Well there you go Bob ..it might help pay for some of the gas to fetch your mail.

I am chomping at the bit to get out myself and see my line this year. In three more days I will be back in my element.

All you guys remember you are not a trapper unless you wear some fur!
I just got reruffed and a new hat

Very nice Jeff!

Hello bob, How do you set up your barrel set for wolverine? Do you use two coni's or one? I made a drum with two coni's i have yet to set it out in the field. But i am wanting to sometime. Jus have to find a good location.

Jeff it looks like the hare population took a jump. At least near the Airport in St. Mary's. Should be interesting. Out of 30 cats my buddy and I took we never had a kitten last year. Remember hearing yours were low as well. Wonder what we will see this year.

Less grease on your hands.....

Yes we do seam to have Rabbits this year thats a good sign I just got a few kittens last year myself out of 60 I caught.
I am seeing some tracks near the village hopfully there will be some on my line as well.

YK;
Like your fur "retreading" job. Is that dyed beaver for the cap liner?

Yukon Trapper:
I only used one coni on my barrel sets. I considered using two but it was bad enough finding a spot where you could keep snow out of one end.

Yes Bob they are dyed beaver I just got back from Tubari LTD they do a nice job.

nice cubby I have heard of guys using them barrels for live traps but they said the wolverine had no more claws after they got caught I see your conibear will fix that problom.

Bob, how are those conis fixed to the barrel?

AV:
Sorry about the crappy photo. You can barely see it in the photo but I cut two slots in the rim of the barrel and lay the arms of the connibear in those and tie them with garbage bag ties. Also drill a hole directly above the connibear trigger in the barrel and tie it there with another garbage bag tie. Effectively the conniber is supported on the two cut tabs in the barrel rim and tied in place with the three garbage bag ties. They have been through some wind storms that were real screamers without coming off. Only problem I ever had was the trigger freezing in a rain storm and I got him the next day after I greased it with beaver fat.
The flagging tape was used to insure the most work I did to run my line is focus my spotting scope.

YKJ:
Those connis really do the job. When there was snow I never saw a Gulo do more than a couple flops.

just an FYI... but sportsmans warehouse has started carrying more Bridger traps and supplies lately.
at least the one in anchorage. there are bridger brawn #9's, #5 alaskan c.s's, rubber jaw #3's, dexter russel beaver knives, skinning aprons, and other accessories...

Hopefully soon, you will be able to get some MB 6 and 750's there as well.

Have you guys seen this?

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=trapping.furhandling

I didn't realize you could view the fur handling video online??? I used to have it, then lent it to a new trapper (can't remember who) and never got it back. I always like watching it before the season just for a refresher.

Kusko- I have several copies that I have won at trapper meetings/potlucks over the years. Pm your addy if you want me to send ya one...

Hup- the wolf snares came in if you want to swing by tonight. I will be in the garage working on machines as usual..

I turn my hides a lot drier than he did. I don't like leaving them that damp.

Do you guys make your wolverine noses that round ? He does a great job on pelting beaver, but his boarding is out of date. They should be oval, not round.

YKJ:
I looked at Tubari's site and it seems they are one of few that do shearing and plucking. Was your beaver just dyed or did you have it sheared and plucked? Would like to see some photos of the sheared and plucked items.

Well, opening day is finally here, and I'm at the keyboard! Winds blew to 60 mph last night, so the water is roughed up. Will try to get out tomorrow.

UB,

I have twelve beaver there now to get sheared and plucked. As soon as I get them back, I will post pictures and a review. I also had some dyed black and got those back a while ago. They are very nice. Six of the twelve I am having plucked and sheared are also going to be dyed black, so will have a couple to show.

-TJ

Bob
mine were only tanned and dyed I had some done black and a few pink just to see what they look like.
the tanning and black dye job cost $40 ea the pink needed to be bleached first and cost $65 ea tanning included, they look a little fried on the pinks and the guard hairs are white still.

TJ has some being plucked and sheared,and hopfully he will post pictures when done

Tubari does a fine job whether it is tanning,dyeing, or plucking and shearing.Furrier buddy of mine gets some plucked and sheared beaver from them for many of his projects.think you will all be pleased.