Yesterday, a trapper who raises chickens dropped off 24 that he had butchered for our food shelf.

We got to talking trapping. He said last season he trapped like he did every year. Lots of mink, coon, beaver, and rats. He sold to a couple of guys who came in the area. They weren't even interested in buying his coon. They said if they did, they offered $1 a piece. Needless to say, he said he'd hang onto them at that price. The bright spot were his rats. He got as much as $6 for the better ones. Everything else price wise was pretty disappointing. He estimated that last year's trapping will have cost him about $600 when the expenses versus the income are compared. But, he said it didn't matter, he traps cause he loves it so much and he'll be hard at it again this fall.

Just like hunting and fishing. Lots spend thousands or tens of thousands and still wind up with goose eggs after the day is done. I'm doing it no matter what. Only live once. It's just money.

I guess I'm not in that camp. But, have no problem with those who are and keep it going.

I don't golf, or play tennis so I trap and always will

As long as the legs keep going, I will trap

X2

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Low prices don't keep me from trapping . this years going to be my biggest line and beat season yet. Getting my brother back into it and my 3 year old nephew. Who needs money when you got memories and cool furs to hang on wall . may have a coon fur blanket made this year

I got back into trapping with the idea of not making any money and so far can say that I have been quite successful....

I'll catch, finish, and sell coon at the ITA auction, like always.

X3

Really don't give a rats arse about prices, Profit is out of the question, But I will not give up what I enjoy doing. When the weather starts cooling down & leaves turn, where would rather be. My biggest worry is to have someone to sell to.

Guess this is a good place to re-tell the story of the old trapper who won the lottery.

"What are you going to do with the 10 million in lottery proceeds?"

'I guess I'll just keep trapping til it's all gone."

I don't care if I will never be in the ranks of those that catch thousands of coon. I've waited a long time to be at this point in my life where I can trap as much as I want for as long as I want. I know I won't get rich, that's not the point. Plus, it's time and money well spent in my opinion.

I’ve killed many a deer that cost me more than a grain fed beef would have. I enjoyed it , so I did it. Same with trapping.

The money was once very good but it isn’t why I do it. It is what I am.

I thought that was a mink rancher.

yep bin trapping since i was 9-10 , i will trap tell I can't move ,

I trap for others who have problems, Coon, skunk, etc...

And Beaver, Otter, Fisher...etc for my enjoyment. Coyotes also

I enjoy it too. Havent hunted deer or pheasants in a few decades.
Most of my landowners like that I trap their ground and they like running traps with me at night. One told me of all the people that stop and ask him to hunt deer, or fish his pond, or hunt pheasants, I'm the only one who stays in contact with him all year round and also the only one who ever asked him if he would like to jump in the truck and tag along on his own ground. The only one. I ways check in with them and see how their crops are doing, we share stories about our kids, life, you name it. Trapping runs way deeper for me than $1 coon or a few scruffy dirty red SE Nebraska coyotes. Its just plain fun and social for me.
Ive trapped 40+ years. Good times, bad times, all kinds of weather, been through several different buyers and economic cycles. I work 40-50 hours a week but run on coffee and wee hour checks during season like a kid at Christmas. I kind of like the low pressure these days. Not 15 stakes and wire under every bridge like it was in fur hey days. Lots of animals to catch today, lots to learn.
Gearing up for late fall and winter again...my garage looks like a hoarder lives here. Cant wait to hit it again!
Jim

I thought this story was about a farmer. Great story either way.