As the title says, I'm essentially a first year trapper and starting much later in life. I swung by the local shop today and picked his brain while buying some of the things I need to get started. I plan to set for fox, coyote, and raccoon this year unless another opportunity presents itself. What book would someone recommend for a new trapper planning to set a few traps this fall for those target furbearers? Is there a preferred "trapper's bible" that would give me an idea what else I should be picking up or how to get started? I'm sure I'll need other books or videos to prepare for the eventuality that I need to prepare any pelts I should take.

I'm open for any videos or books that are recommended. Thanks.

Martlet, check out coon creek outdoors on youtube. Lots of good info there. Eric

Yep, YouTube will get you there my friend!!

No trapper education courses offered where you live?

I had to take the state required course, but it was cut down to 4 hours and really only covered the legal aspects of trapping with very general overview. The instructors were awesome, but because of COVID everything has been cancelled or severely neutered.

Martlet, you will love it! I trapped a lot in the 70's and 80's and then on and off as work allowed, but 2 years ago when i retired, I got back into it big time. There is a wealth of information on here and I also recommend the coon creek outdoors videos on youtube. He does a good job on all aspects of trapping and skinning and putting fur up as well as how to make sets.

Good luck and enjoy!

This is what I started out on and still use now. Was rcmnd to me when I got started. I'm only 2 yrs into this.

Thank you! That's essentially what I'm looking for. I need to pick up a few books or find a good video stream. One of my largest issues right now is I don't even know what I should be buying. It's fun figuring things out and the kids are getting into it, which is a big motivator for me. I haven't even gotten into what I need if I actually catch something or how to process it.

I’m right there with you. This season will be my second. There is a ton of good info I found here reading these posts. Besides that, YouTube was huge because it actually allows you a visual example of what the trapper is doing and why. I didn’t have any friends or fellow trappers to watch or work with. My favorite coyote trapping YouTube material is from Management Advantage with Casey Shoopman.

Like you I also target coons, but there aren’t enough foxes here for me to worry with. Good luck!

Do you use DP for coon? I was thinking of grabbing a few of those as well. My local trapping store doesn't carry them, so is there an online supplier you prefer? I see they have some coon "kits" at some suppliers. I'll look into those. It seems Duke is the preferred brand?

I started out with a dozen DP’s and a coyote starter kit from MTP. Still have everything from that kit plus about 4 dozen more traps now. And I actually caught coyotes and cats off just what the kit came with.
This sites archives and some YouTube videos will get you started.
The rest is OJT, lol. And sometimes PM’ing members on here can provide you with info that may not be posted. This site is loaded with trappers that can haul out some fur.

Thanks! I've been digging through the archives. They're a great resource. I'm trying to toe the line between asking questions/researching and being annoying. I'l keep all my questions in this thread so people who want to answer can and others can ignore. I'll check out those kits, though. Thanks! My local trapping supplier got me started with my coyote/fox traps. He was very knowledgeable and I'm glad I visited rather than just buying online.

Join your state trapping association for help and try and go to conventions where they will have demos and talk to other trappers.

When I started trapping critters back in the 60s (rabbits and barn rats) my dad helped me build some rabbit box traps and gave me an old 1 1/2 LS victor. That was it. No instruction or advice. I had to learn it all. But through asking lots of questions and tons of trial and error I have become a fairly decent trapper. Am I the best NO. But I am far from where I started. Along the way I did some really dumb things trying to catch critters. But in trying something new each year I also learned how to do some different things that had really positive results. One thing I have achieved at my stage of where I am at in my life is a great sense of accomplishment as far as where my walk in life will lead. Now a days there are all sorts of books and social media outlets ( T Man is Great), conventions, even paid instruction, and of course U Tube to learn from. But experience is still the best way. Don't get discouraged if you fail and never ever let someone get to you as they brag on their super accomplishments trying to make you feel like a failure. Too many don't remember their very first failure at anything but are quick to point out yours. Hopefully a an "old Trapper" will come into your life and be a good mentor for you. I try to pass it on all the time. In fact a newbie is coming out this week a couple nights to talk trapping and tinker with some traps. Wish you well and hope you have fun no matter what.

Thanks! I went into this fully prepared to figure it out on my own, but also hoping that there would be a little knowledge to take in from those that have been around. There is a trapping supply store about an hour from me and I spent about 3 hours there yesterday just listening to the owner talk with another long-time trapper. Anytime experienced people are talking I listen to pick up what I can. Just those few hours probably saved me a ton of heartache on the line. This forum has a ton of knowledge, also.

I don't get discouraged easily. Time in the woods learning is time well spent. My major motivation is providing my kids the foundation they need to grow up understanding wildlife conservation to combat the crap they learn in school.

Is it allowed to post a link to a DP kit I was looking at to get opinions?

Any suggested online retailers to buy from?

Good one at the top of this page that sponsors this forum.

F&T

Or MTP...also on this site. All my orders have been correct, prompt, and always a handwritten note thanking me for my order.

I agree, can't go wrong either way.

As mentioned above I'd suggest joining your state trappers association there could be some members close to where you live .
Then become active within the association this covid19 crap hopefully won't last much longer !
Allan