Getting started again... haven't trapped since the early 80's... but after a spring gobbler season of calling in every predator in Pennsylvania, I figured I might as well have some fun trapping again too... so for you seasoned veterans... I'm looking for some start up do's and don'ts... I'm retired on a budget but, not broke... so I'll spend where I have to and save where I can. I found a trapping starter kit from Fleming Traps with 4 Duke 550's and I picked up 4 #2's and 4 #1.75's... next year I'll pick up a half dozen MB550's... and keep building from there. I'll set dirt hole set's for coyote, fox and coons, but I've got a tag for a bobcat and a fischer too. Any advice is welcomed.

Welcome

Thank you!

Welcome!

Start at the Archives and keep reading until you find what you’re looking for. There’s a wealth of knowledge in the archives and just posts in general. Some will acknowledge questions, most won’t. You’re from the North so you should be ok. I just read everything posted and make notes. Good luck! Like you, my trapping before a couple years ago had been 35 years prior (early 80’s) Learn a little more the more I trap and read. This site shortens the learning curve for sure.

Welcome.
Am from the Central Susquehanna Valley. If you live nearby, maybe we can get together. I do show folks how to put up fur as well.
There are Trapper Schools throughout the state during the summer/early fall months, sponsored by the Pa. Trappers Association. Check out the PTA website early summer for dates.
Another tool worth looking into is Cable Restraints (CR's). PGC hosts classes during summer/early fall. Certification is required to set CR's.
Cable Restraints are great for us retired guys- light weight, easy to set, inexpensive and very effective.

Buy pre owned. Save some cash. Buy more with the fur you sell. Ever think of some ADC and have the public help fund your hobby?

Equipment has changed since the eighties but critters haven't. Set traps, 10 percent of a 100 is 10 and 10 percent of 10 is 1.

Have fun.

Thank you Wanna be! that's a great idea. I've been scrolling through a lot of posts but just recent ones... the archives will definitely be a great help!

What has changed?

Thank you Hern! I will check them out!

Mainly the blue bucket set.

the fact you can come here and find out what ever ya wanna know./

Pcr you nailed that for sure.
SF1, Welcome. what District you from?
I'm in PTA Dis 2, I have gear and time, and lots of possum experience.

Good luck and welcome

Lol! thanks Wright... I'm in D4 but on the border of D1

I have recently gotten back into trapping with basically zero materials and gear so i have a few tips for you. Basically these are the mistakes that i made and where i shouldn't have skimped i'll say. Have a plan for what you are going to do with the fur you catch. If you are going to put it up then great. Beam, stretchers, knives, and misc are all necessities. If you plan on selling in the round or on the carcass make sure you have a backup plan. With the market the way that it is carcass sales can be hard to find. Look into your total setup and figure out what you system is going to be. Like anchoring and dirt and bait/lure. Developing a system is what all of the good trappers have developed. If you are going earth anchors how long do they need to be? Do you have a driver? Is that driver going to last more than a day? Will the anchors work in your soil conditions? Lots of options and a lot of them are great depenfing on your area. I would certainly hit up the locals for you to chat with on what works and doesn't in your area. One last thing that you can learn the hard way is that the laws and rules are different from years ago and make sure you are up to speed on jawspread, baiting laws, and overall trapping regulations in general. I know Pennsylvania has a few weird laws just make sure you are safe from Mr. Green Pants and doing good by trapping.

i'm d-4,watch for a cookout this year at the convention in Clearfield and meet some great t-man people.

Thank you pcr2, I will!

thedude055... wow! you just hit everything I have been looking into and things sure have changed!!! Been stressing about the fur market and what to do.