Conventions

Most of the footholds and 110s came from tailgaters at conventions.
Traded for the 220s and 330s.
The Dps I made myself along with the snares.
just

What a nice Deal!!!

If properly cared for, traps will last a very long time. I’ve got Newhouse traps that are over 100 years old that are still as strong as when they were new. They could catch and hold what ever they were meant for.

Mostly Fnt, some on trap shed and some from conventions

I got my first 2 traps from a creek. They were loose in the bottom of the creek for at least 2 years, untagged and after 2 years I figured no one wanted them. I bought my next 4 traps at the only hardware store in my area that had any. I bought my next 42 traps at the Coons Den in Palestine, Ohio. I was given 4 box traps, 2 from my Mom, 1 from my friend Rob and 1 from my friend James. I then bought traps from Eplers twice. I think I got 36 the fist time and 48 the second time.

Keith

If conventions start again, possibly at these locations. Idaho is scheduled to have its state convention this summer in western Idaho co-sponsored by the a NTA western.

Mostly from Second hand sales

Then I sold all Bodygrippers many many years ago on the Trapshed.
I then bought back 7 big boxs of Belisles from MTP

I've bought MB650's and 750's from MTP. And Cumberlands

My dad had a few dozen 1.5 coils and trapped fox during the fur boom. I took over the use of them when I was a kid. Also when I first started at age 14 I had a lot of older friends who trapped the fur boom and they gave me there’s. My dad, when I was 14 bought me two victor 330 conibears and I caught around 18 beavers with them two traps as a kid my first couple years. I’ve bought a lot off of this website second hand. A lot of my newer predator traps and supplies, I have bought from Gearld Schmitt.

My first traps came from my older brother, who was my mentor. He passed when I was 10, I got others thru the years from old friends that had quit. Anything new I get from Southeastern Outdoors. They are local so no shipping.

I got my first ones from my brother , because he quit trapping back in the mid '70's . But I bought my first coil springs which were Northwoods from Marvin Mallow out of I think Ohio.

MTP

Bought mine from MR. Duke in West Point MS.

Spud, you should consider joining the Idaho Trappers Association. Info on the website. Conventions, fur sales, demos, banquet, etc. We're also hosting the National Trappers Association western regional this June in Glenn's Ferry.

Here’s what helped me shorten my learning curve by decades. Join your state trapping assn, Google it. ANd contact officers off their site and ask for a mentor to ride along with. MANY states have their own forums. Like here in NC. And TN has 2 and Va has 2 also and KY too. A mentor helps Learn trap prep and techniques and tricks and the laws in YOUR state regarding jaw spreads, shock springs, etc, etc. (( Laws vary a lot from state to state so BEWARE of FB and utube. You can be shown things that are illegal in your state!.)) This gets you in the info loop of FREE trappers ed classes and meets and fur sales/pick ups, and conventions. Then attend ALL YOU CAN, this shows folks you are serious and will be a good student. It sure helped open many doors for me and it could for you as well. ALSO, get several different trapping supply catalogs, like MTP, Sterling Fur, FandT, PCS, Flemings, Northern Outdoors, Trap Shack, Schmitt enterprises, Southeastern outdoor supplies, JR & Sons, Grawes, rpoutdoors, etc etc, THEN circle gear you need, and give the catalogs to loved ones to buy your Birthday and Christmas and July 4 and Easter and Anniversary gifts. Explain to them, you want their money to go towards what you will use and need, as opposed to another sweater hanging in your closet. WORKS GREAT in our family.

FREE shipping with a $100 order.

I bought a little a time over the years its added up. Good care and treatment they last a very long time. Ive got some #1s #2 ,#3, and #4 longs ive been using since 80s.
Ive bought some online, some in stores, some at conventions, and some were trades for other things.
Clean em up after each season, dye and wax them, replace broken parts when needed. They will last generations. Store them out of the elements too. Ones hanging in damp old barns don't make it. Keep them dry and out of damp areas when not in use. Think of them like wrenches and hammers. Dont let them rust just treat them and store them properly. Rust and corrosion is #1 enemy of any metal, period.
Last year I bought 1/2 dozen. Year before I bought about same...now i have a dozen. Make sense? Do that for 40+ years and you get quite a collection with manageable cash outlay each year.
Ask for them as Christmas or birthday gifts too. Got 1/2 dozen modified bridger #2 dogless last year from family for Christmas. The gift that really does keep on giving.
Jim

Well this sucks hard. Everyone is out of them with no idea when they’ll get more. I only have 6 predator traps and thousands of acres full of coyotes available. Looks like I’m stuck paying $27 a piece for local ones. Dang it....

I’ll try to make that, thanks.


I did our mandatory trapping class already and learned the ins and outs about the law. It sounds like there aren’t many, and the states leaves it mostly to the trapper to be ethical(yay idaho).

You sound local. Any chance of showing me a thing or two between now and June?

There are used ones sometimes on trapperman trap shed.You could check there.Also put an ad on the trap shed wanted to buy.People on here may have some to sell you.Sometimes fur buyers will also have some used to sell.You can get by with cheaper traps and then buy 550's as you go along.Then sell your older ones.Kinda like buying a truck.Lots of people would love to have the newest one but as long as it runs well the used one will get you to the same place.