New To The Whole Thing

buck-8835 · #1 07-26-2014, 06:17 PM

Im gonna lay it on the line here right off the bat and say that I know nothing about trapping. While I was guiding bears this spring south of Fort Mac I had several baits that were located along some trap lines. I was fortunate enough to be able to talk to both of these gentlemen at least a couple times a week due to the fact that they were both out doing repairs on their cabins and cutting wood for the winter. Having this opportunity has really made me want to get into this side of the sport. So I guess the question is how does one get started? Is there anyone out there that would be looking to take on an "apprentice" this winter? Also once you have your license how do you go about getting yourself a trap line? Most of you will most likely think these are stupid questions. I would however love the opportunity to get into it in any way possible. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

HunterDave · #2 07-27-2014, 01:47 PM

Hi Buck. I'm a new Resident Trapper and my suggestion is to take the Trapper's course before doing anything else. Here's the link to the info on courses:

http://www.albertatrappers.com/trapper-courses.html

Red Bullets · #3 07-27-2014, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck-8835

Im gonna lay it on the line here right off the bat and say that I know nothing about trapping. While I was guiding bears this spring south of Fort Mac I had several baits that were located along some trap lines. I was fortunate enough to be able to talk to both of these gentlemen at least a couple times a week due to the fact that they were both out doing repairs on their cabins and cutting wood for the winter. Having this opportunity has really made me want to get into this side of the sport. So I guess the question is how does one get started? Is there anyone out there that would be looking to take on an "apprentice" this winter? Also once you have your license how do you go about getting yourself a trap line? Most of you will most likely think these are stupid questions. I would however love the opportunity to get into it in any way possible. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

IMO.... Trapping is not really considered a sport. It is more likely to be a lifestyle and job to most trappers. It keeps them close to the land too.
Trapping requires dedication to learning and lots of effort.

Like mentioned... take the trapping course and then think about the rest.

buck-8835 · #4 07-28-2014, 04:44 PM

Thanks dave

Big Grey Wolf · #5 08-05-2014, 11:27 AM

Dave, what most have recommended, trapping course first, then fun starts. There are about 1700 RFMA's in Alberta. You will need to be a partner on line for few years and have some good fur numbers before F & W will approve you for a line that is open. Then lines in Alberta ( Only the cabins, traps, quads etc) are purchased. Line is leased from Province on 5 year term. Lastly lines in NE Alberta generally go for about $50K in Foothills $100K and in mountains prices as high as $300K have been asked for lines. It is a committment of cash and time and not a hobby.

sourdough doug · #6 08-07-2014, 08:06 AM

Brought a smile to my face this morning, when referred to as a "sport"..

Torkdiesel · #7 08-07-2014, 09:30 AM

I don't know guys, I think I would call modern trapping a sport. It's certainly a sport that involves lots of time and hard work, but I do get a great amount of enjoyment from it. For some it still may be considered a job but I would say for most in Alberta (90% or higher) I would say that regardless of this years fur prices, I'm still going to be able to provide for my family.
I also find great sport in trying to outsmart my local wolf population

mxz1997 · #8 08-07-2014, 10:24 AM

I would agree with Tork. At the prices now, nobodies making any money. The guys that are trapping are doing it for "sport". Although its quite different from some other "sport" activities. Once you done some Resident trapping, you'll figure out if you actually want a trapline. I'm happy with being a resident trapper, although I head out on a "real" trapline quite often. Very much time and effort is involved to successfully run a line.

jim summit · #9 08-07-2014, 01:03 PM

Take the course if you are new to the game.

Sport, no.

Sport is recreational with no chance of making a profit, such as hunting.
But an example, guiding hunters is not a sport as the guide is out there to make a profit.

As long as i pay taxes on the money i make trapping, it's not a "sport"!!

How many you guys pay taxes on your hunting season? Sounds absurb, because it is a SPORT.

Oh, and i bought a new 550 Tundra with one season worth of trapping.

tomcat · #10 08-07-2014, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim summit

Sport, no.

Sport is recreational with no chance of making a profit,

IMO trapping is a commercial activity, be it profitable or not, and should always be referred to as such. A "SPORT" is a desirable but unnecessary activity, whereas trapping is necessary for these reasons:

1) It's an activity providing seasonal income, food and clothing for many people.

2) It's a necessary wildlife management activity to:
- control the spread of dangerous diseases carried by many furbearers.
- protect agricultural livestock and crops from animal damage.
- control beaver flooding of road systems and developed lands.

3) A necessary activity for the capture and relocation of endangered species.

Furthermore recreation, or SPORT, is something that is done for fun, and I think that there are a lot of the general public that take a view that killing something just for fun is wrong, while most people can understand doing so for food or other needs such as survival or even for money which is nowadays needed to survive.

buck-8835 · #11 08-11-2014, 08:58 PM

so now that weve determined its not a "sport" ........ (not really the intention of the thread) is there anyone looking for any help this winter? I know its hard work! and im ready for it no matter what you want to refer to it as!

sourdough doug · #12 08-12-2014, 07:44 AM

OK, for starters Buck, how much time are you prepared to spend on the line, unless you are one of the weekend warrior trappers, this means , during the week. I guess this is OK if you tag up with the same. You haven't stated where you live, so how far are you prepared to travel. There might be guys needing help but maybe far out.