No Profanity *** No Flaming *** No Advertising *** No Anti Trappers ***NO POLITICS
No Non-Target Catches *** No Links to Anti-trapping Sites *** No Avoiding Profanity Filter


Home~Trap Talk~ADC Forum~Trap Shed~Wilderness Trapping~International Trappers~Fur Handling

Auction Forum~Trapper Tips~Links~Gallery~Basic Sets~Convention Calendar~Chat~ Trap Collecting Forum

Trapper's Humor~Strictly Trapping~Fur Buyers Directory~Mugshots~Fur Sale Directory~Wildcrafting~The Pen and Quill

Trapper's Tales~Words From The Past~Legends~Archives~Kids Forum~Lure Formulators Forum~ Fermenter's Forum


~~~ Dobbins' Products Catalog ~~~


Minnesota Trapline Products
Please support our sponsor for the Trappers Talk Page - Minnesota Trapline Products


Print Thread
Hop To
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Thinking about giving it up. #7677150
09/23/22 12:17 AM
09/23/22 12:17 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,895
pennsylvania 28 yrs old
B
barry leroy Offline OP
trapper
barry leroy  Offline OP
trapper
B

Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,895
pennsylvania 28 yrs old
Really starting to think about selling most of my traps and supplies.
Just not fun anymore. Crappy gas prices. Crappy fur prices. The time investment.
I've kicked the idea around about selling all but 50 traps so I could still run s small line on my property and catch a few beaver to get tanned to ad to my collection. But really I'm loosing my want to keep going at it.
Someone change my mind.

Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677152
09/23/22 12:20 AM
09/23/22 12:20 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,817
central arkansas
T
the Blak Spot Online content
trapper
the Blak Spot  Online Content
trapper
T

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,817
central arkansas
Keep a 100 traps to be on the safe side. I was where you’re at about a year ago. Glad I kept my traps. I just decided to take it easy where I can enjoy it more and not worry to much about $ and how many I catch. Saving gas by road lining on the way home from work


the just shall live by faith

member FTA, ATA, EAFT
1776 - the year we told a tyrant we weren't to be under a dictator
Caveat ater macula
Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677154
09/23/22 12:21 AM
09/23/22 12:21 AM
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 16,256
Iowa
~ADC~ Offline
The Count
~ADC~  Offline
The Count

Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 16,256
Iowa
Them traps ain't costing you nothing to keep but they'll cost a fortune to replace a few years down the road when you get the itch or prices rebound.

Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: ~ADC~] #7677156
09/23/22 12:26 AM
09/23/22 12:26 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,895
pennsylvania 28 yrs old
B
barry leroy Offline OP
trapper
barry leroy  Offline OP
trapper
B

Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,895
pennsylvania 28 yrs old
Very true

Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677157
09/23/22 12:27 AM
09/23/22 12:27 AM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 16,511
Oakland, MS
yotetrapper30 Offline
trapper
yotetrapper30  Offline
trapper

Joined: May 2011
Posts: 16,511
Oakland, MS
Welcome back.

I'm not gonna convince you though. Trapping is either in you, or it's not. A trapper might be able to sit out a year or two, but to just give it up? Naw. If you want to give it up... do it... because you were never really a trapper to begin with.


~~Proud Ultra MAGA~~
Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: yotetrapper30] #7677158
09/23/22 12:29 AM
09/23/22 12:29 AM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 14,306
Montana
USMC47 🦫 Offline
trapper
USMC47 🦫  Offline
trapper

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 14,306
Montana
Originally Posted by yotetrapper30
Welcome back.

I'm not gonna convince you though. Trapping is either in you, or it's not. A trapper might be able to sit out a year or two, but to just give it up? Naw. If you want to give it up... do it... because you were never really a trapper to begin with.
I agree with Angela. Now get out and set some traps you big sissy! Hi, Barry. How’s married life?


The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle.

www.derricks-nm.com
Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677159
09/23/22 12:29 AM
09/23/22 12:29 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,490
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Paul Dobbins Online content
"Trapperman custodian"
Paul Dobbins  Online Content
"Trapperman custodian"

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,490
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Like Angela inferred, if you don't have the fire in the belly, you should move on.

Take care young man.



Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677160
09/23/22 12:30 AM
09/23/22 12:30 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,918
centrel PA
Kevin Colpetzer Offline
trapper
Kevin Colpetzer  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,918
centrel PA
Hi Barry. I’ll store those traps for ya till the market comes back lol. I’ll be going past your house Friday afternoon mad

Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677161
09/23/22 12:31 AM
09/23/22 12:31 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,750
Southern Virginia, 50 yr old
V
VaBeagler Offline
trapper
VaBeagler  Offline
trapper
V

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,750
Southern Virginia, 50 yr old
Can't say anything to change your mind. I quit trapping 4 years ago except for my farm to help my hunting. I'm slow at everything that I do. I can't skin and flesh a coon or fox for 5 bucks. I trap coyetes exclusively on my farm.

Last edited by 330-Trapper; 09/23/22 09:10 AM.
Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677163
09/23/22 12:31 AM
09/23/22 12:31 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,918
centrel PA
Kevin Colpetzer Offline
trapper
Kevin Colpetzer  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,918
centrel PA
cool

Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677166
09/23/22 12:38 AM
09/23/22 12:38 AM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,849
ohio
Ohio Wolverine Offline
trapper
Ohio Wolverine  Offline
trapper

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,849
ohio
Don't know you , any know nothing about your trapping experience.
But even die hard trappers have to cut back , and a lot sooner than they wish , have to call it quits.


We have met the enemy and the enemy is us!
Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677170
09/23/22 12:53 AM
09/23/22 12:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,151
Alaska and Washington State
W
waggler Offline
trapper
waggler  Offline
trapper
W

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,151
Alaska and Washington State
I have found that as I get older (64) that I don't have the same passion for hunting and trapping as I used to.
However, what gives me more satisfaction than I probably ever got doing those things is helping out and sharing those experiences with younger or new hunters and trappers. Get involved with your association if you don't already know of guys who might like to learn what you know. I Guarantee you'll enjoy trapping again if you are sharing the experience.


"My life is better than your vacation"
Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677195
09/23/22 05:20 AM
09/23/22 05:20 AM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 13,964
Michigan
T
Trapper Dahlgren Offline
trapper
Trapper Dahlgren  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 13,964
Michigan
don't sell . how old are you , just set a few traps , like said above they are not costing you anything ,

Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677213
09/23/22 05:56 AM
09/23/22 05:56 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,717
Maine
M
Mac Offline
trapper
Mac  Offline
trapper
M

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,717
Maine
Originally Posted by barry leroy
Really starting to think about selling most of my traps and supplies.
Just not fun anymore. Crappy gas prices. Crappy fur prices. The time investment.
I've kicked the idea around about selling all but 50 traps so I could still run s small line on my property and catch a few beaver to get tanned to ad to my collection. But really I'm loosing my want to keep going at it.
Someone change my mind.


As was said above, those traps do not eat anything and if you have to replace them it will be costly. Unless you were born with the proverbial silver spoon in your mouth, you may have different seasons that it does not make sense to hit it hard and burn up time, money and energy.

Just because you feel the need to give it up for a spell does not mean you are not a trapper. A lot of factors are involved.
Old school trappers trapped for money. Yes there was a love for the game, and yes they loved being out in the woods. But trapping was for income or supplement of income. Today you better have a special market, niche market etc., ADC work, a good retirement or a darn good job if you want to trap. Some still do for advertisement pictures for their instructions or schools and to scratch the itch of chasing fur. Several lure and bait makers trap to have videos to show and it helps them market their products. Lot of reason to trap, and lots of reasons not too.

Just because you have not been having fun, and you recognize that the financial incentive is not there, and or you are tired of spending time away from family or friends does not mean you are not a trapper. People change and evolve. Situations change. Life circumstances change.

Later on down the road you may have more time, more interest, more money, and more desire to trap.
During times like these one can make common sense decisions like the guy that explained he traps on the way to work and the way home.
You might find you have fun experimenting with methods you have not used before, etc. etc. etc.

Do not let others with a different view of what it means to be a trapper make decisions for you or make you feel bad.

Best of luck

Mac



Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677223
09/23/22 06:04 AM
09/23/22 06:04 AM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,779
Northern lower Michigan
Feedinggrounds Offline
trapper
Feedinggrounds  Offline
trapper

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,779
Northern lower Michigan
I have #4 jumps and some 330s I bought new with paper route money 50 years ago. They did hang on a nail a few years between my quest for beaver. While I chased girls, and easier $ fur . But now with beaver more abundant than rats in my area, and folks paying me to trap them, I'm glad I never sold them. Also just how much $ you going to get from used traps? Traps and money will both be gone in a blink. I don''t relive my trapline memories everyday, but when I look at my 50 year old traps hanging or set, I relive those memories everytime! That means something to me.


you're only allowed so many sunrises... I aim to see every one of them!
Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677230
09/23/22 06:18 AM
09/23/22 06:18 AM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,446
Tug Hill, NY
S
Squash Offline
trapper
Squash  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,446
Tug Hill, NY
I feel the same, but will not be selling my traps. I am still going to trap nuisance beaver, but that’s all.
With high prices being paid for traps at recent local auctions, I look at my traps as a good investment whether I’m trapping critters or not.

Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: Mac] #7677234
09/23/22 06:25 AM
09/23/22 06:25 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,664
Wisconsin
G
Green Bay Offline
trapper
Green Bay  Offline
trapper
G

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,664
Wisconsin
Originally Posted by Mac
Originally Posted by barry leroy
Really starting to think about selling most of my traps and supplies.
Just not fun anymore. Crappy gas prices. Crappy fur prices. The time investment.
I've kicked the idea around about selling all but 50 traps so I could still run s small line on my property and catch a few beaver to get tanned to ad to my collection. But really I'm loosing my want to keep going at it.
Someone change my mind.


As was said above, those traps do not eat anything and if you have to replace them it will be costly. Unless you were born with the proverbial silver spoon in your mouth, you may have different seasons that it does not make sense to hit it hard and burn up time, money and energy.

Just because you feel the need to give it up for a spell does not mean you are not a trapper. A lot of factors are involved.
Old school trappers trapped for money. Yes there was a love for the game, and yes they loved being out in the woods. But trapping was for income or supplement of income. Today you better have a special market, niche market etc., ADC work, a good retirement or a darn good job if you want to trap. Some still do for advertisement pictures for their instructions or schools and to scratch the itch of chasing fur. Several lure and bait makers trap to have videos to show and it helps them market their products. Lot of reason to trap, and lots of reasons not too.

Just because you have not been having fun, and you recognize that the financial incentive is not there, and or you are tired of spending time away from family or friends does not mean you are not a trapper. People change and evolve. Situations change. Life circumstances change.

Later on down the road you may have more time, more interest, more money, and more desire to trap.
During times like these one can make common sense decisions like the guy that explained he traps on the way to work and the way home.
You might find you have fun experimenting with methods you have not used before, etc. etc. etc.

Do not let others with a different view of what it means to be a trapper make decisions for you or make you feel bad.

Best of luck

Mac


X2 a lot of very adult thinking here.


Author of The Lure Hunter: A Guide to Finding Fishing Lures
Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: ~ADC~] #7677235
09/23/22 06:25 AM
09/23/22 06:25 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,783
MN
1
160user Online content
trapper
160user  Online Content
trapper
1

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,783
MN
Originally Posted by ~ADC~
Them traps ain't costing you nothing to keep but they'll cost a fortune to replace a few years down the road when you get the itch or prices rebound.



This is great advice! What if years from now you have children and want to teach them to trap? It would be pretty cool for your kids to use the same traps their Dad did.

Last edited by 160user; 09/23/22 06:28 AM.

I have nothing clever to put here.





Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677236
09/23/22 06:29 AM
09/23/22 06:29 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 360
monadnock region New Hampshire
nh toe pincher Offline
trapper
nh toe pincher  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 360
monadnock region New Hampshire
got any young kids you wanna teach? you'll need that iron to do it.

Re: Thinking about giving it up. [Re: barry leroy] #7677238
09/23/22 06:38 AM
09/23/22 06:38 AM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,312
Firth, Nebraska
jabNE Offline
trapper
jabNE  Offline
trapper

Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,312
Firth, Nebraska
I’m cutting my line way back and going to focus on coyotes only, for now. It’s about all I’ve done for maybe 40+ years besides fishing this is my only other outdoor passion. So just going to do a fun small line and keep it on that level. Got some finishing stuff ready because that is probably only way left to sell anything plus I do enjoy that part of it too.
I’m keeping all of my other traps though. You never know when they might be important to me some time down the road. Got two boys that can divvy those up someday too.
Jim


Money cannot buy you happiness, but it can buy you a trapping license and that's pretty close.
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread