Do you like or allow people to watch you set traps. I just received a call from a member on a watershed authority.
He's a nice fellow. But, I'm very particular about who i have with me. I've had it to backfire on me and lose money.
Knowing how the negotiations went with the contract. I feel i could be teaching or showing someone to take my job site.
I have in the past made it clear that i don't operate that way. Maybe he's curious, maybe a little of both.
I do show him the catches made and he takes photos for proof and to show other board members.
This is my lively hood. So, i will respectively decline his offer when i talk to him again.
What's your thoughts on this.
Sarge

Absolutely not.
Dont need anyone tagging along to get in your way,slow you down and likely have to babysit.

And thats not to mention protecting your trade secrets.

I thought modern trappers share all their knowledge to promote trapping?

Not if your ADC trapping. It would be like a lure maker telling or showing his/her trade secrets.

This

Sounds like a set up to me. I say NO

What if you make a part of your living fur trapping, and or sewing, should you give up trade secrets? You know recreational trappers are giving up your trade secrets everyday.

What if..... what if ..... you will where yourself arguing what if.....

I gave up hobby trapping long ago. Strictly money or hunting/fishing rights in exchange.

I don't mind, don't like it though, because I've learned folks are going to do what they are going to do. I'd rather they learn to do it right rather than jack some crap up and give us trappers a bad name.

Besides the fact they are going to try to take it on themselves only one of two things are going to happen. One they realize how much work and effort it is and call me when they give it up and readily pay more or we have a new trapper doing it right. Win Win in my book.

I brought my uncle along Once. His overactive bladder was an issue. He would stand up in the boat and take a leak but most of it went in the boat and sloshed around on my critters.

Nope. Never again!

LOL, When you have to go, and seconds count....

When I'm working in the boat and the urge hits I go right in the boat, safer when its windy then trying to stand at the rail and go overboard....Too many guys lost trying to get it all over the side.

5 gallon bucket with lid for #1 & 2.

Heres a trade secret-carry a pissjug in your boat.

LOL

The ultimate (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) jug ...is an empty windshield washer jug
Cut an opening and you have a handle and wind deflector ...works Pissah !

I don't have a problem getting it over the side, but man the water sure is cold!

I’ve taken a very select few people setting and checking. My brother, my children, and a very well respected local longliner who no longer traps. He was gracious enough to ride along and give me some pointers and show me around the lines he used to run and get me permission from landowners he knows. He even offered to let me use all of his hundreds of fully modified bobcat traps outfitted with J.C. Connor drags. And he also happens to be my boss, and he said he’d let me use my PTO to take one day a week off work all trapping season, so that I can work 3 days a week and trap 4. Point is I’m not worried about him messing with my stuff.

I only let people I trust completely see my line. I can’t afford to be replacing traps, and if someone were to take a bobcat from my set they might as well be grabbing $300+ right out of my wallet.

Being a contracted job adds a whole other aspect and yet more reasons to say no.

Deep too…

That's what you get for washing your hands.