two footholds I had out due to the freeze up we’re having. My buddy John had this one is one of his snares this morning.
From: Buckeye
29-Nov-24
Pulled all mine today as well, I may have lost a 1.5 long spring on a drag cuz the creek came up 2 ft with all the rain we had. Caught one coon this morning. I don't stake traps anymore, just wired them to a tree. When I couldn't find my trap at this dirt hole I was puzzled and bummed out. Then I looked up. Forgot coons could climb..lol he was about 8 ft up. He was fun to get down.
From: midwest
29-Nov-24
What are you using for a pan cover on your dirt sets, hillbilly?
From: Wv hillbilly
29-Nov-24
Ha that looks like a good time buckeye.
Midwest, I’ve used screen and coffee filters in the past. Anymore I just put a leaf or something close by when I’m setting just as a filler to keep the dirt from filling in under the pan. I try to keep it simple as possible.
From: SD
29-Nov-24
Coons have been plentiful and easy.
From: jmiller
30-Nov-24
Can't seem to catch a fisher so put in a few canine sets. Always love to catch a red fox.
From: Wv hillbilly
30-Nov-24
Nice fox jmiller! Nothing for me today. Gonna pull everything tomorrow so I don’t have to fool with it during the gun season. Out with my stick bow this evening.
From: jmiller
01-Dec-24
Success on the last day of the North Dakota fisher trapping season.
From: Buckeye
01-Dec-24
Outstanding Jeff, never seen a fisher, and that is a gorgeous fox.
From: t-roy
01-Dec-24
Grats on the last day catch, Jeff! What are your plans for him?
From: molsonarcher
01-Dec-24
Thats a way cool critter Jmiller. Congrats!Wish we had some here to go after.
From: BUCKeye
01-Dec-24
Is there a minimum temperature for coons to be active? This cold snap shut them down here. Seems like I never do good under about mid 20s deg F.
From: BUCKeye
01-Dec-24
Found similar answers here
https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6395641/opinion-on-temps-for-coon
From: jmiller
01-Dec-24
I tan them up with the feet on. I just can't bring myself to cut one up for a hat, so they make nice wallhangers for my house and office.
From: Wv hillbilly
04-Dec-24
I left 7 snares out at a place I wouldn’t disturb anyone gun hunting this week. Got one today.
I left 7 snares out at a place I wouldn’t disturb anyone gun hunting this week. Got one today.
Congrats jmiller! Would love to be able to trap them here.
From: Merriam
07-Dec-24
Congrats on the Fisher! We finally put a few traps in the ground, in addition to our yard skunk patrol. We hope to get more in over Christmas break.
From: t-roy
07-Dec-24
Good stuff, Merriam. Any up close pics of your skunk marinading pole? Also, what do you use for the marinade?
From: Merriam
07-Dec-24
T-Roy, I found out my new pole works perfectly every time, 75% of the time. This last one was not so cooperative to his acetone vaccine. It is outside airing out right now, but I’ll try to get a picture.
From: Buckeye
07-Dec-24
Good job on the yotes Mitch! Are those #3s?
From: Wv hillbilly
09-Dec-24
Back in action now! Got in from work in time to get out 14 snares and a handful of coon sets. Hopefully add to it tomorrow evening. Set up a new location and should be able to add another dozen snares or better there.
From: Merriam
10-Dec-24
Buckeye, one is in Bridger #2 dogless modified. The other is in a Duke 550. I really like the Duke and MB 550s.
We had a double on skunks yesterday. One went down well, the other, not so well. Needless to say, I’ve got the ozone machine running in my truck this morning.
From: Wv hillbilly
10-Dec-24
Just one coon today. Got a couple more snares out.
Just one coon today. Got a couple more snares out.
From: jmiller
10-Dec-24
We had a warm spell and our snow is gone. Have one bait out for canines and hoping for a little snow.
From: Bou'bound
11-Dec-24
I never like seeing these pics where live chained animals await execution. Post death pics fine.
From: Wv hillbilly
11-Dec-24
One coon today and a yote that chewed out. I’m sorry this has hurt your feelings bou. You don’t have to look at this thread if you don’t want to.
From: Wv hillbilly
11-Dec-24
Catch circle from today
Catch circle from today
From: Wv hillbilly
11-Dec-24
It’s amazing some of them go straight to chewing. Most don’t.
It’s amazing some of them go straight to chewing. Most don’t.
From: Buckeye
12-Dec-24
I lost a coon to chewing this year and a couple more that were close. Different scenario I guess but that's crazy to chew through aircraft cable.
From: SD
12-Dec-24
Had just a beaver leg in a drown set once. The very next set down stream had a 3 legged beaver in it. Escaped at extreme measures... and immediately took interest in another bait. Animals can be crazy tough.
From: Wv hillbilly
12-Dec-24
Nothing today.
From: Buckeye
13-Dec-24
Dave, when you set up a snare for yotes, how high off the ground is the loop, and what's the diameter of the loop?. I have a few snares that I'd like to set up.
From: Wv hillbilly
13-Dec-24
Buckeye, the experts recommend 10&10. 10” off the ground and a 10” loop. I like to go less than that to avoid deer. Usually I’m around 7-8” to the bottom of the loop and 7-8” loop. I might miss a few yotes but it’s better than dealing with a deer. Hope that helps. Good luck to ya!
From: Wv hillbilly
17-Dec-24
Four days without a catch. I set up a different property this evening. Got 8 more snares on it and two coon cuffs.
Still haven’t seen a yote track around and we’ve had plenty of rain past week.
From: Buckeye
19-Dec-24
I put some coon cuffs and one box trap out at the beginning of the week, so far nothing but a big grinner this morning.
From: Wv hillbilly
20-Dec-24
Picked up two coon today. One in a cuff and one in a yote snare. Still no yote sign anywhere.
Picked up two coon today. One in a cuff and one in a yote snare. Still no yote sign anywhere.
From: Wv hillbilly
22-Dec-24
Just one yote today off the last place I set up. Still no tracks anywhere in the little bit of snow we have.
Just one yote today off the last place I set up. Still no tracks anywhere in the little bit of snow we have.
From: Wv hillbilly
25-Dec-24
Caught two today on a property I set up Monday evening. Twenty yards apart. Unfortunately one of them chewed out.
Caught two today on a property I set up Monday evening. Twenty yards apart. Unfortunately one of them chewed out.
Merry Christmas!
From: Bou'bound
25-Dec-24
What is chewed out
From: Wv hillbilly
25-Dec-24
Bou, it’s what I call it when they chew the snare cable in two. Not many do it. It amazes me that they can.
From: Bou'bound
25-Dec-24
Wow, that’s amazing that they could get that severed. Thanks for the information.
From: Wv hillbilly
26-Dec-24
Another yote today
Another yote today
From: Fisher
26-Dec-24
Olddogrib - I have been a fur trapper and professional nuisance and predator trapper for many years.. Definitely agree that the cross eyes and ears is too low. Higher, but there is a better method. Try using CCI segmented hollow point .22 long rifle ammunition in the 1640fps speed if from a handgun and in the 1050fps speed if from a rifle. I buy them by the case. The bullet splits into 3 segments with no exits. At those speeds the hollow point will work and the segments will separate - it is extremely effective. On raccoons and coyotes shoot from the side like you would shoot a deer - double lung shot. Much less messy than a head shot
From: jmiller
26-Dec-24
I just finished tanning my 2024 fisher. Interesting to see the color variation, they were all caught in a 10 mile radius since 2019.
From: Groundhunter
26-Dec-24
Nice red
Nice red
From: Stoneman
26-Dec-24
Great thread. Beautiful pelts Jeff.
From: Aspen Ghost
26-Dec-24
What do you use for tanning, Jeff?
From: jmiller
26-Dec-24
Aspen I use TruBond 1000B. Some animals, like fox, coyote and muskrat are easy to tan. Raccoon and fisher are a little tougher, and I send beaver and otter to the tannery. The hides are just too thick to tan without a shaver, which I don't have.
From: t-roy
26-Dec-24
Very nice, Jeff! Are there any furbearers in ND that you haven’t trapped yet?
From: jmiller
26-Dec-24
Troy I havent caught a weasel, badger or bobcat. I would need to make a trip west for the cat, maybe when the kids graduate so my winters are free!
From: Stoneman
27-Dec-24
Speaking of badgers… I had a few muskrat traps set for ground squirrels under my deck. I have no idea how he wasn’t able to pull free but he sure made a mess trying.
From: Wv hillbilly
28-Dec-24
Coon and a rat today. Set up a few new snares on a different property today also.
Coon and a rat today. Set up a few new snares on a different property today also.
Beautiful work jmiller!
From: Paul@thefort
28-Dec-24
Nicely done guys. Brings back memories in the 1950 when I had a small trap line in northern Ohio. My best, Paul
From: Wv hillbilly
29-Dec-24
Just two mud balls today.
Just two mud balls today.
From: Wv hillbilly
30-Dec-24
Yote and two more mud balls today
Yote and two more mud balls today
From: Coop
30-Dec-24
What am I looking at? Looks like a raccoon, a yote and a fox squirrel tailed beaver? LOL
From: Wv hillbilly
31-Dec-24
Just one mud ball today. Got him washed and skinned out.
Just one mud ball today. Got him washed and skinned out.
Ha coop! Them mud balls ain’t pretty
From: Wv hillbilly
03-Jan-25
Little better check today. Two yotes, red fox and a coon.
Little better check today. Two yotes, red fox and a coon.
From: sawtooth
03-Jan-25
Nice job !
From: Turpie
03-Jan-25
Got both front legs on the trap
From: jmiller
04-Jan-25
Got some cold weather and finally connected on the snareline with a nice red
From: Old Reb
04-Jan-25
Beautiful fox jmiller! I see some sort of fur garment in it's future.
From: buckeye
05-Jan-25
What's the blue tape on the tails for?
From: Wv hillbilly
06-Jan-25
Nice red jmiller. Buckeye, my buddy Scott puts his fur up in my shop also. He marks his with the blue tape.
I pulled all my stuff yesterday and shut it down for the year. Wasn’t as exciting as past years but oh well. Good luck to anyone still at it.
From: TMac
06-Jan-25
Thanks for sharing Wv hillbilly I always enjoy following along.
From: wisconsinteacher
06-Jan-25
Chew outs suck. I went from 7x7 cable to 1x19 and that cured the issue. Great job with predator control everyone!!!
From: jmiller
09-Jan-25
Picked up a nice coyote on the line today. The snares had been out nearly a month.
From: shortstop
10-Jan-25
Tip for dispatching critters: I noticed a lot of head shot critters. If you don't want them bleeding all over the place, shoot them through the lungs. Takes them about 1 minute to expire.
From: Turpie
13-Jan-25
From: Mike B
14-Jan-25
"Tip for dispatching critters: I noticed a lot of head shot critters. If you don't want them bleeding all over the place, shoot them through the lungs. Takes them about 1 minute to expire. "
As a trapper, that's two holes to sew up, and a possibly downgraded pelt.
Put a .22 LR right into the ear/brain and the critter is dead. No holes to sew, plus the critter is not laying there suffering/dying while you *hope* you got both lungs.
From: shortstop
14-Jan-25
thanks Mike. 22 rifle will not cause any price loss. Been doing it for years and never been discounted. Not sure it's even been noticed by fur buyers. If so, they've never commented. Try it. Believe me, no blood or mess.
From: shortstop
14-Jan-25
thanks Mike. 22 shorts will not cause any price loss. Been doing it for years and never been discounted. Not sure it's even been noticed by fur buyers. If so, they've never commented. Try it. Believe me, no blood or mess. I'd bet even you'd have to look pretty hard to find damage.
From: jmiller
15-Jan-25
Turned a dozen coon into a blanket. My gf is cozy now at night!
From: Chuckster
15-Jan-25
Beautiful work jmiller!!
