Carp's 2015/2016 Trapping Season

[Carp Commander]

Not a whole lot going on so far this year. I really only got started yesterday with a few colony traps. I had a good friend and his son with me on the first check of the season. I hit double digits but was a little disappointed.

From the lack of activity on the thread this year, it appears everyone else is also easing into the season. I plan to pull my line tomorrow and don't know that I would go back out until the fur primes a little more.

[Bigshooter]

My trapping partner and I won't start until December.

[-Trap_addicT-]

Otter and beaver or prime where I am..NE corner.  Am I safe to assume that means mink and muskrat are as well? They will come from the same general area.

[Carp Commander]

My personal opinion is that the beaver and otter aren’t ready for several more weeks. At least down here and I am not sure that the distance between us makes much difference. Maybe someone else will chime in on that.

The good news is yes muskrat are priming up but are still a little blue. Mink will prime shortly after, maybe around the first week of December. 

I won’t target beaver until mid-December unless it’s a damage complaint. Because of the current state of the beaver market, I wouldn't gamble on taking any until they are at their absolute best.

Although the price has dropped, the deduction for fall rats isn't huge. Because you can catch rats in large numbers and their ease in putting up, it’s worth taking them earlier in the year.

Again just my opinion.

Here is another thread discussing some of the guidelines for primness.



http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,129283.msg1722279.html#msg1722279

[-Trap_addicT-]

That thread is helpful as a rough guideline, but it varies from one year to the next. I know what I'm looking for on mink, coon, coyote, muskrat, bobcat, otter...what am I looking for on beaver that will tell me it's prime?

I'm not as concerned this year, as the beaver/otter/mink/coon I've taken will be used for decorating my new house. Couple mounts, couple tanned...etc. I got burned on my mink and otter last year, time to start a collection.

Thanks for the info.

[jasnt]

Tagging

[Carp Commander]

The indications of a prime fur are pretty much the same with every animal. It mostly has to do with the color of the leather. The color range from shades of blue to smoky gray and when fully prime the skin will get white.

[Carp Commander]

Another great day of trapping Too bad the catching wasn't good. The line was pulled today. Be back at in a week or two.

Got my first incidental catch of the year.

[Carp Commander]

My incidental catch

[pnwmtnmn]

Now we know why you are the "Carp Commander" .....lol

[Trapper John]

My incidental catch

What the hell    kind of muskrat is that ?      
JC

[Carp Commander]

Pretty poor catch today only eight muskrats.

I had two beaver traps out and connected on one small one. Didn't want to start catching beaver this early but it comes with the permission. The land owner has had enough and didn't want to wait any longer.

Another incidental catch today. At least this one had fur instead of scales. Little male mink with some neat white markings. Never seen one like this.

[Carp Commander]

This mink had four separate white patches, one on the chin, throat, between the front legs and a long one between the back legs.

[Carp Commander]

First beaver of the year.

[jasnt]

That is an interesting mink. Congrats on the beaver