Any Trappers out there?

[Sasquatch]

I was just wondering if anyone on here traps. I used to do some trapping when I was younger, and prices were decent. Last I knew, the prices had fallen through the floor due mostly to farmed fur. I'm thinking I might get back into it a little bit, mostly for personal use of the furs. Anyone have any info or opinions on the subject?

[adkmoose]

if you want opinions on trapping you found the right place.

[Stillhunter]

Good to read your post...

I am a trapper also but have not been doing much in the last few years due to a shortage of recreational time. I think you would enjoy getting back into it after some time away. I have enjoyed the few seasons when I have taken the time to do some limited trapping. As with many outdoor activities trapping takes preparation time and proper equipment.
If you do not have one of your old trapping licenses to show that you are an experienced NYS trapper you will have to take the Trapper training course which may not be readily available this time of year? They are usually scheduled in the early fall. Look on the DEC website for the next available class if you need to take it. I would recommend the course either way if you have not trapped in awhile. It is a good refresher and also valuable opportunity to hear about the latest regulations and techniques for the most effective and humane trapping.
Fur prices have been on the increase recently. You may want to pick up a copy of Fur / Fish / Game magazine which will give you the latest. Enjoy the outdoors and good luck.

[twochordcool]

humane trapping

Pardon me, but isn't that an oxymoron?

[twochordcool]

if you want opinions on trapping you found the right place.

I'd rather he asked Redhawk directly!

[Stillhunter]

There are many humane trapping methods. I respect Mr. Redhawk and his heritage. I think we could have a good discussion on the subject.

[chairrock]

I sometimes think we are our own worst enemies.I refer to the unfortunate incident of finding a trapped coon chewing its leg off.Or was it the story of a unleased dog being killed by a legally set trap...I trap, not often, and definitely not for financial profit. Trappers, fishermen, hunters, atvers, snowmobilers, hikers,dog walkers,canoers, boaters, campers, in fact everyone who inhabits this earth has to learn to police themselves into using the best available practices in their chosen pursuit.
Next time anyone finds a trapped animal, stay away! To that animal you are a huge threat and are scaring the dickens out of it, it can't run or hide.Trappers, remember to set your traps away from areas that might be incountered by loose dogs or hikers.
Everytime anyone does something that gives their pursuit a bad name, its not just that one idiot that is seen by the public, it's everyone who partakes in that pursuit who is judged unfairly.

[trouthunter]

Pardon me, but isn't that an oxymoron?

NO.

[Sasquatch]

Ugh.... I didn't mean for this to be an arguement. As far as "opinions" I meant on the topics of the prices are low, trapping has been poor/good because of rabies, etc. I didn't mean for this to be a trapping-is-good-is-not thing. Face it. No one on here is going to start trapping because of something says on here, and no one is going to suddenly stop trapping because of what is said here. Everyone has their own beliefs as to what is and is not ethical. Fine, to each their own, but please, let's not start a hate thread here.

[ken999]

Interesting...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Beth Ruth (614) 888-4868 ext. 214
January 4, 2007

Fox Sports Ends Anti-Trapping Spot

(Columbus) - Fox Sports Net, which provides regional sports programming to 85 million households, will no longer run an anti-trapping advertisement produced by the nation’s largest animal rights group, the Humane Society of the United States.

Thousands of angry sportsmen nationwide had sounded off to the network in December after the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), the nation’s leading sportsman advocacy organization, exposed the network’s decision to air the political advertisement as a gratis public service announcement.

Fox Sports Net told USSA that the 15-second, anti-trapping commercial expired on Dec. 31 and will not run again. The advertisement featured Humane Society of the United States leader Wayne Pacelle and a second animal activist urging viewers to support trapping bans. To add to the sensationalism, the spot opened with a loud clank as a foot hold trap with teeth - a trap that has been banned throughout the country for decades - snapped shut.

“Sportsmen delivered a message to Fox Sports that they want the network to scrutinize the public service announcements it receives so that anti-trapping and anti-hunting political advertisements like this HSUS spot do not receive approval in the future,” said Rick Story, USSA senior vice president. “Based on discussions USSA has had with the network, we anticipate that in the future it will pay much closer attention to ads that reflect such political viewpoints.”

Trapping is recognized by every wildlife agency at the state and federal level as a viable and important conservation tool. It helps keep furbearer populations at healthy levels and is important in stemming the spread of wildlife diseases that threaten animals and humans.

The Humane Society of the United States opposes all animal use, including trapping, hunting and fishing. It has a multi-million dollar budget that it invests in legislative and ballot campaigns to ban trapping and hunting. It also has a legal arm to challenge sportsmen’s rights in court.

Sportsmen can subscribe to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance E-mail Network at http://www.ussportsmen.org to stay informed about this and other issues that impact the future of America’s outdoor heritage.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, http://www.ussportsmen.org.

[redhawk]

Just goes to show you the power of special interest groups. Now if they would take the same stand against Global Warming............

[Connie Bear Orion]

Ugh.... I didn't mean for this to be an arguement. As far as "opinions" I meant on the topics of the prices are low, trapping has been poor/good because of rabies, etc. I didn't mean for this to be a trapping-is-good-is-not thing. Face it. No one on here is going to start trapping because of something says on here, and no one is going to suddenly stop trapping because of what is said here. Everyone has their own beliefs as to what is and is not ethical. Fine, to each their own, but please, let's not start a hate thread here.

Sasquatch, just ignore them. SOme people like to state ideas that are off thread. If they want an ANTI trapping thread they should start one, and leave the other threads alone and not cause trouble.

Fact is trapping is pretty good in a few parts of the state that i know of. Pretty sure its doing good accrossed the state. Prices are decent, not gonna get rich off of it but if you enjoy it, it will pay for the gas in alot of cases. Best of luck to you if you get back into it.

[St.Regis]

Trapper here.

My season got cut short due to deep snow. But I did well for the few weekends I trapped. Caught a few dozen 'rats, some beaver, and a couple mink. I will be selling furs this coming weekend. Prices were higher earlier (December and January) than the most recent sales in February, but that's the way it goes. I'll get my gas $ back, plus enough to buy some more supplies for next year.

[Cahill]

To talk to trappers check out the NY Trappers boards, http://nytrappers.proboards80.com/index.cgi

[13331Girl]

Trapper here.... Just in case we're doing a head count.

Connie Bear Orion ( nice name BTW) is right - ignore them.

Cahill- thanks for posting the site...