I have to ask this question. I have caught some grief from others because I allowed a TV show to tag along for a day and shoot a segment on bobcat trapping. I have heard from a few trappers that after the segment airs there won't be a cat left in the county. I am not to worried, there is a very healthy population in this county and surrounding counties. You would think fur was worth a lot like it was in the 80s. I take people to my deer hunting spots, mushroom picking spots and yes even some of my trapping spots. I can't work them all and I like to encourage others to get outdoors. What is your take on this?

I agree with your outlook.
Trapping needs more participants. Doing what you did is likely to help. Good job.

Hmmm, I’m not secretive about the trapping but there are aspects of trapping I do make an effort to conceal.

I'm just like you ,I encourage kids -people everyone to trap hunt and fish , keep up the good work

Hasn't seemed to hurt the big buck population.

I like taking people with hunting, fishing and trapping. I like helping people but it has bitten me in the but a lot of times. I keep telling myself to stop doing it but I like helping people...... it's a rock and hard place for me. Definitely getting more careful what I say and who I take.
A lot of people who don't want to find their own spot to hunt or fish and will justify taking your spot.

Promotion of the ethical, environmentally responsible, and time honored trapping tradition is always a good thing. Hopefully your segment will kickstart a bunch of new trappers.

They can have my trappings spots but I don't want anyone to know my deer hunting spots or my mushroom spots.

Michigan Out of Doors?

I’m always looking for folks to take on my line. Took my preachers son and a guy I went to high school with this week. I’m an open book. Probably cause a guy willing to share his knowledge with me is the only reason I’m a trapper. I think it’s good on you. I don’t like to give my public land deer or turkey spots away though

The episode will air tonight in Michigan on PBS. Anyone can find it on YouTube by searching Michigan Out Of Doors tv.

I'm worried about thiefs,so I walk away into where I lay my trap.

Pretty secretive, a holdover trait from the fur boom days....If your not selling anything, don't advertise.

I've taught people how to trap but not at my spots. They've always had their own land and areas to trap. I go to their land and trap with them while showing them. Once done I would never trap over or next to them

Bingo.

I like to fish alone, I don't tell people about my fishing spots. In fact I don't even rub shoulders with other fisherman much any more. I like it that way.

As far as Mushroom spots, I own our mushroom spots so I don't worry about telling others where I find them.
I have had people wander in my property from the neighbor as he will occasionally let some in his place.
They are always well mannered so they respect the property lines when told.
We have lots more Mushrooms than we want to use. We will let friends and relatives pick if they want.

the 7 years or so we have owned this property trespassers are a non-issue. Trespassing greatly depends upon who owns adjacent land and how the land is laid out relative to roads, public land and borders.

I teach firearm training. Every session I do a class on trapping, why it's good conservation and a lot of other things I've learned over the years.
Often I hear from some of the other instructors that the students are more interested in the trapping class than the firearm classes.

This was my first thought too .outdoor channels seem to start out with (well we're back in ks)...

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I’ve hidden traps so good I couldn’t find them.