Steven, I didn't misunderstand, just agree. The market is in the crapper, the only thing I make note of is, I've seen it turn around quickly, many times in my life. I stay optimistic that something MAY happpen, guess I'm a glass half full kinda guy!

So is coonman220 when it comes to the fur market lol.

This thing isn't turning around this year. I do think the dollar is going to fall and that will be good for the market. Maybe next year we'll see improvements.

As long as I have been trapping someone has always tried to discourage the activity. Even in good markets. Usually siting responsibility with family or employment. I’ve finally realized how lucky I’ve been to log in a lifetime in the marsh.

Family obligations was and is the toughest ball to juggle

I understand and my selfishness would be my only regret. Come he’ll or high water I was gonna trap.

My question is why do we feel compelled to always offer an explanation? Good or poor markets, why you and I shouldn’t trap.

I am always going to trap-its just way too much fun and makes our time in the outdoors that much more enjoyable.Sometime we an even get enough return to pay for enjoyment.Life is way too short to just quit doing what we love because we lose a bit of money over it.

Trapping is good for the soul-get out there and enjoy it while we still can.

U

Trapping is employment. Family is involved in the business. We have different issues. You live in civilization
. There are unlimited income producing opportunities in civilization.

True, but rare to find a source of income that provides a similar level of enjoyment and satisfaction.

Just to be clear. Income to me means making money similar or more than other employment opportunities. Not just showing some minimum net profit.

I'm old and retired and set for life,so its all gravy to me regardless.
Make a name for yourself and sell your name.

There are millions of us that do small businesses or hobbies that lose money consistently and we continue to participate when we can and to the extent we can. Several require significant investments in learning, time and actual tangible property and high usage or operational costs, yet we continue to do so. For me it is the freedom of all to think and feel how stupid, dumb or foolish we are for continuing to do those activities. I don't tend to be externally referenced when it comes to being told I am engaging in activities that are not profitable or smart to be doing when there is no monetary gain. As this situation spirals down hill we may see a rebirth in a form more similar to what it was before fur harvest and fur production became highly centralized. Those letting their traps hang may offer new start up options for those that are not in to their activities for financial gain.

Bryce

DITTO Bryce

Best way to do that, to make a name, would be to do ADC work for your fellow countrymen for free instead of forr the Chinese fur market for free.

luckily safe drivers can still save 40 percent.

I was at convention one time and saw a tail gaiter with just about everything a trapper would need. I asked him why he was selling all that gear. He said I'm getting to old to enjoy It anymore. One of these days we are all going to feel that way. You may not think It's not going to happen to you but It will. You can only push yourself so far before It starts being work.
I'm getting close to that point right now. I'm just trapping critters and areas that still allow me to have fun and still look forward to getting out there.

I hated to see NAFA fold up since I enjoyed putting up fur just about as much as I loved catching It.


In a few hours I'm going to drag my butt out to my new Box blind and see If I can kill a deer.

I haven't run a fur line for 3 years. All I'm doing these days is damage control beavers. Just not worth the gas money. I really miss the coon trapping though.

Life is choices, we all get to chose where we live.



My experience these past few years is I have to explain why I haven't trapped much. It seems that there are many elitists in our community that think if you take time off in low markets you aint a "trapper".

No one should have to explain how and why they do something as long as it's legal.

That makes sense to me 49er.

What if you're still receiving income while out trapping at the usual rate you do any other day? I work hard most of the year so I can enjoy some time away trapping every year. I've always said people go to Disney Land, the beach, or on a cruise for their vacations. My vacations I have a chance to earn more income then I had before most years up until recently. I'll still lose a lot less than I would doing any of those other things and I enjoy coyotes more than people.

If I attempted to monetize every outdoor activity I enjoy for return on investment- I probably wouldn’t go outside.
My sunk cost investments coupled with ongoing annual expenses for deer hunting, duck hunting and fishing would not yield a price per pound that logically makes sense through a financial lenses or measures.
It’s hard to put a price on enjoyment, if money is the quarry- maybe a help wanted sign is a better alternative.