Ahhh, the good ol days....

A few decades back an old trapper told me of his method of doing the same with #4 and 14 jumps. He had always used platforms for his under ice trapping. He said he was getting ready to use his last platform he had with him on a set and found it broken. He said it dawned on him that the same slot he cut in smaller stakes for #1 jumps when he was rat trapping might work for a #4. So he cut a slot in his pole and set his #4 in it, baited it up as normal and set it in place. The next trip he had a beaver and after that it was the only method he used. I was getting out of college about then and ended up moving to an area which rarely had under ice trapping conditions. Then in my years in Alaska my job schedule and family health matters precluded any serious trapping so I’ve never had the opportunity to try his method. And this part of Idaho doesn’t offer much in the way of under ice trapping.

I’d be curious if it works as well as he claimed.

Good Morning

Clear and cold!

Good on yah! I grew up in northern and western Jackson County and in the 1960s, 70s, 80s we had tons of deer to harvest. Our groups were never that big but we did well. This year I spent 16 hours in 2 different stands and did not see a single deer in Eastern WI. There was limited shooting around me but i was boxed in this year. We put up our own as well so the knives will stay sharp this year.

Bryce

ttt

This is more for unfortunate nighttime activities, should the need arise.

I think it’s crazy that the local sawmill advertises starting pay at $22 an hour while people who clean houses (short term rentals) are getting $40 an hour. If you can find someone. There’s probably a thousand str’s from Livingston to Gardiner.

He took them by the truckload using milk jugs as I recall.

My first fillet knife was a corded electric one a Rapala that gets used on walleye and crappie so far , I also have a Bubba fillet knife but haven't used it yet , sadly I don't go fishing as often as I once did .

In all honesty my suggestion is to get the fillet knife that fits your hand the best and is the most comfortable to hang onto ! Because you're the one going to use it and if you're not comfortable holding onto it you're not going to enjoy how it works as you may rush the cutting action and mess it up .

Just my .02¢ worth ha ha

Good to see you back out on the trapline Kevin.

Great thread! Thanks for posting.
I LOVE your state!!!!!

I need all the help I can get, maybe I’ll add some crosshairs. lol