Trappers by necessity epitomize ultimate woodsmanship. Something that is dwindling away even among seemingly very successful hunters/fisherman. With the changing hunting/fishing culture there are a decreasing number of folks who can actually go out and read sign, understand how ever changing environmental conditions affect game and make adjustments to be successful. Not much sign reading skills involved in sitting in a blind over a food plot or feeder waiting on a deer. Most of this change in culture can be blamed on the lifestyles we have all become accustomed to. Our jobs, families and other interests demand a lot of our time so we don’t spend as much time in the “wild” as we once did. I think trappers are a small group who have recognized the woodsmanship instinct buried deep inside from generations past and are still trying to foster that instinct. For me I have realized that reading sign is my favorite part of trapping/hunting/fishing, not the actual take. The taking of game is simply a confirmation that the way I interpreted the sign and adjustments I made were correct.

I appreciate all feedback. But stepping aside reality, in searching for something positive and romantic.

Even in the bush you don't run around telling people you are a trapper. They wil just think you are an idiot for busting your nuts for so little green. The traditional trapper had financial motives.

There is money to be made trapping.