Interesting about that "ratting" as you call it.
I used to trap them as a kid in Minnesota. There were a lot then. Their populations fluctuate a lot, and have been super low for a lot of years.
The last two years, I have seen a lot of houses popping up in the Prairie Pothole Region of Western MN.
I have thought it would be fun to take a fall off and trap them - just to see what kind of numbers I can put up. Muskrat. Mink. Beaver. Raccoon. Weasel. With the occasional coyote or fox, just like the good old days.
It's fun and easy and lots of action when the rats are plentiful. Like you say, lots of work after the fun.
I never thought to eat them, but I would try just about anything.
1800 to go. Now that's funny! That's an impressive pile you got there...

Had a great first hunt this year. My little boy is not so little anymore. Couple years of coaching really paid off when I told him to calm down and take a good aim. I seen him take two deep breaths and after a couple close misses he hit him right where you’re supposed to. First of many for my son.

Mighty fine trophy for the young lad. Good job coaching.

Congratulations on the caribou you two have done well that's something to be proud of !
And some fine eating as well !
Does anyone still make stocking from the caribou hides anymore for mukluks ?

Next year he will just as tall as that rack.
Thanks for posting your family journeys.

You son sure is growing up, you are raising him right.

Alsome job dad! Your boy did great!! He knows how to feed himself for life!! They grow up fast!! Those were some of the best years of my life!! I would trade places with you fast!!

Bobby sure did great. Looking for a left handed youth rifle but the choices are limited

I think Savage makes one. I'm left handed, but as a youth I used full sized rifles and pretty much right handed ones until I was about 12 and then my first left handed rifle was a regular full sized rifle.

Nice job

Fantastic pictures, you must feel greatly blessed.
I'd buy a print of that last picture if you could crop-out that blue thing in the picture. Wow.

Way to go!

Hopefully my two oldest dont check out trapperman. Two new guns in the mail for their September birthdays. I got a new knife. Hopefully I still get to do some shooting and I’m not a full time cutter and hauler.

Good looking bou! Congrats on a successful hunt! Love seeing the youngsters out with you!

your off the hook, cause you did not say which Sept birthday they are getting them.

About time. The boy has been waiting since 11/4/15. Hope he gets the one he wants.

Thanks guys. Bobby’s getting a savage axis 223 with vortex diamondback 4-12x40 scope. One piece base and vortex pro rings. Should be a nice shooting little rifle for the lefty. Got a stainless axis 243 as well. I’ll be putting my used vx1 on that one. People do still make a lot of crafts and clothes with caribou hide Allen. Bobby will use his as a warm mattress for camping.

Good to hear Ryan that should work well for him for many year's ! Good choices on those two rifles !

Ryan of all the posts on Trapperman i've got to say that I have enjoyed following you throughout the year more than anything. You seem to be a wonderful man and father and have provided me with so many hours of great reading and photo's of your wilderness life with your family I just wanted to thankyou and let you know I can't wait for this year! God Bless my Friend!!

Thanks for the ride ! Super pictures ! How could you possibly enjoy life more than when you spend it with your family on a hunting experience . Blessings to you and yours . smith