August, 2019
I routinely have trappers ask how you decide where to trap in a faraway state and how do you do your scouting? Generally, I hear something word of mouth about a coyote population then I start looking into it. This is done in two ways.
I routinely have trappers ask how you decide where to trap in a faraway state and how do you do your scouting? Generally, I hear something word of mouth about a coyote population then I start looking into it. This is done in two ways.
Generally,
my first step is to contact local Game Wardens in a county by phone, asking
about the coyote numbers and how much local trapping activity there is. My goal
is to learn if there are any heavy hitters working the area (trappers catching
large numbers) and how much aerial gunning (if any) Wildlife Services has done.
Then I ask if there are any resident landowners suffering damage that the agent
knows of that he can refer me to. I also ask if the state wildlife agency
collects harvest information that is publicly available, I can review.
Next,
I start looking at a state Gazette or Atlas looking for any National Forest,
National Grasslands, or BLM land in the area. This public land always helps the
first year in a new area until enough permissions are acquired with private
landowners. Most state wildlife agencies publish booklets showing private land
open to sportsmen, these are utilized as well. I also use plat books that can
be purchased at most county courthouses or
Chamber of Commerce offices. These plat books show who owns each parcel of land
in the county and generally list the phone numbers for these landowners if they
reside in the county.
The
most valuable tool for me the last few years is the OnX Hunt app. This is a
subscription-based app, but it can be used on any smart phone, tablet, iPad, or
computer. A Premium subscription, your choice of any single state, is $29.99 a
year or you can get the Elite, all 50 states, for $99 for a year. This is a state
or nationwide directory (based on choice of subscription) showing property
boundaries, acreage, owner name and tax address, and your current location. You
can add waypoints, mark locations, get weather forecasts, and much more. Also,
maps can be downloaded to your device for areas without cellular service.
Sometimes it may not be updated if a property has recently changed ownership,
but that’s true for plat books as well. I use this app in multiple states, and it
is worth every penny it costs!
These
plat books and the OnX Hunt app help me find ground without having to waste
time with guided tours. I often run into situations with landowners where they
forget to mention additional parcels that show up in the plat book or on the app.
A quick phone call asking about it gains me access.
I
want to discuss something no one talks about, yet we all know to be true.
Physical conditioning for the trapline is the single most important thing a lot
of trappers fail to be prepared for. You can’t go from working at a computer
terminal all day long to running up and down ditch banks 12-hours a day wearing
hip boots or chest waders while carrying coon and beaver out without it taking
a toll! Being physically prepared isn’t something that can be achieved in a
short amount of time. Generally, it is a lifestyle for the most successful
trappers. Trappers that work physically demanding jobs year-round like concrete
work, trimming trees, or working construction are generally conditioned to this
type of hard physical activity. Being able to physically deal with this
continuous level of activity is very important for a trapper’s mental state as
well.
Keeping
a positive attitude and not being worn out makes it so much easier for a
trapper to stay motivated and to push themselves the extra distance needed.
When you think you just can’t go any more and want to quit, the mental drive to
push yourself (being conditioned to it) to set just one more location is so
important. These additional sets become what I consider exponential producers.
I’m not talking about doing this just once in a while, this needs to be a
mental effort that you practice daily! Don’t worry about the load of fur in the
back of the truck, you have all night to skin. When a trapper finds themselves
procrastinating and putting off setting traps until tomorrow and calling it a
day, I believe it is generally a sign of not being in good enough physical
condition for the trapline.
I
consulted with two Doctors and a Veterinarian who actively trap. In a nutshell,
all three basically recommended the same thing. A healthy diet (stay away from
sugar and fats) along with a physical conditioning program that was started (and
maintained) at least 4-8 weeks prior to trapping season to be the most
beneficial. While workouts with weights in a gym do have some value, cardio
workouts have greater value. Swinging a mall splitting firewood, walking and
running up inclines, anything to get the heart rate up and keeping it up for an
extended amount of time daily will increase a trapper’s endurance and keep you
in a more positive frame of mind.
Keep in mind that everyone has different goals and values concerning their trapping experience. Achieving your personal goals is all that matters.
Keep in mind that everyone has different goals and values concerning their trapping experience. Achieving your personal goals is all that matters.