Trapping books or the like?

[Jpmiller]

So my boys are gearing up to start a trap line this winter. They’ve got a “mentor” helping them a little bit this winter but not a lot else. The oldest bought himself a subscription to fur fish game and loves that. I’ve never done any trapping or even been around it so I’m not a lot of help. Are there any books anyone could recommend or something similar to keep their interest level up? They really want to go after raccoons (of which there are plenty) and possibly attempt to get a pair of badgers. They’re looking to have fun and don’t have dreams of making big money on it (I wouldn’t mind if they covered some of the costs but I don’t think that’s a part of being a kid  ) and I just think it’s a good way to spend some time and want to encourage them as much as I can. Advice or recommendations welcome.

[Fidelk]

Raccoons should be pretty easy to catch. I'm not knowledgeable about the legalities of trapping/licensing but I do know what works.......foot hold traps, flush to the ground with food inside/under.......they are curious as little kids and will reach in to get at the bait. SNAP!!!! Traps should be chained to a tree or other fixed point to prevent escape because those little devils are strong.

Then you need a .22 or high powered pellet gun to finish the job.

[big wood]

Stanley hawbakers book is what I started out I started out with but time in field is best

[Ric0]

Join the Washington State Trappers Association. It's worth every penny. You will gain a ton of knowledge from some very seasoned trappers. The summer rendezvous is always a good time, they have great demos every year. They usually have an in person trapper ed class that will teach you way more than taking the class online. The winter workshop they put on is a great event. You get hands on experience, they teach you everything from setting traps, skinning, and putting them up. The food is really good too.

[WapitiTalk1]

Stanley hawbakers book is what I started out I started out with but time in field is best

This. There is not many better

[MADMAX]

I started with this
https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Life-Complete-Book-Lore/dp/B00005VNRM

Still have it over 50 years later

[Jpmiller]

Join the Washington State Trappers Association. It's worth every penny. You will gain a ton of knowledge from some very seasoned trappers. The summer rendezvous is always a good time, they have great demos every year. They usually have an in person trapper ed class that will teach you way more than taking the class online. The winter workshop they put on is a great event. You get hands on experience, they teach you everything from setting traps, skinning, and putting them up. The food is really good too.

I really wish this was an option for us but we moved to North Dakota a few months back. That’s what inspired the boys to get into trapping and as I understand it’s a way better state for trapping regulation wise but I haven’t found anything like that here. I’ve got an uncle who trapped fairly heavily at one point a long time ago who is offering to get them started on the basic at least.

[MADMAX]

Try this
I like it

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forum_summary

[DishBoggett]

Join the Washington State Trappers Association. It's worth every penny. You will gain a ton of knowledge from some very seasoned trappers. The summer rendezvous is always a good time, they have great demos every year. They usually have an in person trapper ed class that will teach you way more than taking the class online. The winter workshop they put on is a great event. You get hands on experience, they teach you everything from setting traps, skinning, and putting them up. The food is really good too.

I really wish this was an option for us but we moved to North Dakota a few months back. That’s what inspired the boys to get into trapping and as I understand it’s a way better state for trapping regulation wise but I haven’t found anything like that here. I’ve got an uncle who trapped fairly heavily at one point a long time ago who is offering to get them started on the basic at least.

I’m sure they have a state organization as well, I’d look into it


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[Jpmiller]

Join the Washington State Trappers Association. It's worth every penny. You will gain a ton of knowledge from some very seasoned trappers. The summer rendezvous is always a good time, they have great demos every year. They usually have an in person trapper ed class that will teach you way more than taking the class online. The winter workshop they put on is a great event. You get hands on experience, they teach you everything from setting traps, skinning, and putting them up. The food is really good too.

I really wish this was an option for us but we moved to North Dakota a few months back. That’s what inspired the boys to get into trapping and as I understand it’s a way better state for trapping regulation wise but I haven’t found anything like that here. I’ve got an uncle who trapped fairly heavily at one point a long time ago who is offering to get them started on the basic at least.

I’m sure they have a state organization as well, I’d look into it


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They do but they’re a long ways away and not anytime soon. That may be in the cards in the future but I’m really trying to hold their interest and get/keep them excited. Keep them out in the woods and off the television.

[JakeLand]

JP you should join Trapperman online it’s one of the best trapping forums out there and I’m sure you gets lots of help and probably some mentorship ! Tons of info on all aspects of trapping
Good luck Jake

[TeacherMan]

Are you still in North  Dakota? If so there is great trapping there and the laws that go with it are very trapper friendly, starting with the check time! As stated above Trapperman is the best online resource out there for trappers. The trap shed on there is a great spot to buy traps at a good price, just don’t be in a rush. 1.5 coils for coon trapping would be perfect too. If you’re wanting to go after coyotes I’d step it up to a #2 or larger. The 1.5s will hold coon, fox and badger, mink no problem. I’m sure if a yote could get its foot in them they’d work, strong traps. In that country find water and you’ll have all the critters you can handle. Look up simple dirt hole sets that you put into the sides of the stream banks or hill sides by ponds, etc. when baiting coons curiosity goes a long ways, no don’t gage to go overboard,  so do sweet smelling things like vanilla. If you use fishy smelling stuff you’ll also draw in critters like mink. To step it up so you don’t need a gun put out a drownder stake in at least 2’ of water with your trap anchored to it below the waters surface, they tangle around it. You will have a blast! With the critters you’re focusing on don’t even think I’d money 😂

[Jpmiller]

Are you still in North  Dakota? If so there is great trapping there and the laws that go with it are very trapper friendly, starting with the check time! As stated above Trapperman is the best online resource out there for trappers. The trap shed on there is a great spot to buy traps at a good price, just don’t be in a rush. 1.5 coils for coon trapping would be perfect too. If you’re wanting to go after coyotes I’d step it up to a #2 or larger. The 1.5s will hold coon, fox and badger, mink no problem. I’m sure if a yote could get its foot in them they’d work, strong traps. In that country find water and you’ll have all the critters you can handle. Look up simple dirt hole sets that you put into the sides of the stream banks or hill sides by ponds, etc. when baiting coons curiosity goes a long ways, no don’t gage to go overboard,  so do sweet smelling things like vanilla. If you use fishy smelling stuff you’ll also draw in critters like mink. To step it up so you don’t need a gun put out a drownder stake in at least 2’ of water with your trap anchored to it below the waters surface, they tangle around it. You will have a blast! With the critters you’re focusing on don’t even think I’d money 😂

We are in North Dakota. That’s mostly what got them excited about trapping was coming out here. There’s lots of sloughs, ponds and lakes around but I’m more comfortable with them carrying a rifle around than wading into the water in winter.

I’ll check out the forum thank!

[WapitiTalk1]

Another very good book if u can find it is Master Mink Trapping by E.J. Dailey.

[Frank The Tank]

Get hold of the state Trapper association, look up their FB page, and find out when their summer rendezvous or workshops, meetings etc are being held. Just about  all of these have demos.