In no way am I disparaging new trappers. We need new trappers, and I sincerely welcome all of you to the sport and to this forum.
BUT....
When I was growing up, back in the dark ages, things were simplier. I lived back in the valley, and spent every free minute I had in the woods. I was lucky in that my dad, uncles, etc were all avid sprotsmen and trappers. I listened- kept my mouth shut and listened- my cousin Mike (my "brother") and I sat for hours listening to the men talk hunting and trapping stories :shock: . And when we finally were old enough to go into the woods and streams- we again listened and learned. It would have never crossed my mind to, lets say, tell my dad or uncles how they were setting a trap wrong or how I would do it. First of all, the success rate they had made me understand they knew what they were doing- and common sense made me understand I didn't! Conclusion- shut up and listen. Ask questions, but listen.
As I go older I got into hounds. When I sat around with the older guys- I listened. When a man bred and finished 4-5 Fd Ch a year- I listened.
I learned to hunt. I learned to trap. I learned hounds.
Was all the advice I was given right? No, certainly not. But when I heard several people that were successful giving the same advice- I listened- and I emulated what they did for success- and guess what, I was sccessful
.
So welcome new trappers. Our heritage and our love of the sport is open to you. But remember this- trapping isn't learned in a day, or a week or in a decade. Trapping is learned from being out there-day after day, year after year. Studying the animals, testing, thinking, learning. Some of this advice is info that was hard earned. If they are willing to share- well, shut up and listen.
Most older trappers are more than happy to share this advice- but be respectful. Remember that he doesn't "owe" you any of this advice.
I'm off my soapbox now. :wink:
BUT....
When I was growing up, back in the dark ages, things were simplier. I lived back in the valley, and spent every free minute I had in the woods. I was lucky in that my dad, uncles, etc were all avid sprotsmen and trappers. I listened- kept my mouth shut and listened- my cousin Mike (my "brother") and I sat for hours listening to the men talk hunting and trapping stories :shock: . And when we finally were old enough to go into the woods and streams- we again listened and learned. It would have never crossed my mind to, lets say, tell my dad or uncles how they were setting a trap wrong or how I would do it. First of all, the success rate they had made me understand they knew what they were doing- and common sense made me understand I didn't! Conclusion- shut up and listen. Ask questions, but listen.
As I go older I got into hounds. When I sat around with the older guys- I listened. When a man bred and finished 4-5 Fd Ch a year- I listened.
I learned to hunt. I learned to trap. I learned hounds.
Was all the advice I was given right? No, certainly not. But when I heard several people that were successful giving the same advice- I listened- and I emulated what they did for success- and guess what, I was sccessful
So welcome new trappers. Our heritage and our love of the sport is open to you. But remember this- trapping isn't learned in a day, or a week or in a decade. Trapping is learned from being out there-day after day, year after year. Studying the animals, testing, thinking, learning. Some of this advice is info that was hard earned. If they are willing to share- well, shut up and listen.
Most older trappers are more than happy to share this advice- but be respectful. Remember that he doesn't "owe" you any of this advice.
I'm off my soapbox now. :wink: