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Other Activities => Trapping => Topic started by: Humptulips on December 18, 2017, 06:17:13 PM


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Title: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 18, 2017, 06:17:13 PM
A week ago I put out a bunch of baits, no traps. I checked one yesterday and set a trap but the rest didn't get looked at until today. Put out a number of traps so we will see what the future holds but today my first score besides some beaver I caught for the trapping class. Fat little gal. I been fattening her up for a week. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Axle on December 18, 2017, 07:09:09 PM
This thread stinks!  :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 18, 2017, 07:11:40 PM
Au contraire, She never sprayed a bit. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: huntingfool7 on December 18, 2017, 08:32:10 PM
NICE!
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: bear hunter on December 18, 2017, 08:54:34 PM
Nice congrats
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Machias on December 19, 2017, 10:11:08 AM
Awesome
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: TeacherMan on December 19, 2017, 11:29:30 AM
I want one tanned lol
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 19, 2017, 08:34:03 PM
.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Norman89 on December 19, 2017, 09:02:05 PM
Stacking then up already Bruce! :tup:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Triplej on December 20, 2017, 08:43:05 AM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 21, 2017, 08:28:27 PM
Things not going so good. Brought home a couple today but I am having problems with the traps. Seems like they are springing too hard. Had a number of baits stolen. Even the old traps I have used successfully for a few years.
I dipped them last summer in Dakota Line dip. That is the only difference I can think of. Last two days I haven't had much time but tomorrow I will have to clean that stuff off the triggers as I go. Hope that helps.
If that ain't enough I had a trap stolen today. I have an idea who took it. May be a confrontation tomorrow.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Cultusman on December 21, 2017, 09:30:21 PM
 Traps are similar to Trail cams , when someone finds one they think its ok to take it home with them. I bet most traps that get stolen never get used because the thief doesn't know how to use it. 
 Good luck catching the dirt bag and better luck on the trapline.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: runamuk on December 21, 2017, 09:34:58 PM
I like those spotted ones, all I get to deal with are stripeys.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: bear hunter on December 21, 2017, 09:58:26 PM
 Trap thief's suck. Nice looking skunks there. Hope to get some traps out this weekend.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 22, 2017, 07:15:18 PM
Three more today.
I confronted the guys who I am 90% sure took my trap but of course they wouldn't admit it. I have their license number and told them if the trap reappears I would forget about it.
Maybe they will get worried and put it back but probably never see it again. 6 of them and only one could speak a little English. I should have told them I was calling Trump. :chuckle:
Sure makes a guy mad but probably not much can be done.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 28, 2017, 06:34:44 PM
I have been selling the civets for mostly taxidermy for the last several years. It seems that market is pretty well flooded so I thought I would ship a few to some State sales and see how I do.
The standard for civets has been fur in but I thought I would turn some for these local sales and see if it appealed more to craft trade buyers. Here's a few I have turned and drying and a couple I haven't turned yet like they would normally be shipped.
Think I will see more money with the fur out ones?

Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Norman89 on December 28, 2017, 07:23:13 PM
Definitely fur out i would think for craftsman work they are a real eye catcher!
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Kit Carson on December 29, 2017, 12:11:46 AM
Definitely fur out i would think for craftsman work they are a real eye catcher!

 :yeah:

Fur out looks nice.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Trapper John on December 29, 2017, 04:20:37 PM
:peep:   Hey Stinky ...... they look good fur out
JC    :hello:


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Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: fastdam on December 29, 2017, 06:17:31 PM
What do you do with the skunk furs? I ask because I catch a lot of skunks
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 29, 2017, 09:07:00 PM
I think most get used as wall hangers. The civets probably 99% are wall hangers. Some go for taxidermy and I have sold a few for hats. They make a pretty cool looking collar too. I have seen that.
Striped get made into hats, trim and occasionally a garment. Check out Kim Kardashian in her skunk coat. http://www.truthaboutfur.com/blog/skunk-fur-forsaken/
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: fastdam on December 30, 2017, 09:14:44 AM
Wow that coat is Awesome!
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: runamuk on December 30, 2017, 10:33:12 AM
Very cool coats
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: HighlandLofts on December 30, 2017, 11:07:07 AM
How much are they bringing locally?
I'd like to get one for a wall hanger.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 30, 2017, 06:19:40 PM
How much are they bringing locally?
I'd like to get one for a wall hanger.

Dried, skinned to the nail. $20+ postage.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: HighlandLofts on December 31, 2017, 02:13:49 PM
THEY WILL THEN NEED TO BE TANNED? OR CAN THEY BE JUST HUNG UP ON THE WALL?
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Machias on December 31, 2017, 03:49:59 PM
THEY WILL THEN NEED TO BE TANNED? OR CAN THEY BE JUST HUNG UP ON THE WALL?


They will need to be tanned.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on December 31, 2017, 08:21:21 PM
I have some tanned ones too, feet on. $60
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 13, 2018, 11:04:07 PM
My best day this far, for you E WA guys that red color is pretty typical here. Not good but it is what we have on the coast.

Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Eric M on January 13, 2018, 11:24:22 PM
Maybe from a $ standpoint they aren't worth as much, but that is a pretty cat.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: bear hunter on January 14, 2018, 12:57:52 AM
Good day trapping  :drool: Nice catch
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Kit Carson on January 14, 2018, 10:30:06 AM
Nice job!  :tup:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: JakeLand on January 14, 2018, 10:33:30 AM
Nice !! That is  a great looking cat !!
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 15, 2018, 06:23:48 PM
2 more civits today.
I had a cougar take off with one of my cages today. This falls into the category of do as I say not as I do. I  always tell everyone to tie their trap to something and I usually do but not this one. First thing you think is, stolen. I  started back to the truck and then turned around and made a circle. Found it about 30 feet away.
Typing this one handed. I  think I  broke my thumb today. In ice water now but might put a crimp in my trapping. Man it is hurting. I could have killed the oriental who runs  the convenience store. I stopped and asked if he would put some ice in a cup and sell it to me. Nope!
Last set I checked in the dark and there was a civit at the cat set. I left a small trap so maybe something tomorrow.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 17, 2018, 10:50:32 PM
Hey everybody, this guy is a booner. Maybe the biggest I ever caught before.
 A full 2 1/4 pounds.
Oh caught a bobcat too.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: JakeLand on January 17, 2018, 11:04:37 PM
Great catch!!! What happened with your thumb?
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Kit Carson on January 17, 2018, 11:55:06 PM
Nice!  :tup:
Fatty skunk
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 18, 2018, 12:02:28 AM
Great catch!!! What happened with your thumb?

vicodine! ;)
 Long story but involves getting caught in one of my traps. Not exactly, a trap I am testing but not something I made. It has a lot of promise. Could be big news for the future but I can't go into it any further right now
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Machias on January 18, 2018, 10:24:48 AM
Hope your thumb is better...was it broken or just bruised?  Or can you tell yet?
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Trapper John on January 18, 2018, 12:01:53 PM


Hey Stinky ........ :chuckle:...........  what with you getting hurt all of the time?
I'm thinking you need a "Nurse" to tag along with you daily   :chuckle:
Keep your hands out of those traps  :o

Nice civet cat.  oh and the other one looks good too.
JC   :salute:


Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 18, 2018, 07:00:52 PM
Hope your thumb is better...was it broken or just bruised?  Or can you tell yet?

Just the tip so the last bone. Never went to the DR but it had a suspicious bend in it I don't remember before :chuckle: I gave it a little pull and it straightened out. Some choice words were said. Still awful sore but not hurting unless I bump it.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Machias on January 19, 2018, 08:39:40 AM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 23, 2018, 09:14:46 PM
No pictures today. Was it raining or what?
Anyway I broke 40 civets today. #40 and #41 for the year.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: bear hunter on January 24, 2018, 07:10:08 AM
Sweet season
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Norman89 on January 24, 2018, 07:15:43 AM
Stacking them up Bruce! :tup:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 24, 2018, 09:44:34 AM
Forgot to mention, I had another cougar get into one of my cat cages yesterday too. This one I had attached to a tree though so I didn't have to search for it.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 27, 2018, 10:09:37 PM
Decent day today. Civets were small but one has pretty nice color.
The bobcat is one of the nicest bellied cats I've ever caught around here. Might even be an A/B grade. Nice and clear, not casty at all.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: redi on January 27, 2018, 10:13:04 PM
Nice work. Congrats.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: bear hunter on January 27, 2018, 10:49:26 PM
Great job.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Kit Carson on January 27, 2018, 10:51:49 PM
Bruce,
What's your favorite bait for Cats? Have you ever used any commercial lures?
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 28, 2018, 12:56:15 AM
Bruce,
What's your favorite bait for Cats? Have you ever used any commercial lures?
I've tried some but not many. I used to make my own cat lure. I caught cats with my own not with the others. Did not really see where they were better then a nice chunk of beaver meat. I have thought more recently of some kind of rub bait for the cages but have not followed through. I know some like LDC and skunky most often. I have always figured to set right on location so I don't use it. In the past I didn't want to attract civets and they are drawn to skunky stuff. I should probably change my way of thinking but one gets stuck in old habits.

My lure was just ground cat glands and cat urine. Cut out the anus, glands, bladder and 6 to 10 inches of gut. Grind that and add enough cat urine to cover and rot down in a cool place. I buried to keep out the flies. If you don't have enough urine you need some baitmakers preservative compound. The salt in the urine will keep it though if it remains covered.
That is a gland lure and most gland lures start that way but add other secret stuff. Cats are attracted to it but I am not so sure it is the best for a cage as when I caught cats with it they often seemed to be backing up to it.
A lure expert I am not so take it for what it is worth which is not much.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Trapper John on January 29, 2018, 07:55:03 PM

Nice looking cat there young man
JC   :hello:


Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on January 29, 2018, 08:04:44 PM
closing on 50 civits, two more to go.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: bear hunter on January 29, 2018, 10:25:13 PM
Wow your sure stacking them up. :tup:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on February 07, 2018, 07:35:17 PM
Just when you having given up hope 8)
I decided to pull 5 cat traps I had near Axford Prairie today, 4th one had this nice Tom.

Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on February 10, 2018, 07:17:17 PM
Probably should keep this a secret but I shipped 20 civits to the Colorado Fur Auction and they sold two days ago. I had them grouped as four lots of five each. Two lots fur in and two lots fur out. Fur our lots sold for $150 and $145. Fur in lots sold for $140 and $130. Total $565, after commission and shipping my average will be about $25.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on February 10, 2018, 07:32:51 PM
Probably should keep this a secret but I shipped 20 civits to the Colorado Fur Auction and they sold two days ago. I had them grouped as four lots of five each. Two lots fur in and two lots fur out. Fur our lots sold for $150 and $145. Fur in lots sold for $140 and $130. Total $565, after commission and shipping my average will be about $25.

Why are some furs sold fur in?
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on February 10, 2018, 10:28:01 PM
It is easier for fur buyers to see how they were handled and see any defects. Fur out furs are furs that the buyer wants to get a good look at the fur for grading of color and weight of fur.
Civits and skunk are generally fur in. You can see the stripe through the leather. I shipped some fur out this year to see if they would appeal to crafters more that maybe are not so well versed on fur grading.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on February 25, 2018, 07:20:19 PM
Wet and sloppy today but things clicked for me. Terrible picture, everything is wet but out of 11 traps.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on February 25, 2018, 07:52:36 PM
Wet and sloppy today but things clicked for me. Terrible picture, everything is wet but out of 11 traps.

Nice triple. :tup:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Norman89 on February 25, 2018, 08:36:05 PM
Hard to beat a day like that with cages!
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: redi on February 25, 2018, 08:46:49 PM
Great work Bruce. Congrats
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: JakeLand on February 25, 2018, 09:09:33 PM
Wow !! You always like February for cats !  :tup:
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: one more on February 26, 2018, 11:59:15 AM
Those are all beautiful cats and civits!  Will you sell some in March?
Diane
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on February 26, 2018, 06:06:19 PM
Those are all beautiful cats and civits!  Will you sell some in March?
Diane
They are all for sale but the civets are being sold right along. I've caught 56 so far and have 15 promised but only have about 10 at this time. I can save you a civet or more if you want but I have to keep catching them so I can catch up on my promises. If you want civets let me know as I might not have any at the sale.
The bobcats I will have some there.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 03, 2018, 09:26:13 PM
I had another three cat day but I guess I am getting softhearted because I let two of them go. First though was a pretty nice tom with a decent colored belly.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 03, 2018, 09:32:24 PM
Very next set I had this gal. I was going to reset but I could not get her to leave so I ended up picking the trap. Probably best as this is the fourth cat in that same general area.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 03, 2018, 09:39:10 PM
Then this one, another female. She didn't get in a hurry but finally left and I reset, different area. Also picked up a couple civets so pretty good day. Also a couple visits from the long tailed variety, sprung traps. One paced around the trap a lot looking at the bait. Must be hungry.
 
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: redi on March 03, 2018, 10:35:24 PM
You are having a great season Bruce keep it up.
congrqtw
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 06, 2018, 11:28:33 PM
Bruce,
What's your favorite bait for Cats? Have you ever used any commercial lures?

Beaver hands down. I have tried some commercial lures but never saw much benefit. I am currently using a piece of beaver meat and I made up some furbees that I am hanging inside the trap with a little home made LDC lure on. 1/2 cup Vaseline, essence out of 2 large stripped skunk glands, oil out of 2 large beaver oil sacks and about 3 heaping tablespoons of dry beaver castor. Heat Vaseline to liquid and mix in other ingredients. I smear some on the backside of the furbee.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 06, 2018, 11:33:22 PM
Caught two more cats today or did I? I ma pretty sure I turned this one loose before. Anyway, turned her loose again and picked the last of the traps in that area. No more free lunch for her!
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 06, 2018, 11:47:29 PM
Next set had a pretty nice tom although not real big. Two pretty nice civit cats after that. It has slowed down on them. I think I have 64 now. After that a pretty possum if there is such a thing and then things went down hill. Two sets cougars had stolen my trap. First one I found about 200 feet away. I wasn't set near a tree so I had it tied to an old alder windfall, pretty small and it fell apart.
Second one I had tied up better but the cougar snapped the tie wire. I started tracking it and it was getting late and the light was bad. I was getting a little nervous so I went back for the gun, .22 shorts. Tracked through about 300 feet of thick brush and got it back. I hate trap thieves. :chuckle:
Neither of those cats were in the trap. They just hauled it off to get the bait. The traps weren't broken at least.
Funny how you go a couple days and nothing then every thing happens at once.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: lewy on March 07, 2018, 06:26:46 AM
Nice work Bruce
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Trapper John on March 07, 2018, 10:36:12 AM

Bruce,
Maybe you need to use 3/16" cable and a lock if your going to trap in that area so those trap thieves can take your traps.   :chuckle:
JC   :hello:

Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 08, 2018, 06:53:35 PM
Well, I caught that long tailed trap stealing SOB in the act today. Drove up on it pulling on one of my traps set along an old road. Didn't even beat feet. It just looked at the PU for a bit and turned and walked across the road into the brush. I'm guessing near a 100 pounds so young cat or maybe a female but I still think young.
Should have brought home a cat, short tailed variety, but some bonehead forgot to take the setting hook off the door. Maybe it will be back for seconds.
Came home with a civet as a consolation prize.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 10, 2018, 11:22:26 PM
Caught another small cat today. Catch and release trapping. I have a bit better access to these areas lately so I am more mindful of managing the harvest.
Ran into a couple hound guys the other day and had a nice BS session with them. Their dogs sure opened up on some LDC lure I made up and am using lately. Hope the cats are equally interested.

Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Humptulips on March 12, 2018, 08:36:18 PM
Caught two cats today, last years kitten and a female. Decided to turn them both loose. Forgot my camera today so no pictures. Were'd the toms go? :dunno:
Had a cougar pull one trap off a bit and steal the bait. Set a few civit traps at sets where they came in and stole the bait.
I think I am about ready to pull the pin. No bait left anyway and at the rate I am losing sets to bait stealers there won't be much left by the end of the week. Kind of feel like I have caught enough cats for the year anyway. I would like to get to 70 civits though. I have a couple more to go. I did pick one civit today.
That female raked me a little when I was turning her loose. No gratitude. :(
Gave me a wake up call to not be so casual. Hands are scratched up enough as is. :chuckle:
Just like summer out there today. Lot of people out the last few days. Had one of my traps sprung by someone but they didn't take it so I felt pretty good about it.
Things winding down, I'll likely be all done by the rendezvous.
Title: Re: Let the skunk harvest begin
Post by: Trapper John on March 12, 2018, 09:42:24 PM

Bruce,
I have a beaver in the freezer if you need some bait.
JC   :hello:

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