I have had so much fun reading journals from guys like Bushman and AK Howler - super interesting, informative, and a heck of a lot more entertaining than watching TV.

Decided to start my own. Hope you guys enjoy...

I'm just currently working on starting my own small bit of trapping here on the Peninsula. It won't be any kind of "line" (more like finding a "niche" or a couple of random spots) - at least for this year, but it will be a start. It would be "like a dream" to catch a first wolf, or wolverine - two species I have never caught before. They would go great with my "collection" - which I will show you later.

So - in the process of gathering bait. Scouting spots. Getting my boat up, and operational. Possibly looking for a snow machine. Getting traps and gear in order. I'm getting poised to place bait. Could use a little fresh snow as the hard crust isn't exactly conducive for tracks. The good thing is, it's about hard enough to support my incredible bulk!

I will start with this fun memory from my last trapping season in Minnesota a few years ago. I was doing a nuisance beaver job for a couple who were getting lots of beaver damaging the trees in their yard at night. I learned about the opportunity from a friend of a friend. I called, and they asked me to come right over. They showed me their property lines. At the base of their lot was this huge beaver lodge - that had been there a long time. I had a few hours before dark, and I hit it full force with #330 Conibear. During the night, there was a big snowstorm. The critters really moved, and the next morning - my traps were full. I don't know how many beaver were in that hut, but I caught 6 beaver and 3 otter the first night. I may have caught more, but that was all the traps I had time to put in. I reset everything, and the next morning, I had five more beaver and another otter. The couple then called the trapping to a halt. They had agreed to pay me $50 per beaver, but didn't expect me to catch that many, that fast. Personally, when I laid eyes on that hut - I knew there were a lot of beaver in there, and I was fairly drooling at the prospect. I think the couple was also sorry to see the otter go. I was not targeting them, but there wasn't much I could do as the family moved in, and were all over the hut and the entrances. The one that didn't get caught the first night, came back the second night.
The "grandpa and grandma" beavers of the hut were 63# and 56# respectively. I also caught numerous two year olds, and surprisingly, no kits. The photo is a favorite trapping photo of mine. The hut with the deep, clingy snow, the gear, and the first four catches was really picturesque. To top it off, I had two nephews who are "apprenticing" with me, and they shared the set and the catch with me.

The "nephews" on that same day, with one of the grandparents. They aren't really my nephews - they are sons of a best friend from high school. But they call me "Uncle Tim" and I call them whatever comes to mind at the time. These two have been tromping in the woods with me since their mother would let them. Seems like many, many years. They will grow up to be trappers, and we will keep this important tradition alive!

Teased this giant beaver into a small bank location about a hundred yards from the main lodge. Used castor from a mature beaver from a different colony, mixed with glycerine, and made into a puree. Put that upwind of the big hut, with a few fresh cuttings. Sucked that big momma right in!

The first thing I really "got into" here was bear hunting. It was the easiest thing to do, for a nonresident hunter waiting to become a resident. I've harvested quite a few blackies over the years - but all were average sized bears, on the beach, until this one. When I started really glassing this particularly big bruin that was up in the alpine, and typically doing the same thing, in the same area, every day. This hunt was quite the saga - more than I really want to write right now, but the whole thing took me two days, alone, to climb up, stalk, harvest the bear, break it down, and get it back down to my boat. The hide now adorns my banister. The skull is being bleached for display. And, I just ate bear chili with cornbread. YUM!

Great pic. I had never had bear stay that stationary.

Posco- lots of alpine berries. More than a herd of bears could eat in that one spot. Maybe more berries per square inch than I have ever seen anytime, anywhere. This one would waddle up out of the alders and turn on the vacuum. He would spend all day, and hardly move. His hind quarters and guts were so big, he was nearly dragging on the ground. He would lay down and eat. Fall asleep there too, I think. I work on the water, and have lots of time to observe. This went on for a couple weeks. I needed a day off, with the right kind of wind and weather. It all came together rather nicely. In the photo, the hind quarters look so big - the skull looks small - but, biologist says over ten years old, and the biggest skull he measured in many years.

Good stories, WH. Welcome to Tman.

I did quite a bit of research. It would appear that certain areas in Alaska could really use a good trapping supply house - and yet, were are they? I find places with a little of this, and a little of that (Cabelas or Kachemak Gear Shed)- but not a one-stop-shop. I talked to several guys on T-man - and they are ordering supplies from the lower 48, or making their own. Shipping becomes crazy expensive - but if they can ship from the lower 48 - why not from AK? Anyway - the solution for me was - a good bunch of my traps migrated with me from MN up to AK after a visit for the Christmas holiday. For future reverence, if you want to keep it under 50 pounds, you get a suitcase this size, and put in 8 Belisle #330, a few odds and ends, and there you go! TSA gets to see something they don't get to see every day (those bored sons of B's need variety I say), and I have instant seasoned traps to work with. Everybody should be happy!

330s as overhead luggage? That's hardcore.

Behind Boondocks gun shop in Eagle River, there is a trapping store. If it is locked, the guy who runs it is probably in Boondocks helping sale guns. Just go in Boondocks and ask for him.

I always stop in when I fly to the road system to get supplies.

Thanks for the heads up. I don't get up that way much, but do occasionally. Will have to check it out and see what they have if I need something in a pinch.

Life "on the edge" of wilderness. I know, its not way up north - but it IS wilderness, it's what I've got, for now, and I'm happy with it. This is the view off our deck.

Yesterday afternoon, I got out for a very chilly ride on my ATV. I followed snow machines that had gone on before me, packed things down, and "paved my way." If I got off the track, the snow was deep, and I got stuck a couple of times - especially at higher altitudes. It took some muscling things around to get out, but I was able. Wound up putting about 35 miles on the ATV in just a few hours. Some areas had better rabbit sign than others. The crust made it really difficult to decipher predator tracks - but I know I saw coyote and lynx tracks. Lots and lots of moose sign. On the way home, I came across a herd of at least a dozen moose wintering amongst the willows. Several were younger bulls - and it appeared to be primarily a "bachelor group." There was one big old bull who had HUGE pedicels, but no antlers, and the pedicels weren't bloody. But it still made me want to go shed hunting. A very chilly me didn't stop for pics. I was bent on a hot shower, and my phone battery was toast anyway - from the cold. But here's a cool moose shot from a walk the other night - when my wife and I took our three "knuckleheads" for a run down on the beach.

Got a dusting of snow this am. Perhaps more at higher altitudes. Sort of excited for Wednesday - my next chance to scout for at least a half day, and maybe decipher some fresh tracks, and species.

Nice pics WH. Keep us posted and congrats on getting out there!

Yesterday was my first day of "recon" out in the boat. This is my rig, with the new lid...

I went across with bait, some traps and tools and supplies, a can-do attitude, and a canoe. YES, a CANOE. You hard core Alaskans, go ahead and have your fun. I can take your ribbing. We folks with roots in the lower 48 have found lots of use for them - from exploring the boundary waters canoe wilderness in Northern Mn, to the Quetico Wilderness in Ontario, to waterfowl hunting rice beds and rivers, to the trapline. They are part of a "way of life" for us down there, just like your skiff is up here. Hey - what did our trapping forefathers use all across Canada and the lower 48, when it was first being discovered? It may not be ideal, but it serves a purpose. I use mine as a "dingy" for getting me back and forth to shore, when I am going to be on shore for awhile, and I need to moor my boat in deeper water. This would be for hiking, berry picking, and bear hunting in spring, summer and fall. Yesterday, I used mine for the first time in winter. As you will see, it was definitely ideal, but it was a kind of a "life saver." Nonetheless, it has me rethinking my future adventures. I'll take your input.



I arrived at low tide. Moored my boat in one foot of water at noon. High tide was 6:30. I planned to be back by 4:00 ish. I took the canoe and loaded my supplies into it. Then waded up a small river that flowed out of the mountains, pulling the canoe with a rope. When I got above the tideline, I ditched the canoe, and continued in on foot. The above is sort of what the surrounding country looks like. Thick willows, alder and devils club right along the river. Mature conifers on the flat leading to the side hill. Then the side hills roll, sometimes going straight up, sometimes bumpy - going up to mountains that are 2-3,000 feet, maybe a little more.



Right off the bat, I ran into wolf tracks. After hiking for the day, it looks like a pair of wolves came through two or three times. I saw old old, medium old, and fairly fresh. With no snow on the beach, I could find tracks in the areas that had loose sand and mud on the river bank, and in the braids and tidal backwaters. I had a few photos of tracks with my 50# Gordon Setters tracks right beside, for reference, but they won't load. I will have to find a way to reduce the size of the photo. Some photos work, and some don't. I'm not quite as savvy yet as JR or Bushman.

Further up, we ran into snow. Deep snow in the river flats. Not so bad in the mature forest, but it varied. Believe it or not, the crusted snow was hard enough to support my #230 pounds most of the time, but there was some breaking through at times, which was exhausting - up to mid-thigh. BTW you guys in the know - what are the big huge trees on the flats? They are conifer, and covered with hanging moss. The are at the heads of all the bays and mature forest on the other side. Varying sizes.



Pausing for a break on a frozen stream bed. Recon can be hard work. And overdressed - I was sweating a bit. My sidekick is Sam Elliott. Sammy for short. or "Sammy me boy." He's named after the actor. He was having a ball running around when I let him, but I was mostly careful. I didn't want him running into someones #330 unknowingly - so I kept him close. At one point, Sam got his long feathered tail caught up in a stem of devils club. I lost track of him, and looked back and there he was, stuck but good! I should have taken a picture but I didn't. He wasn't going anywhere. I wonder if that ever happens to wolves, coyotes, or fox?

Nothing to be apologetic about, there are a lot worse places a guy can be.

Again, I have numerous photos of wolf tracks in the snow, of varying freshness, but this is the only one that will load up as is. I imagine I need to get into some software that will help me reduce the image size really quickly. Any recommendations guys?

This particular spot, I would put a foot hold for sure. Foot hold is my weakness. I am much more of a snare man. But I do know that these wolves had been down this exact trail at least three times in the past month. They put their foot in the exact same spot on each side of that branch. Good spot for a foothold? Help me out if you want. I don't even currently own any, but am researching types, staking down chains versus setting up drags. I lean toward drags. I don't want them destroying the spot. I also saw numerous "neck down" areas where I was fairly "frothing at the mouth" to hang some wolf snares. I have done this with success with coyotes in MN. We have wolves there, but we cannot trap them because the anti's have won in the courts. Alaskans, don't ever let that happen here. Anyway, do you think I am excited to set? There wasn't time to set. This was all about scouting. So I headed back to the beach.

If you're anything like me, you have learned through the school of hard knocks. This means you learned the do's and don'ts of mooring a boat. I won't lie, I've lost my boat a couple of times due to high winds and big currents. Today was one of those days. As the day progressed, I felt the wind coming up. It tends to do that, especially in the afternoon, and where there are glaciers nearby. Long thin bays with glaciers are especially prone - I have learned. Lake Tustemena is a great example. Anyway, I appeared on the beach, and saw my boat way the #### out there. Not where it was supposed to be. Apparently my new lid acted more like a sail. The anchor dragged across the flat until it went off into the deep water. Then the boat was free floating until it caught somewhere down wind. With a 2018 Suzuki 200 on the back, I wasn't particularly excited about my prospects downwind. Not to mention the boat hull. It became a race against time, but safety had to come first.

Sam was very tired and well behaved. I lay him down in the pulk in the middle of the canoe, on some spare clothing for comfort. I told him to stay, and he didn't move. The water was rough, even whitecapping at times. I knew to go the short route across the deep was to risk my life. If I capsized, I'd be dead. No service, and no-one out there. So I followed the shore for the 3+ miles my boat had drifted. I mean right on the shore. I wasn't too worried about capsizing - cuz I've canoed thousands of miles in my life, and in worse conditions than this - so I'm not going to live in fear. Just going to be cautious. The hardest part was when I got against the cliffs, and there was waves bouncing back against me. No fun. And I imagine if I capsized there, that would have been a lot LESS fun. I was kneeling in the middle of the canoe, on an artificial right knee. Artificial knees, if they have a mind of their own, don't like that. Those of you who have one, know just what I mean. What I really couldn't believe is that after that big walk, and being likely a little dehydrated - I wasn't getting cramps in my thighs and hamstrings - cuz kneeling in the middle for over an hour is rather AWKWARD. It was like the mere thought of this caused it to happen. That's psychology for ya. Both legs cramped at once - and there I was, against a ledge with the backwash coming out, rocking around, trying to straighten my leg to get some relief. Sam looked up at me. Cormorants flew off the ledge. I'm sure glad he stayed!

Past the ledge, I beached and got out and walked and crawled and climbed the past few hundred yards to the boat. I jumped in the canoe and paddled the short distance to the boat. Thankfully, it hung up in the rocks, and never bounced against the beach.

So we are back to Homer, safe and sound, and rethinking our anchoring system - and considering using my raft and 15 horse kicker instead. Stuff like this doesn't deter me. I'm gonna learn from it, and do better. That's the journey called life.

I would totally avoid the willow flats, and look for a place where the conifers are closer to the river. Better yet, the salt.

Wow, exciting day, glad you got to your boat alright.

Viking I am DEFINITELY gonna take your advice!

Got a new anchoring system today - thanks to help from Len (Family Trapper) and some guys hanging out at the Gear Shed. I'm excited to put it to work. I'm pretty sure things can only get better with this new system. I've got good confidence in it. We will find out Wednesday - my next chance to get out.

Thanks to everyone who is helping me get acquainted around here, and those who have PM'ed me. I really appreciate it. Hope the stars line up and you catch something really, really cool!

Glad to hear you found your boat safe and sound and were able to get to it. Never a good feeling having the anchor slip. Thankfully mine has only done that with me sleeping in it. Though there was that one goat hunt....

I have no experience with salt water and tides........

That said, I think this experience would convince me to use a skiff that will handle rough water........rather than the canoe.

Glad it ended well !

This was my fourth time in six years losing my boat. More than I care to admit. It's broke. Time to fix it. To expect different results doing the same stuff??? Sometimes I'm a slow learner, and it takes something like this to "wake me up." Well, I'm "so over it..." now (this is the way my daughter talks haha).

Having said that, I am out there ALOT. I have moored my boat with many, many successes. We get lured into thinking it is ok. Well - it's not ok, esp. in the winter. My legs and lower back are still trying to recover from 90 minutes of kneeling in a canoe without interruption, white-knuckling it. NO MORE!!! UNCLE!!!

Yeah thats too many times for me to lose my boat. Spent a lot of time on Alaskan waters and never lost mine but have had it drift away with me in it a couple of times. Glad to hear you are onto a better anchoring system. The tide and the wind(even more so with canvas tops) cause big issues up here.

Working on building my line.Setting some boundaries with work so i am able to get out at least three full days a week - which has been really good. It is slow going. Trying to set on sign, and sign is not abundant. Snow is gone, so it makes sign harder to find and read. Other things happen. I get sidetracked, and get a late start. We live on a hill, which can be glare ice - and I got the boat jack-knifed one am and it took me a couple hours to get unstuck. Heck - I even hit the guardrail one am on the way down the hill, on a switchback after a freezing rain - while pulling the boat. Got the boat stranded again too - just got excited, jumped out to look at some fresh tracks, and waited one minute too long with the tide going out. Lesson learned. Seems I am learning all kinds of lessons these days. Water taxi says he makes a living rescuing people like me. That made me feel better haha.

No catching going on YET. But I feel I am tightening the noose. They just don't know it yet. What I DO have to share is a bunch of pictures.

Hey - a Lynx came through. First Lynx track I have ever seen in my life. Looks like our Minnesota Boat - only bigger. Lynx appear to be pretty scarce on the peninsula. People say I should have been here six or seven years ago. Maybe this is a sign of things to come.




Happiness is a new pile of snares. I've been getting boxes of treasure on a regular basis. It is costing me a small fortune!


Working up a sweat - hiking a lot, hauling gear, hauling bait, scouting, working boat and canoe adjusting for big tides, and so on. It's good for me.


The interesting things you discover in winter. I have driven by this half-buried cabin so many times, but have never seen it until I scouted the beach for a spot to put a wolverine cubby on the beach. The cabin is long since buried by landslide, caved in on the top and sides, and overgrown with Alders. But there is some critter sign around it, and perhaps I will catch something.


The otter toilet I couldn't resist. I don't really care to catch them. Have done it plenty in MN, and I only have so many 330 conibear - BUT, when I saw this, I just couldn't resist. Seemed like a no-brainer. Perhaps an otter will be my first critter trapped in AK? Waiting for them to return.

Trying to load several of my other photos, but they won't. It says the files are too large. I think it likes to do that with photos that have more detail. These are my wolverine cubby sets, and my snares that are set up in the brush. I have 8 wolverine cubbies now. Some are on the salt edge. Some are up the drainages a ways. Most are using natural areas - like holes in the bank, or root systems of spruce trees that are washed out. I have 9 wolf snares on spots that previously had wolf tracks - but they are melted off now. Waiting for them to return. Also have LOTS of coyote sign, and have been laying in some snares and footholds for them too.

Some change would be good. A little cold or snow I'd appreciate. Too much snow, not so much. Hopefully will return soon with a catch. Heading out to check some sets, and make a few more - tomorrow.

Just got some more treasure in the mail today. Two "NO BS WOLF TRAP", and two of JR's "ALASKA #9." Looking for the perfect place to give them a whirl.

I might have figured out this picture resizing thing. I just used PIXLR. Lets see if this works. It wouldn't load previously, when all of my other photos did (iPhone photos). This is a wolverine set in a hollow tree root cubby on the beach. I really like this set. Just need mr. wolverine to come in the neighborhood. Baited with moose hide, and Gusto.


Another wolverine cubby far up a drainage.


This trail had fresh wolf tracks on it 2+ weeks ago when there was snow. I hung a bunch of snares on the trails they used, but they haven't returned.


Same as above. A critter trail that had coyote tracks on it not long ago. waiting patiently. Who's gonna return, and whats gonna produce???

Hope you connect! What kind of loc's are you running on your snares?

Your wolverine cubbies look good. Trap some beaver, if you can. My favorite bait.

In the picture of you, the timbered slopes in the back-ground: do you have marten sets, just inside the tree line/beach fringe?

AV - I am told there are no marten here, by the local biologists, and local trappers too. Seems for some reason they stay up on the other side of Lake Tustamena - that's where the trappable population of Marten begins. Well, thats about 90 minutes from me. Someday, I will get me some Marten - even if I have to go remote for awhile. Anybody have input on this? It's like theres an invisible barrier or something.

My brother ives in central British Columbia. LOTS of Marten there. Some winter, I am going to go hang with him.

Beaver. My favorite bait in MN too. Very few beaver down by Homer. I literally have not see any sign, or a hut. Closest, again, is in the freshwater lakes up by Sterling.

So I've just been using moose carcass remains that the local troopers and wildlife biologist put me onto.

I've got sets along about 25+ miles of shoreline now, and some deeper back in. I just need something to come through this territory.

HFT AK looks like this...

Snares built by Rally Hess in MN.

I am learning this whole deal. Gotta keep them away from the salt. And Bait. It really takes a system of being clean and organized.

I have no idea what these predators are eating? The only thing I see is the occasional weasel track, or squirrel track. Ducks and crows. And I suppose, some sea life - starfish and crabs and oysters and such. But there really is not much else. No rabbits. No grouse or ptarmigan to speak of. Any moose sign is singles, and old. Last time out, I saw a half dozen mountain goats on a steep wooded sidehill. That's the only good eating I've seen for wolf! Based on that, I wouldn't come around very often either.

Cool stuff. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

One of the things to remember, courtesy of an old forum member. The best bait for wolverine is the one that caught that time. Fish, bear fat, bear meat (outside of salvage requirements) *my favorite*, and big bones from moose, and yes the old half a beaver. They all will work. You just have to find where, not what.

Those old potsts were from Wolverinebait.

Great pics Wolverinehunter,I'm sure you will connect with some fur before too long.

Those tree locks on the ends of Rally's should work just fine.

I use the old Thompson tree locks on my 1/8” cable anchors for wolf and wolverine. Haven’t found anything better for the bitter end.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!




First Gulo, and Oh - what a feeling. You guys know how long I have been dreaming about this? Like, since reading Fur, Fish and Game back in the 1970's, and dreaming about coming to Alaska, but having to settle for catching what was available on our little Minnesota lake - like Muskrats, Mink, and Beaver. So yeah - over 40 years I've been thinking on this.

It started with a bunch of wolverine cubbies along the salt, and up some of the drainages. I have 8 of them. Of all 8, this particular one was my least favorite. I dunno, it was out in the open at the base of a big draw with a trickle of water coming down. But I thought it was too close to another one that I have about a quarter of a mile away - and I was actually thinking about pulling the trap and putting it somewhere else. But it was a good natural spot. The wind had blown some very deep snow around a little patch of small spruce. The downwind side of the spruce patch was open, and a good natural approach for a wolverine. So I used a shovel and dug into the bank, and made a little cave. I filled it in with spruce bows. Inside - just a good sized piece of moose hide, and some gusto. On the open snow, I threw down a piece of moose hide, and I'm sure the crows shredded it and spread it all over. Some guts and rumen too. It looked like something big happened there. This is the set right after I made it about two weeks ago.


Today, I hit the beach at low tide. I had two sets to check prior to this set. Nothing - so I just refreshed things, and moved on. Beached the boat with the tide turning in, and went hiking to this set. You really can't see it until you are right there. So, imagine my surprise when I got there, and looked down in the hole. First Gulo!

Super good catch, right behind the skull, and a quick kill I'm sure.

That right there is one happy man! Who would have thought I would be able to orient myself, scout, lay down some sets and catch a wolverine less than two weeks after making the set? Feeling pretty happy and blessed.

There was no sign of struggle at all. I pulled the wolverine. Reset the trap. Refreshed everything, and YES, I will be leaving this set where it is! This is after the remake. The wolverine is a male. I'm wondering how much he weighs? But I'm also worried about my canoe - for I had left it for longer than I expected, and I could see that the incoming tide was reaching it. I hefted the wolverine over my shoulders, around my neck, and hiked back to the canoe at a very brisk rate. What the heck, I've waited for a wolverine for so long, might as well get acquainted with one up close and personal.

Ok - since this is my first Gulo, I'm gonna make a big deal of it. I took a bunch of photos while I was enjoying examining him. Basking in the glow.

He looks pretty big on the front of my canoe!

And on the back of my boat.

I got home around dusk. Wrapped the wolverine around my neck again, and rang the doorbell. When my wife answered the door, she and the three dogs went bananas. The dogs did the same thing they do when I come home with a bear. We call it the "bear bark." It's a mixture of fear and panic and alarm. Pretty funny. My wife took this shot, and then I weighed the wolverine at 31 pounds.
Planning to do a full size mount for our home. Got any recommendations on who/where? I've got good taxidermist in MN, but I don't want to bring it back and forth. Need a good taxidermist here in AK.

I'm giving some kudos to Alaska Viking. I have watched his posts closely. He offered me a couple tips on PM. It's not likely I would have made this set where I did without his influence. So Thanks AV!!!

Also to Andrew Stanley aka "The Wild North" on Youtube. My cubbies are tailored after his. I have watched every video he has made for years and years. Quite a character, that Andrew, and if you haven't checked out his trapping exploits on youtube, you are missing out.

As if that weren't enough, I had just enough daylight left to check a wolf bait. Nothing too special. I just went to an area where I had seen some wolf tracks a couple of weeks ago. I have a moose head, and I wired it to a spruce tree in a good dense thicket. Well, it looks like a whole herd of wolves came in. Ok, that's an exaggeration. But a pack of 5-10 have hung around for at least two days. When I put in the bait - I didn't lay in any traps. I wasn't sure if they would even come. And if they did, I wanted them to get good and comfortable and conditioned. Well, they showed me where I can hang several dozen snares, as well as the leg holds that I have. I REALLY wanted to set some tonight, but with daylight fading, and smelling like Wolverine and Gusto - I figured it smarter to regroup. So, tomorrow I set for wolves as much as I can. And who knows, maybe I will get one of those rascals too, before I'm done.

Congrats!!!! Great feeling to finally accomplish something that you have been wanting for that long!

Well done !!

You are a happy camper and you should be.

Way to go! Me and my trapping partner caught our first two last year. Great feeling.

Awesome and congrats!!!!

Way to go!!! That is a fine, fine wolverine! There are a few trappers on this site that helped and encouraged me on my first, and am forever grateful.
Now I will share another gem, one of many I got from mad_mike: keep setting. There are more!
Again, well done!

Woo hoo! Congrats! That is a soaker, for sure.

Nice work and congratulations on your first wolverine.

Very nice! Been looking forward to you connecting.

That's great !! Congratulations ! Here's one more 'tip'. I have found over the years that where you catch one, you can likely catch others year after year.

Best AK taxi that I know of is Aurora Wildlife Arts. Not sure if he has retired or not. But I would sure consider Taximan on this forum. Beautiful work !

Congrats, way to have a goal and accomplish it without stepping on others toes. You should be very proud! Ken is correct, where you catch one you will most likely catch others. We have one spot on our line where we stashed bait one year for the next weekend. Came up next weekend and wolverine had been there, set it up and caught, and in years since we have taken 6 or 7 at this same spot.

Nice job congrats

Congratulations!
Luv the pics...

Wow, that's awesome, congrats! Looks like you found a spot!

What if you are out of traps? Just buy more, right!

Whats a "soaker?" Never heard that expression before...

[quote=white17]That's great !! Congratulations ! Here's one more 'tip'. I have found over the years that where you catch one, you can likely catch others year after year.

Best AK taxi that I know of is Aurora Wildlife Arts. Not sure if he has retired or not. But I would sure consider Taximan on this forum. Beautiful work ![/quote

Is Aurora Wildlife Arts and Taximan one in the same, or two different entities? I looked up Aurora last night. No website. He has a Facebook page, but no photos. Doesn't seem to advertise. Perhaps he's as busy as he wants to be, or like you say, retired. I will have to call.

I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with this guy. I like the idea of a full body mount. He is a cool specimen - but very dark. Not the light brown/orange diamond back that seems to be so highly coveted - but whatever the case, he is my first, and he's gonna be something special to remember.

Some of the guys I researched last night were getting upwards of 2K for a full body mount. Geez - this ain't a bear! I can remember when bears were under a grand.

Congrats.WH.

Nice job! There is nothing like the first one

Not the same. Taximan is on the forum. You can PM him. He is in Montana.

Aurora is in Anchorage. Joe Romero is his name

Wolves. They have come into my trapping area. They seem to do so about every two weeks - which says they have a pretty big area they are traveling in a circuit. Snow has come and gone, and what is left is very hard crusted. It makes for difficult tracking - but when the wolves hit the sandbars that occur here and there on the beaches (as opposed to rocks or gravel) then they become much more easy to follow, and predict. So yesterday, based on the most recent "pass through", I hung 43 snares. We will keep an eye on things, and hopefully when they come back, I will score. Got the wolverine already. Next on the list is the big bad wolf!




I worked feverishly yesterday - to the point that I didn't realize my own pain until I got home and had time to try and unwind and relax. My fingernails hurt like I had hit them with a hammer. Especially my middle finger and pinkie finger. Must have something to do with all the plier use, and twisting. My right knee (artificial) had a big old lump underneath the kneecap - super irritated and inflamed (those of you with artificial knees know that they don't like being kneeled down on), but I kneel in an effort to save my low back, which is fused - but inadvertently, after a long day of setting snares, the low back is going to pay for it anyway. Good thing I have a good wife who rubs me down with essential oils and cannabis oil, gives massages, etc. And, the hot tub with whirlpool is a Godsend after days like this.

8 foot seas forecast for the next couple of days - which will keep me homebound. Hopefully the next time you see me post, it will be with my first wolf catch.




Hey I'm wondering - is there a point in the late winter/spring where wolf fur becomes undesirable? If that is coming soon, I guess I better get a move on. But I am wondering when I should be planning to pull out - generally speaking.

Congrats on the dark gulo. Sure didn’t take you very long.

Congrats on your wolverine, I know how I felt with my first fisher, just a great rush. Great sense of accomplishment.

You are making all the right moves, wolverine hunter. Keep doing what you are doing. This game isn't easy, but very rewarding, when things come together.
There some excellent wolf trappers here. I am NOT one of them. Don't be shy asking for thoughts and help.
You are one of the few that is actually following through, so assistance will be available.

Ryan is "dark" pretty common up here?

I got a few guys that are helping me a lot in PM's. I really appreciate it!

Wish I could trap all day every day - but I gotta work a little bit to support my habit. And, my body needs a day of rest in-between. My body never could keep up with whats in my head, or my level of desire for that matter.

Off the top of my head I’d say 60% of wolverine have the usual coloration. 20% will be dark and the remaining 20% would be either pale crowned or pale altogether. There’s a lot of similar coloured wolverine around. It’s the dark ones and the ones with really white crowns that are less common. Different areas will vary though. I like them all but it’s the dark ones I like the most. Lots of nice colour variations with wolverine.

Could be just my tired eyes but the Claws look bigger than average to me especially in the boat and canoe pictures. Anybody else notice?

So you consider this a "dark"?

I’d call that a dark.

Out of curiosity, which wolf snares did you buy? Local or snare shop stuff?

Rally Snares from Rally Hess in MN - where I'm originally from.

Eventually I'd like to learn to make my own.

What a windy bugger today! First they forecast 8 foot seas. Then 10 foot seas. I have the day off, but alas - I don't want to check my traps THAT bad. Seas are diminishing now - down to six foot tonight, and three footers Wednesday and Thursday. Just hoping my snares are still hanging enough to do the job if the opportunity arises.

So what do you do on a day when you are homebound? Then the weather is too crappy or too unsafe to trap?

You work on a new fur display! You reminisce and enjoy past catches. You put them in a place where they can be shared and enjoyed by others.





On board we have: Arctic Fox, Mink, River Otter, Raccoon, Gray Fox, Beaver, Bobcat, Red Fox, Coyote, and even a Coatimundi. The only one I didn't catch was the Artic Fox that my wife bought somewhere previously. The Coati came from southern Arizona. The rest - from MN.

I still have room for a wolverine, pine marten, wolf, and lynx - the "big four" I hope to get in Alaska sooner than later.

Found the hardware on thekingsbay.com

Have to go elsewhere for a "pine" marten.

Awesome! That was lightning fast.

I like to strike fast when I can. Tomorrow is not promised to me... :-)

I have been working HARD since we last spoke though...

I see that and keep me filled in. Can't tell you how happy I am for you. Awesome!

Yup - I would drive up the road a bit for one of those! By the time I make my whole boat tour - driving the truck two or three hours wouldn't be that much different. And it would be a whole lot warmer!

My brother has a ton of them in BC.

And I suppose I could get one in Northern MN. We have a few. The DNR lets you catch two per season - up in the arrowhead country of MN. That is, IF Minnesota ever changes the law so a non-resident can trap. I had to give that up when I came here to AK.

Anyway - it is on the "to do" list, and it's nice to have options. I kind of like the idea of hanging with my brother for a few weeks in BC some winter soon. It shouldn't be too hard to get a bunch. Last time I was there, we went for a hike, and I was rather astounded by all the tracks!

Ryan now you got me all jacked up about the different color varieties and the uniqueness amongst them. I was willing to catch one and then go focus on wolves - but now you got me wanting another wolverine ASAP - just to see what I can catch!

We don't have "Pine" marten. Google is your friend.

Congrats on the gulo, beautiful critter. Can tell by the joy on your face that you are really enjoying your new residence. I hope to get out there at some point in life and get a peak. These journals are exciting to read!

It's great to see your enthusiasm Wolverine Hunter, and it looks like you picked a good handle for yourself.





AV - There's no Vikings in Alaska either and we don't give you a hard time!

[quote=Bushman]It's great to see your enthusiasm Wolverine Hunter, and it looks like you picked a good handle for yourself.


AV - There's no Vikings in Alaska either and we don't give you a hard time! [/quote

I guess I don't know him well enough yet to give it right back, but I'm getting there. American Marten. European Marten. Pine Marten (Hey - I'm from MN so cut me some slack). They all trap the same, don't they?

After I get my wolf, I'm going to get a Brown Bear and an Interior Grizzly too :-) Hows that for proper...

Yep go get your bucket list!

That is freaking awesome! I can't wait to get a wolverine myself. Good luck with the wolves.

Today, like so many days - I got kicked in the nuts, and the teeth. Different people have said this is hard work. No kidding!

I've waited four days to get back on the line, because the seas have been treacherous. Ten footers. Eight footers. Six footers. It has slowly been tapering. My next day off was today. I got up for an early start. I was backing my boat around a corner, and didn't know it, but one of our renters had parked in an unusual spot. I put my kicker motor right through his drivers side rear window. That's how it began.

Next, I met up with a state trooper. My trailer lights weren't working, and I knew it. But I went anyway. She was kind and graceful; we have talked a time or two about moose remains :-) But it was a little embarrassing, and a time setback. Now the pressure is on to get it fixed; if I get stopped again, I can expect a ticket. This is my deal. I DONT procrastinate trapping. I DO procrastinate mechanical type maintenance.

The seas were supposed to be two footers. Well, that was a lie. NDBC usually is better than that, but not this time. It was howling from the east, but I was being tenacious, and I went anyway. I'd say good 5 footers. Many times, when you go across and get into the bays, things are much more calm, but this wasn't one of those days. It was more the kind of day that, no matter where you go, the wind is kicking like it's a wind tunnel. I began part of one line, but was forced to quit. I wasn't about to anchor my boat in whitecaps while I climbed into a dingy to go to shore. I moved onto the second part of my line - but I looked down the bay with binoculars and saw the whole bay stacked with "dust devils" that were water particles, blown up into the air, swirled about, and instantly frozen. Regretfully, I turned away.

Getting back across the bay was perhaps some of the worst all around conditions I have been out in. I mean, I have been in bigger waves, but they weren't spraying up and encrusting my boat with instant ice like it was this morning. What was strange was going into four footers with a good 20mph straight line wind. Then up ahead, five and six footers stacked up one on the other, and with too short of a period to take on head on (not wanting to take one over the bow), so it was a bit of white-knuckling at times, making my way across. I never doubted I could do it. It just was zero fun.

So I came home a little dejected, but not defeated. Those of you that have read my journal, know that I don't quit. Nothing is going to stop me. So the traps will just have to soak until Saturday. We will live to fight another day.

I was up half the night, too excited to sleep, thinking about what might be in my traps, and the work I had to do. So when I got back, I took a hot shower and went right to sleep. NOW it appears to be calming down, but not enough daylight to do anything about it. Who knows, my wolf might be over there? You other wolves, keep your dam paws and teeth off my wolf!!! Or better yet, why don't you ALL just walk through a snare

It's good to be determined but it's even better to use common sense. You're doing well so far. Don't let impatience cloud your judgment. Apply the lessons of the old bull and the young bull standing on the hilltop...............


If you haven't read the book Cheechako, by Wayne Short............pick up a copy. Your mention of spray turning to ice prompts that suggestion.

You will have to learn patience when trapping out of a boat. I operate out of a 17' open skiff in water that is notorious for it's violence. Every winter there are stretches of weather, (sometimes 10 days), that I am shut out by 10'-13' seas and heavy freezing spray. I have gotten better at avoiding the worst, but still get pounded now and then.
The smart mariner lives to sail another day.

I shudder to think of some of the boating I did as a kid. Frozen spray on clothing, concerned parents calling the Coast Guard, hypothermic friends, gas tanks floating OUT of an underway skiff that was basically awash, running up on the beach in gear, dumping gas on driftwood, standing in the flames trying to keep from freezing only to have to wade out to your crotch to relaunch the skiff, friend crouching in the bow with a bucket waiting for the wave to wash over me and the stern so he could jump aft and bail like crazy before the next one hit, all to maybe get a mink or otter. It was fun being an immortal teenager.
The water is a dangerous place on the nicest of days.
When In Doubt, Chicken Out

Yes, tree, you have indeed been there, and know too well the perils.
How are the new digs?

If you're still looking for a taxidermist to mount that wolverine, you might contact Leon Metz up in Soldotna. Leon's trying to retire but he's a great taxidermist and he might agree to mount it for you with a little coaxing.

WH, be safe dude. I have seen those seas go from glass to 10 footers in a matter of minutes and once your in it there is no turning around. You will find that even though we have some of the best people that predict weather, mother mother follows her own rules and does what she wants

Thanks all for your suggestions. Sometimes I get hung up between the necessity of checking traps (feeling responsible for the critters, and for obeying the laws, etc) and get focused on THAT, along with my excitement to check, instead of safety.

I will definitely be thinking about this differently in the future. Like - yesterday was dangerous, but also a big fat waste of time and expense. Next time, I will check the weather and the tides - but if I drive down and it doesn't match the predictions - I will just bag it.

Worst that can happen is that a wolf eats my wolf, or a wolf eats my second wolverine (And that can happen on the first day or the second day or the fifth day). Or, a critter gets caught in a trap for longer than I'd like (and this can happen even in a conibear or a snare too).

Maybe I will have to accept that I can't use leg holds (which I am using almost ZERO right now anyway) . But no matter what, I have to accept that these things that are "less than ideal" DO happen occasionally. Irregardless, My life is more important.

And with conibears, your catch will be frozen.

It is always best to obey the laws but as far as I am aware ( and that leaves room for interpretation) there is no trap check law anywhere in Alaska. It is that way for the very reason we are talking about. Personal safety. Do not risk your neck to check your traps...............any more than normal

AV - just out of curiosity - have you (or others) ever caught a wolverine in a conibear, and still had it be alive?

I have caught both beaver and otter by the feet, and by the tail. Sometimes I wonder how the heck they get themselves into that predicament, but they do. Slow trap. Or, they back in. Or, they are feeling their way. Or, have a stick in their hand and such. So it makes me wonder about wolverines...
I obviously don't have the experience to know.

We do have trapline check law here in Alberta (48 hours footholds) so body-grips, 330's usually, are the main trap of choice for wolverines. They work just fine and freezing is not an issue. It's not like you're going to pick up a bunch on a run so just pack a spare and bring Wolverine and trap home to thaw out.

Another great lethal set is an elevated snare set. Horizontal log 8-10' high and 12' long. Hang a large meat bait from a cable in the center. It's important the meat is just out of the Wolverines reach, so that it'll go up a couple of leaning logs to get up on the pole. Usually two leaners, each with snares, plus a snare on each end of horizontal logs, so four in total.

A real bush savvy person may push it a bit but does not put their life in danger. That's a rookie move.

Oh man Brian. Do you still have that picture ??

All that said, I am learning by making rookie mistakes, and surviving. I am trying to make fewer and fewer as I go. I am "Minnesota Bush Savvy", I'd say. SO FAR it has gotten me by up here - though I've been in a few sticky situations over the past six seasons - that's for sure. Perhaps one day when I am really bored, I will tell those tales. But not yet...

Morning comes soon, and another opportunity to check the line. Though colder, the forecast looks better regarding wind. I'm behind in what I want to do, and don't think I can get it all done tomorrow. But perhaps one good chunk of my line, and we will go from there.

Daylight is getting longer. There are more minutes of daylight for work, I've noticed. This is good....

As long as you keep surviving WH that's what matters. But sometimes your first mistake in a situation can be your last.

Several years ago we were out on a pack trip on the Continental divide. Great time, but as we were heading back the weather changed and the skies opened up. In this country crossing creeks and rivers is mandatory as the only access is through their valleys. So you cross them 20 - 30 times in a day in some spots. The trail boss, in this case, was a 68-year-old mountain man and his sidekick was an 82-year-old local aboriginal guide. After day two the boss told us at breakfast that things weren't looking good and he and Tommy thought it would be a good idea if we holed up for a while.

We made a quick camp move to a pine flat located several terraces up from the river. Tarps went up, dry wood was cut and stacked, horses put under heavy conifer cover, and a rainwater salvage tarp set up so we had clean water. And we waited. It rained 4 days pretty much steady, and then took 2 days to drop enough to travel. We played cards and drank coffee and told stories ( that was reason enough for me to stay, these guys were the real deal) then we went home.

Three sheep hunters in the same storm. Got caught in heavy snow in the high country, broke their way back to treeline and down to trail to the first crossing. One of the guys insisted they make for grande cache as he had business commitments. He didn't make it across and he and his horse drowned. Now his grieving and totally shocked buddies had to camp and wait just like us. But I guarantee you the mood in that camp wasn't the same and it would better if this story didn't exist.

What kills men is Ego.

Great point Brian !! I've seen that very thing play out with airplanes in marginal weather

I recall a few years ago in the spring .....I had to pull the boat into a creek mouth and camp for 4-5 days until the wind quit. The swells on the river were just too much for a flat bottom boat

I'm glad you two can tell the stories as above................I got out of the consulting business because of the loss of 3 friends in similar events. You sure hope your buddies can play cards at least in the waiting game. Crib anyone!

I also lost one. 2 of us survived. Skiff hunt gone bad. Had we waited just a couple hours, might have made a difference. The ocean doesn't care.

Been on the water a bunch of times with this guy. His last sentence.....
I am the one who tends to push the weather envelope. Not to the point of outright disregard, but you have to know what you are doing. There is a fine line between being uncomfortable and unsafe.

I use to push the envelope a lot coming down the river and crossing the bay running in a open 18’ lund in 5-6’ seas not anymore the last time almost got me and it was blowing so hard turning around or even turning in to a creek channel would have been suicide
I was scarred and not so much for me but my son who was a new father at the time now days work or anything else just has to wait . Same with the snow machine I just don’t push the envelope as much as I use to wisdom comes with the aches and pains of age

Appreciate so much the wisdom of discernment and common sense from the ones who know and are experienced .

" What kills men is Ego ." Bushman summed it up.


"I DO procrastinate mechanical type maintenance "......is a line that was intolerable for my father . He wouldn't even let anyone in his planes or on his trawlers who proudly clung to such mindset . As one who also experienced the worst of natural elements and manmade ones , WW2 fighter pilot, aircraft builder, stunt pilot, crop duster, ship captain , when he spoke, wise men learning from him really listened.

Stories as examples, not told in a bragging spirit, but shared with human concern so as to live life smart, and be refined , to help others, in turn.

Thank you, for your shared examples and wisdom , to preserve life.

I went deer hunting out of Whitter over to Easter Island in a 20 ft Duck Worth with a 150 hp jet. The day we left the water was glass. The morning we left they said swells 2-3ft. We took off came around the backside of the island into the main channel and ran. We were 1/4 of the way up when the seas went from 3ft to 10ft in the blink of an eye.
There was no turning around. All we could do was go straight. Sitting in that boat watching those 10ft waves come at you scared the living crap outta me. We were hitting so hard I broke a tooth, and watching the swells come over the back side of the boat...I thought for sure we were going to go for a swim. The nearest cove was a mile away and by the grace of God we made it.
We did all the right things in my mind, checked the weather, listened to the weather reports, made sure all our gear was 100 percent, but mother nature plays by her own rules and the sea is unforgiving. We spent the night in that cove, grateful that we made it.

Yesterday brought a whole new wrinkle to my trapline. The bay I am trapping in is FROZEN. I paused to take some video of a dozen or more harbor seals laying on the edge of the ice pack. That tells you how thick. But it did vary - and I choose areas where it was thinner. I busted ice for upwards of two miles. Boat seemed to be handling it fine. It varied from slush to thin to four inches thick. I pushed into three different area to check wolverine sets. I had one moment of excitement where I saw something was different. It's a milk crate set - and when it went off, it really blew up the cubby. I was hoping for fur, but false alarm. No evidence of anything - except weasel and mink tracks - probably the culprit.

The big part of my wolf line is up a draw - so I "busted a trail" all the way in and out of the bay, at high tide. Then went out to 20 feet, circled to break up the ice, and anchored the boat in 20 feet of water. I thought there was likely cause for concern - simply because I had never done this before and didn't know quite what to expect, but I figured I would deal with any trouble when I got back - as I planned to be away working for several hours. I followed the broken ice boat trail to the shore in my canoe. It wasn't easy. The wind and the tides cause the trail to "close right up" like a stitched up wound, and I broke a canoe paddle just trying to push myself along. I eventually got there, all sweated up. I checked all my wolf snares (43 of them). The wolves had not been back, so I set about laying in the last 20 wolf snares that I own. Adjusting things a bit. And, I put in these really cool water sets. There is a spruce tree that fell across a fresh water stream, in shallow water. It is staying open because of water movement. FAMILY TRAPPER Len and I have been talking about water sets. He has been strongly urging me to put the leg hold traps there - so I did, and yes, if I catch, Len gets a great big huge assist!

I hollowed out two entrances - one from each side of the trunk - then blocked off the rest of the surrounding area, while trying to minimize impact. I wired a moose head into the spot. By the neck, and by the jaw. The wolves were pretty interested in this last time they were here. They ate 1/2 of the skull and neck. Polished it clean. Surprisingly, they left without finishing, and I wonder if they were actually on it when I arrived last week? The tracks and sign looked THAT fresh. Anyway, I set a MB 750 with ten feet of chain and a drag - which Minnesota Trapping Products calls "The Jack Rig" - but instead of using the drag, I wired it in hard to the trunk of the spruce, which sits up above the set about four feet. I dished out an area in the stream bed for each trap, removed most of the bigger rock and pebbles, and filled it in with some very fine sand/mud - which made a good trap bed. Then I covered it in fine silt. If you look closely, you can see the trap pan in each photo. But what you are looking at is my first attempt at Leghold for wolf. I keep reading that everyone is having trouble with the freeze/thaw cycle around here , and having traps keep working consistently. Well, this should stay working! All I need is wolves, and they are due back in about 7-14 days.


After I finished these sets, I looked at my cell phone, and it was 4:00. I figured my work was about finished - and it might be good to give myself a couple hours of daylight to compensate for any trouble with the boat - so I headed back. Well, there was my boat - high and dry, and in an area other than where I had left it moored. You see, the wind came up, and the tide went out, and it shifted my boat from 20 feet, over to the east far enough to leave it in ten feet. Then it beached. I arrived at about 5 pm. Low tide was 6:15. And, it took till about 8:45 to "float my boat." During this time, I hiked to a waterfall and got rehydrated. Hiked up and down the beach in the dark. Did some jumping jacks. Changed some damp clothes. But, like a "watched pot that never boils" - this was about the slowest tide that I have ever seen.




I still had to break ice for over a half mile - just to get back out to open water. Then, the long haul home. NDBC forecast two footers in the pm. LIE. I've watched the water like a hawk. You can't have a 20 mph wind coming from the East, all the way down the pipe that is Kachemak Bay, and expect to have two footers. They were more like 4 or 5. And I was going right into the teeth. But I could see what I was doing by the light of the moon. I took my time. A hot bath, and snuggling with my wife sounded a lot better than holing up in some state forest cabin when I didn't go prepared for that.

So it would seem that you men that run traplines with snowmobiles have your "nemesis." That is river flowages and deep snow. You get stuck. You get barriers. You get "locked out" at times. You have breakdowns.

For me, it is always about the boat. Is the boat where it is supposed to be? The wind, the currents, and the tide swings can drive a guy nuts - but I am learning. And now, we enter a new variable.

ICE. Ice that floats. Sinks. And moves like a tectonic plate. What I really need is a warm spell (not that it has been that cold) - but enough to thaw and push out that which is stuck in there. Otherwise, I'm going to be locked out for awhile.

Good to see you made it back safe and sound. Hope you connect!!!

I'd like to check the "other line" today, but after yesterday, and knowing that the wind is still cooking from the east, I am going to listen to wisdom coming from all directions, and have a "down day."

My spine has been compressed from all the banging in the boat yesterday. I think I need a new seat/pedestal after that run.

My wife seemingly came right out of menopause. You think she was scared when I didn't return home "on time" - whatever that is here in AK? Crazy to think she was that fearful, but I gotta think of a way to do better.

I need a good electronic device to be able to send her a message from remote places - so she knows what is going on. Like, no big deal honey. I'm just waiting for my boat to float, that's all! I will be home at ten.

What do you guys use to communicate from remote areas?

I always have a cut off time. If I know I am going to back around 6pm I will tell the wife the cut off is midnight and to call the troopers if I am not back. I also have a hard grid for her if I camp. If I travel, she has a map of my route. A sat phone is always nice and I am sure others will chime in other sources of communication.

As long as I am being thoughtful and introspective here... another thought...

I am well connected in MN. I have men that are closer than brothers. We spend loads of time together - hunting and fishing and exploring. I am spoiled that way.

Thus far - as I think about my six seasons in Alaska, I have been rather disconnected and isolated - and it has grated on me. I work hard in the summer. All day, every day - doing tours of the bay, mostly taking guests out who are staying at our B and B. It is generally the rule that I am out working on the sea, but when I am not - there is ALWAYS work to do at the B and B. Lawn mowing. Painting. Staining. Repairs. It never ends. So - summers leave me zero opportunity for meeting and making friendships with like minded men - as I have in MN. This is perhaps one of the things that I miss the most. That, and my four year old granddaughter.

I feel that the isolation part is changing now. I have much more leisure time. I am spending more time socializing. And, I am so happy to report that - since I began posting on T-man not that long ago, several guys have stepped up to show an interest, to "come alongside" me in my trapping endeavors, and I feel like I am making new friends. Thanks to those who have.

The thing is, I spend the vast majority of my time out there, alone. There is no one else to rely on, but me. And, since I am alone - there is no other input, either. What I decide is what happens. And if I get myself into trouble, I am the only way I'm gonna get out.

Like, what Bushman suggested - I could use another experienced man or two to lean on for advice, and, if we get so we have to "hole up", then I got someone to play crib with. Another point of view might help me to balance.

This is part of my new purpose here on the KP. To get connected like that.

Yes - I'm not that experienced. Like, I've never caught a wolf, and since I got my first wolverine now - just a week ago, getting a wolf is the "next big thing." But based on what everyone else is saying, and based on the sign I've seen, and what the wolves are doing when they DO come through, I am feeling SUPER hopeful. When they come back, they could be in some big, big trouble. I'd be ecstatic with one, but if a bunch show up and spend some time milling about like they have been.... well, that's what I'm dreaming of - I'm not gonna lie.

I've got a bloated, spoiled moose I'm feeding them. Here's hoping they show up and stay - permanently.

There's not much I'd rather do right now than spend a day packing wolves out of the bush haha!

But by the looks of the weather forecast, it doesn't look like the sea will allow me to check for at least five days - esp. if I am listening to the advice of the wise sages on here.

Well you have kept me informed of progress and chatted enough that I have Waited until tonight to read up on your exploits. Well done! A great journal. Hmm Wonder how those things got started on here. Your doing awesome. WH you have what it takes to be successful no doubt. Glad I could help coach you in a few things. Gets my head back into the game. Look forward to helping you learn the art of snare building this week. Looks like you could have used my help earlier on the uploading thing. Yep the iPhone is notorious for producing photos that are too large to upload here. There are various apps you can use to do this. Some free some not. Looks like you have it taken care of.

Keeping in contact. As we have discussed and I will post here for others to glean from. I have gone from using a sat phone to the inreaxch satellite texting device. Bought out in the last year by Garmin. It is hands down my go to communication device. Unlike the sat phone, At least globalstar which I used for years it is reliable. Affordable and has many options for plans. Texts will get in and out. Maybe not immediately. They will transmit. You can get weather. and if all else fails put out an emergency call. Some one will come. Be warned. as other on here have discussed. It sometimes has been known to malfunction. Or in the case of user error. Leave you embarrassed.
The offer still stands. You can use my second one any time you want until you get one. The tide and ocean. Lots of good advice here. Like they say. Better safe than sorry. Lot of options some more uncomfortable than others. Just plan for them and what would be a cold night out could be just another camping trip. Look forward to reading more.

Is that really Len or just some Russian bot ??