So I've always seen everyone post about how hard it is to find spots for a trap line in Alaska especially around the valley. And it's TRUE there are people everywhere around here. I wouldn't mind a drive to find a place to trap but have not had much time to look over the areas especially farther from home. Now with my work schedule winding down I have a little more time on my hands to explore some new areas. Could use any help and advice you guys could give. Any areas, trailheads or direction I should start in . Just looking to get some steel out on a small line I would like to target marten, coyotes, lynx, beaver and muskrats . Or if anyone is looking for a little help on there line I would be interested in helping and learning from you.
Thanks Dave
Feel free to shoot me a PM

Good luck to you sir. I have been here 4 winters and am just now getting established.

I will add this...most of the hwy trappers seem to set very near the road for some reason..lazy, convenience I guess? Anyhow, I hate to admit this but have used this to my advantage by sneaking past their lines a hundred or two yards, then make my sets. Haven’t stepped on anyone’s toes yet..

In a state that's 2/3 The size of the US it's not at all hard to find a trapline. It is only if you want to be able to run it in your truck with the heater blowing on your toes,and be able to stop in Mickey Ds for breakfast.

What!? No golden arches down there in the village?

Thanks Wylee good point

Jeff
I'm not looking for a place where I can stay in my truck and eat McDonalds thanks for your help

Right now being this new to the area I seem to know all the tourists hiking spots that everyone knows about not to many out of the way areas don't even know where there's good trails to get back off the road were I might be by myself.

Not trying to be negative, but..... those trails have other users who aren't tourists in the winter. Setting on established trails is ripe for user conflict. You need to get off away from trails and hike back off the road. You will find less road trappers there. If you pick all the easy access points you will most likely also find other trappers. You also may find other users on "Your" trail if the starting point is obvious. Work on figuring out what habitat the fur you want prefers. It may not all overlap in a lot of areas. Some areas simply don't support much fur. Its not hard to find a place to trap it just takes work to get there and then figure out what is there to trap.

There are more considerations than being able to check from the truck. Age, health, age.

Lol

I wish


Sorry didn't mean to sound like a A-hole but the truth is most come up and want to road trap like they did in the states. Drive from set to set.
You might want to go over maps and find some state or fed lands. Then get your chainsaw and snowmachine and cut a trail like many in AK do.
I litrerly have millions of acres of untrapped fed land around me. No road to get here though.
Good luck.hope you find a place.

Google Earth

Give up! I would!

I was right, because I won't blow smoke up your anal orifice.

Do u have a snow machine?? If not get one. You will feel like a 16 yr old with a fresh set of keys. Getting one was the key to my habits. Having a smallish packable chainsaw is great advice too.

I think someone mentioned maps...this is key and critical to success.

Does ONX maps work well in your country? Just curious. I know we have talked a bout it a bit but In my country i use it all of the time along with Google Earth. Terrain detail is really good and once you find what you are looking for like trailways or less debris clearage areas you can easily plot your course to roll out on ther enad follow it with your phone. If service is out in the bush you can download the map directly to your phone and nav off from gps. Works here. I haven't heard its success rate up there though. Set waypoints for sets or safe locations as well.

Nooksack
Thanks for the advice I understand about the user conflict with trail users and I don't set if there is a chance for that. That is what I'm trying to avoid. As of now my short line by the house starts with a 7 mile wheeler ride and a couple mile walk trying to get away. But I am limited on how far I can go with river and mountains.


Gray dog
Good point will also add
And how many years a guy has poured concrete for a living.

Jeff
Don't worry it's all good I do understand where you are coming from
I did most my trapping off of snowmobile or canoe in northern Wisconsin I was not driving around farm fields picking up coyotes. (Wish I would have sounds like fun)

Waggler and Wylee
I have been spending a lot of time lately on Google earth and other maps and bought a Alaska chip for my GPS so I know whose land I'm looking at. And Wylee I do have a sled and small chainsaw that I need to do more exploring with.

thedude055
Not sure if ONX maps work good up here or not would be great if someone with experience would chime in. I think they may have a trial period I'll see and maybe give it a try.

Thanks again for everyone's help
Dave

I remember driving the parks Hiway years ago. Sure looked like a guy could just pick a spot where there is no activity and walk in to the woods. Do a little trail cutting, but narrow so a snogo can't follow. Only drawback was finding places where one could safely park a car/truck.
mt