Does anyone still use the term "Johnny Sneakum" to describe an unknown trap or fur thief?

I first read the term in the old Harding trapping books (bought through F-F-G magazine) when I was in my teens and was discovering trapping. Since then, Johnny has paid me a visit a few times, but I've never had the pleasure of meeting him.

I've never seen the term used here, so I'm wondering if it's fallen into disuse.

Jim

I’ve heard it used before. I have stronger words that I like to use when referring to fur/trap thieves. The trapperman filter won’t let me post them.

Used all the time. Have heard it used here, FFG , Trappers Post, etc... I searched it on this forum and the screen lit up with one reference after another. If I meet up with him on my line and I'll give him a nice shiner so you all can recognize him better! Lol

I've heard it used at convention. I've had him visit my line once. He kicked over a cage trap and left. Had I caught him there he would have been easy to spot cause he would've have my boot stuck somewhere... lol

Me and several others have indeed used the term here in numerous posts over the years.
I learned of the term here fwiw.

My memory hasn't served me well then. I can't recall seeing the name here.

Jim

In my country it should be Johnny Meth Head, especially when scrap is high.

James, a quick google check confirms the expression has been used quite a bit in recent years in various trapping publications and on various forums. I say go for it, might be helping to keep a clever tradition alive.

Well, okay then. As someone pointed out, other terms are unprintable in a kid-friendly forum.

Jim

The term was in frequent use on the WAT forum a few years ago, but I don't really frequent that site anymore.

Yep was probably a term used when folks were more polite in publishing and public discussions. Today I just call them what I think of them and would definitely be filtered as not acceptable here on this forum.
Jim

I still use the term when speaking to "Non-Hunting/Trapping" people... but when speaking to Hunters/Trappers... it is usually somewhat more colorful.

Garry-

I don't think the term reflects the amount of distain trappers have for the !@#$%^&* trap thieves. Reading about it, non trappers might think of it as a game due to the relative non violent term. Its not.

Johnny Sneakum.......sleep joe......all same person

It seems to me it was used a lot more often in the past than now.

Its used

Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s trap and fur theft was so common folks got used to the idea that they WOULD have a visit from Johnny sooner or later. A few good trappers ended up doing some time after a face to face meeting with him. Seems that the law takes a dimmer view on assault than trap theft.

I met him one time and had him arrested. County court judge ( friend of mine) fined him and suspended hunting license. Judge is also hard on meth head ginseng diggers that forget ( lol) to get permission to dig on someone’s property.

I learned the term from V. E. Lynch from the Harding Publishing Books too. Traprjohn used the term "Johny Sneakum" back on 11-13-2020, Friday the Thirteenth, on Trapperman.

Keith

I caught a Miller Light can this week in a 159 and by the tracks maybe a hand, I just couldn't call them that welded j-hooks and super stakes makes them Jonny Destruction of Property, charges usually follow when you catch one...