My question to you is, what do you as a trapper want to see our future generation trappers carry on or what advice do you have for them. I have three children, 10 yo daughter, 8 yo son, and 5 yo son. They all love the fact that I am a trapper. Oldest loves to watch me skin and finish furs, middle bought a half dozen of his own traps for coyotes and is very involved, youngest loves the setting and checking portion. Ive tried to instill in my kids ethics, not just for trapping but life in general. As I was a young kid once ( possibly still act like one )I know that sometimes your Ideas seem great in your mind, until real life twist the results. It does matter if you miss a check, it does matter if you leave a trap set, it does matter if you get permission, it does matter to respect others opinions, it does matter to stand for your morals, it does matter to follow rules/laws. I see on here often that someone young or someone inexperienced offers up a idea that in there mind seem legit and we quickly add our opinions good,bad,or ugly. I feel that is a good thing, trappers need to have a degree of thick skin in todays society. That being said, sometimes with my own kids and others I admit I miss teaching opportunities and instead just give the lecture. So for the future trappers my advice to you is this.
Respect the art of trapping as a whole. Trapping is not just dropping a trap in the dirt or setting a snare, there are factors to consider well before you ever get to that point. Utilize the knowledge of other trappers, there is more information in experience than one could probably ever share, but alot of that information is derived from failure, therefore we learned from it. Opinions are like rocks on a river bank, you can take it, leave it, or throw in in the river. You will probably remember that rock no matter what option you choose, so dont be offended by someone’s opinions. Most of all, have fun, use your head, and keep this way of life going to pass on to your kids.
Please share more wisdom than I have, as im sure all of us still have the capacity to learn, willing or not.