I've some interest in visiting Alaska with the intent of possibily moving there.

I am asking how you get your trapline.
Do you own your own property and trap it.?
Do you "rent/lease" your grounds from the State.?
Do you just pick a place and go.?

How does it work up there as far as getting your trapping grounds.?

I realize you frontiersmen are pretty tight lipped and may be reluctant to inform a potential newbie who's thinking of possibily moving into the area, so please understand that I respect your concerns and would never intrude.

Thank You.

Mine was through dowry. Had a couple cabins added at the last minute......

There's a lot of land up here...I still don't have a real line going, just the back yard. No real success but two beaver. My biggest set back is no snow go. Hard to find used equipment up here as everything is 50 bucks off the original price no matter if it's from 85 or 2005..

Mike, would you mind breaking that down for me?
I am unfamiliar with the process. Is it a continuation of the Homestead act.?

Thank you.

I realize the spaciousness of Alaska. But how does one go about selecting his grounds for trapping.? How do I insure that when I select a trapping area that I am not crossing lines with another trapper, and visa-versa.?

And what's the ruling on erecting a structure out in that area.?
Can a guy just "head out" a few hundred miles from civilization, throw up a cabin, and dig in.? How's that work.?

I'd say keep talking and asking around when you get here. I've heard of some success from joining the ata. You will need a reliable snow machine or an airplane..not too many right off hwy opportunities, although there are some.. I've been most successful just out exploring. I've also seen a line or two up in the Yukon training area..you can find info on trapping military land online. As far as the homestead act, it's over. I do know permits can still be had to put a "recreational cabin" up on a trapline...or at least I'm pretty sure lol.

I did a lot of poring over maps, letters and calls to adfg,fur buyers and pilots. Finally found a guy who was getting out of it in an area accessible by airplane only. I paid him for the gear that was there-traps, tent, stove and a few other things. Chartered a plane in and started making trails etc. After 3 years trapping out of a tent (only need 2) I applied and got a trapline cabin permit from the state (State land). Ran a couple snogos in from the end of the road (4 days of misery each time) and over the years have accumulated every thing needed. Not cheap to get there so I stay awhile. Heading back on Tuesday for 6-7 weeks.

It ain't easy up here, I'll say that. Haven't had any luck meeting any friendly folks. Had a lot of people give incorrect info. Most everything valuable I've learned came by trial and error or "the hard way".

3 fingers pretty much says it all..

I was given my line in 1983 from the last trapper who held it since the 50's. Pretty much isolated back then. I had many awesome years until I took the wrong person and he claimed that I didn't trap the area that held most of the Marten. He removed my traps and moved in when I had some health issues, real scum bag. In fact we named the area Scum Bag Hill. I am going to apply with the State to have that area named that on any future maps. My plans were to continue trapping until I couldn't any more. He had stolen my love affaire with the land for over 35 years. I He took something out of me!
I have passed the line on to a real go getting, hard working Trapper and I couldn't have chose a more respectful honest MAN. I can go any time I want and he can deal with Scum Bag.

I appreciate that.

Life is a journey and hardship is a part of it, I've had enough hardship along the way to not fear it anymore, perspective I suppose...I don't know. Sometimes it's the price of admission into something greater, and sometimes it's just a dead end road. Either way, it's all part of the walk of life.

But finding solid friends and neighbors that have your back is invaluable. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending) we, having an independant spirit, Pioneers, usually have to cut our own road with nobody ahead, and often, nobody beside us. "Rugged Individualism" I think they call it.

Snap, since I've been here I've heard a few stories just like that. Apparently honor and respect mean nothing anymore...seems to be every man for himself.

Snap,

Sorry about the scumbag..glad you found an honest man to carry on.

I just chopped mine out of the wildernesss

That's what I like to hear.



Perhaps I could do the same.


I suppose most Alaskans are a bit reluctant to share with a newbie who comes in asking questions about "their" state and grounds. I think I might be also if I were in an Alaskan Trappers shoes.

But all I can do is ask, so please graciously bear with me.

Thank you.

The neighboring trapper starting encroaching into my country, so after many verbal disputes. we had a knock down throw all rules out fight. Now i have more trap line.

For me the experience was just the opposite, people were very into sharing. The thing a person has to do is be extremely humble while meeting seasoned Alaskan's and you MUST remember, you have 2 ears and one mouth.

Isnarewolves may have gained a little more trapline and I lost mine but just for you all's information, he's a lot tougher than he looked. I may have ended up with a broken nose and a few bumps and bruises but my new trapline is pretty sweet

Lol!

What's the fur on that hat?

I've been here a few years and met plenty of friendly folks.

Most of them don't want to point you to their favorite hunting spot, fishing holes or share their trapline, but they are very nice folks.