Helfrich and Milligan info. Late 70s....early 80s. A lot a Georgia foxes,coons, and bcats died. Many folks around here couldn't figure out how I could catch them like that....

Thanks Jim!!!

I read everything I ran across that he wrote in the late '70's and early '80's,in the old Trapper magazine and Fur Fish Game.He was a hero to this school boy trapper.

Caught my first gray fox on Jim's bobcat gland lure. Still a fan of bobcat gland lures to this day. Curiosity really did kill the cat and a lot of other critters too.

Cool thread. Was tickled to see Jim pop in and write a paragraph or two! Someone had told me quite a few years ago that he had passed, and I had just assumed that it was so. Happy to see your doing good. Isn't old age fun!

Hi Jackie,

Yes it rings a bell. Glad your still kicking as well. Had fur prices remained what they were there would be a lot more successful (financially) trappers. You think about a $100 fox back then would the equivalent to probably a $400.00 fox now.

Jim

Let me know what you need, have some parts.

Jim

Ya, Lee, I heard that rumor as well. i can tell you it was "exaggerated" a bit! One of my old trapping partners called me and asked me if it were true. He said it must be, since people were saying it. I'm 68 and still walk the mountains and canoe the rivers.

Jim

Caught my first Red Fox on E. J. Daily's gland lure, don't even recall my first grey fox. Sure caught some pretty Grey fox over the years, The one on my book was caught in Indiana. The Black and White photo did NOT due that fox justice.

Jim

Hi Buck,

EJ Daily and OL Butcher were mine. Both trapped a different kind of country than I did but I hung on their every word. They inspired me to become a pro trapper and even with the ups and downs don't regret going that direction.

Jim

You are most welcome Swamp Wolf for what ever small contribution I may have had. The two biggest rewards for me in trapping was the actual trapping and seeing guys faces light up as they talked about their catches and experiences. I was able to enjoy a great deal of both and I am forever grateful for it.

Jim

The 750 came first in the line. Charles talked me into it. He was so angry at the trap makers for not making real beaver traps anymore. So I decided to make it first. It actually came in two versions. The "Beaver" and the "Wolf er", The beaver had lighter springs, a short chain and a downer on the end. The Wolfer had stronger springs, a 10' chain and some had a grapple. The trap jaws and frame are cast ductile iron. You can squeeze the jaws together to put them in or take them out as long as you do it slowly but if they slip and snap they can break.

Jim

Growing up in a single parent home I had no one to learn trapping from. In the late 70s, early 80s, your books and articles got me going. I was catching 60 to 80 foxes per winter as a teenager when every other trapper was catching 10. Kept rolling and hit the 200 foxes/season mark later on....

Howdy Jim,

Your articles in FFG were read and re-read my me and my friends growing up. I think back on those days when us kids traded The Trapper and FFG mags back and forth. There was a lot of good information in those articles. I have a raccoon trapping book and that Mink book someone put on here a page or two back. There was no one in my family who trapped and after the bug bit I looked to some of the men in our area. I didn't get much help so it was books and articles like yours that inspired me to make my own way and eventually started traplines across several counties here in central Illinois. Sure caught a pile of fur since then. Hope all is well and you keep it going for many more years- Larry

Jim,

You have inspired many. I always enjoyed your articles as it was plainly obvious you were a "thinker."
Great stuff!
Many thanks.

Blessings,
Mark

Amen to Marks post.You left a mark,Jim.

Everyone should own a copy or two of a "Trapper" mag from the very late 70's or early 80's. It was an incredible time. FFG too but it was not so immersive as The Trapper was. Also from the 60's to early 70's to see the climate after decades of depressed prices. The sheer volume of people, businesses, books, ads, etc interested in the wild fur trade.

It was a special time,no doubt about it.

I don't think there will ever be another time like it. Gone, but not forgotten.

This confirms I was wrong found my old bottle of "Mojo" lol




So glad to see you respond Mr.Helfrich you were one of the trappers that I had so much respect for, I was glad I was introduced to the steel during some fun and impressionable years .. A big Thanks for all your books, articles demo's and innovative trap design wishing you many more seasons on the line!

Had two parents but no trappers in the clan. Had no money so got subscription to The.Fish, Game for Christmas and 3 0 long springs. Somehow found an old trapper selling out and he gave me a great deal on a bunch of used traps. I understood cook pretty good..caught 67 when I was 13 years old. Took some time to catch my first red fox and still remember my first muskrats caught in a bank set.

I think a lot of trappers have similar stories. Wasn't easy and no support or encouragement in fact lots of resistance. But it teaches a man or boy a lot about self reliance and toighens one up for many things in life.

Thanks for sharing your story and my hats off to you for your accomplishments. Good job!!!

Jim