Blsum's 2015/2016 rookie season

[JakeLand]

I've had no cat action at all so I'm going to get some fresh bait in them tomorrow and just got to check my marten and cat traps later tonight

[Blsum]

No cat yet. Nothing on the trail camera either. Moved one of the other traps about a half mile down stream of where I set the prebait. Moved the other one closer to the beaver pond. Put a small break in the dam closest to the culvert to see how long it takes for them to fix it.

[Blsum]

  well went to check traps this morning and the gates locked.  so ran home and got the pack frame and boots to go retrieve them. Got to the one trap that was set by the prebait and noticed things were not as I left them yesterday. Pulled everything and checked the camera once I got home. And of course wouldn't you know it. I had a cat sniffing around my set last night.  looks like I will be starting from square one again. Beaver still haven't fixed the dam I busted up a while ago. Seriously thinking about throwing in the towel.

[jasnt]

well went to check traps this morning and the gates locked.  so ran home and got the pack frame and boots to go retrieve them. Got to the one trap that was set by the prebait and noticed things were not as I left them yesterday. Pulled everything and checked the camera once I got home. And of course wouldn't you know it. I had a cat sniffing around my set last night.  looks like I will be starting from square one again. Beaver still haven't fixed the dam I busted up a while ago. Seriously thinking about throwing in the towel.

It's easy to get discouraged with days like that but keep at bud. You'll get them

[Kit Carson]

Don't give up. Never know what will happen next

[Machias]

It only takes one check to make your whole season.  Trust me we all have days like this.

[Blsum]

I understand the not giving up. I also understand that it's my rookie year and I am happy to have at least caught a few critters. One check could change everything. Beaver traps are in an area now that looked promising ( about 26 miles from my front door). However in the last week and a half there has been no activity. I decided to take a quick stroll down stream to see if there was any more activity down stream. Every small dam I came across was in disrepair. No fresh cut branches or any kind of sign for that matter. Gonna pull everything I have out tomorrow and start fresh. Not sure where or when though.

[Machias]

Sounds like I would pull out of that area as well.  I got a small job last weekend and the landowner was pretty sure there were 5 or 6 beaver and an otter, but I saw signs of only one maybe two beaver.  Caught a medium beaver and a medium otter.  Nothing the past 2 days and have a feeling I won't catch any more there.  I'll give it another couple of days.

[Humptulips]

Often times knowing when to pull your sets is as important as knowing where to set in the first place.

[Blsum]

Well pulled the last 3 traps I had out. Gonna take the next few days to see if I can get a few more built. Instead of running the line. Got to make a decision on what to do next. Think I might take the rest of the season to concentrate on cats. Since that was my #1 goal for the year, to catch at least one cat. Now that the area I have spent all my time in has been shut down I'm gonna have to find some new grounds. Also wanted to say thank you to everyone who has given me advice or encouragement in anyway. I appreciate it. It's been a fun season so far and I'm most definitely addicted now. I would still love to spend a season trapping with someone who has experience.

[JakeLand]

Well I've pulled all my cat sets I think for the season but the offer is on the table for next season to come up and join me setting cages for cats and marten! I showed a guy this year I think enough stuff plus his go get em mentality that he was able to get a couple of cats plus some real cage savvy grinners  stick with it until the end of the season it'll probably be worth it !!!!

[bear hunter]

  I will pull 2 traps and pace them in a new area. I will just hold out a little longer. You ever know.

[Blsum]

Well I finished building one of the last two traps I have supplies for and almost finished building the other. Couldn't stand it any more. I had to set something. I had heard rumor of a population of fox in the area so I decided to see if I could catch one. Set 2 in new areas that looked promising. Will be setting a few more tomorrow after I finish the last trap. 3 sets for beaver and one more for cat. Running out of bait so hopefully something pans out.

[bear hunter]

  well good luck

[jasnt]