If a new NWCO wants to start operating in the same area as you, and they ask you for advice, how much should you give them? Same question, but the new NWCO is family? Keep in mind that the economy isn't what it used to be and work is considerably slower.

I helped 330 Trapper when he was starting. Now that he is making traps he is refering some work to me. I also have met another member here that does service in my area. He has refered me work and I have given him some. We all live 30 plus miles from each other.

Lundy,,,,you are a "special swede indeed"....

I shouldn't but I have. I'd like to see us Georgia folks get together and stick together.

Well...starting is harder than it looks. I would give advice, but not do any of the work.

Had a new cage trap maker call yesterday.Trapper I have known for many years. Wanted to know where to buy the different materials and tools. I answered the questions asked and tried to be helpful.We need more cagemakers, you know.

Every local we have that has tried catching beaver in volume always succeeds after two years to educate the clan. The newest one is no different. He is going about it in the right way to get his foot in the door. I am getting older now to the point that if the son doesn,t trap here next year and the cage trap business grows. The new guy just needs to learn a little more to make it. The first year is the easiest.The part I don,t like is the implication to the landowner that I am not available, on lands where I have trapped before. I don,t do that and never have. That is how they gain access.

This is like the Catch 22 for a lot of operators. Some are very willing to give guidance while others either won't or will give bad guidance. For instance, when I first started another operator told me that I needed a Federal permit to work with bats, pigeons, starlings and house sparrows. They also told me that I needed to purchase several dozen specialty traps that would have been illegal to use. Then there was another operator who wouldn't even talk to me because they didn't want the competition.

The first operator receives absolutely nothing from me. I don't talk bad about them when I am told we're competing for the same job, but they homeowner sure questions what they were told by them when I'm done. After all, it is easy to con someone that doesn't know anything about the problem but once they are educated, it is a different issue all together.

For the second operator, it only took about 6 months before he sent me a job and since then we've sent multiple jobs back and forth along with him consulting me on how to perform several bat jobs.

My approach is that I will gladly offer advice to those starting out as I would rather have them educated and understanding of issues rather than having to deal with the consequences of their actions. But as Dave K says, you don't want to do the work for them. Any work that I have lost because of this approach isn't the fault of thenew operator. Instead, it is my fault for becoming complacent and not doing what I should have done. When you think about it, if you're company that already has at least one year’s worth of experience it is almost impossible for a new company to overtake you unless you don't put forth the effort to stay ahead of them.

I try to help everyone who asks and have had some great advice given to me also.

Only one operator in my area who I wouldn't give the time of day too.

Seems like if they were really family they would already know the how to part because they were helping you all ready chipping in time of need . My guess they start up learn your inside then under cut you and use your name doing so . I really can't see advantage and this could only hurt your true family that has been there helping ya . On a positive side atleast this family member isn't lazy . Last month contacted my unemployed machinest cousin that hasn't worked in like ten years because his wife cuts hair and supports them both plus her son and wife and there kid . Asked him to start making these parts I need he just said yes I would be happy to help you then said I should just out sorce it it would be cheaper . Yikes how would that be but anyway that's fine just sit there and rot cus

The threat is not undercutting on cost.

I'm friends with other local trappers now. We pass jobs to one another for a small commission and even pick up animals for each other if closer. It's nice to have backup when on vacation and other like minds to teach/learn from.

Its up to you. Here in Wi. I dont feel any pressure to keep any secrets. Id rather make a friend than pass on the opportunity to do so.

What Mike is trying to say is that he hasn't found a state in the union with cheaper customers, so making a living in Wisconsin is not a given. That is outweighed, however, by the quality of the beer and the football teams. ( And our serial killers are first rate too )

Yea, that would make good sence because we have the cannibal college in Madison. Some of the most qualified serial killers in the world come from here. ( BABY....The other..other white meat!)

I wish I had a brother truely do I guess if I did I would give him kidney and shurly talk trapping . Maybe work together and open up a new area it's cheaper to run adds that way . He would have to understand that it's your way not his and right up a agreement . Times suck and there's no way there getting better . You can't have over half the country not working sucking on the ones that do . Only after total collasp can we rebuild and start over . Truely great days for the trapper

NO MORE DOOM AND GLOOM PLEASE? I think I saw a roof dripping, and I wana stay on a roll!

If he were my brother, I'd tell him to be very thankful that he's succeeded at his company (unless he's been in a job he's hated for 25 years, which doesn't speak well for his initiative, but many, many people live lives of quiet desperation)..and leave it at that.

I was talkin bout pesky

If my brother wanted to get involved....I would open a new territory. I would probably hire him as an employee to start...rather then partner. If it does not work out....no loss. If it does work out....then think of the benefits!

Well, then I would compete. You two have probably been doing it all your life. It will make you both better, anyway.

Let him make the choice...then kick his a$$.