I take folks all the time so they can get the real picture and decide what its all about.

I'm so secretive I cant even remember where I set my traps

Other than being cheeky, you do keep a good trapping secret, well done.

I would teach someone how to trap and maybe do a demo and a video on why its good to trap. Also, other then being on public land, who can go on your property without permission anyway? If they want to do it on your land then they can help you run trapline and possibly get 10% of the money. If they want to use my land their going to pay/work for it or they ain't going to be on my land. Simple

I will teach anybody solid basic sets.

I see both sides. I used to hunt public land and had some great spots. Shot some nice bucks too. But it was not much fun changing the subjects when asked about spots and all that. A buddy of mine and I hunt the same ground , he got me on some private and I put him on some of my public. We have both killed better deer as a result and had way more fun doing it as a team. I won't give just anyone a spot, but in some cases it works out.

Now with trapping, I think we need to do anything we can to promote it. I am in my first season and coming into this I had all kinds of preconceived notions about what I have heard and read . My trappers Ed class really helped show the real side of trapping, and working with some old timers also has helped.

Trapping to me is kind of a dying sport. I hope it never happens, but if something gets banned in the outdoors, trapping will be first as so many people that would even support hunting have no idea except wrong ideas when it comes to trapping. Its easy to have happen. Not saying hand the keys to the farm to someone, but passing along info isn't going to cost you much in the long run anymore, no one is getting rich off it except in joy and satisfaction.

I have been pushed out of to many areas after helping them get started . No more !

When fur was worth something 40-50 years ago, I was pretty secretive. Not so much anymore.

I think it is great to get it out there ,especially with your daughter. I used to trap in Northern Wisconsin on some farm lands and their kid would come along. They would once in a while bringtheir buddies too!!

I'm not.

Usually Mother Nature assists with a flood or 15 inches of snow

Not a secretive as I am about my Brook Trout fishing.

I took a man and his two young sons out the last two years. Each time, I've caught a bobcat when they were along. It was nice having someone there to help me with the release. I also took a younger man with me this year and he ended up catching his first red fox and fisher. I'm 65 now and trapped during the boom times so was pretty secretive all those years. Now I only trap private land, some that I've been on since I turned 16, so I'm not afraid to take some new people along that want to learn. We do need more trappers.

Best to keep your mouth shut most of the time.

Not at all, if anyone shows interest I welcome them to join me on my line. There are very few trappers in my area.

My mentor never taught me a thing. After I got more productive than him, we would share hints. I miss old school.

When I get too old to trap I'm gonna open a trapping academy.
BOCO University of the bush.
2 grand for a week tuition and I'll put you to work 8 hours a day.

Yes, you can.

I'm willing to help anyone looking to learn how to make sets/modifications and locate animals on their lines. But ya, somewhat secretive about my productive locations which are way back in on public grounds, no motorized access, walk in only, so it's a long trek.