Children Trappers - (Another short article I dug up , very similar to the other one)

Deep in the hearts of most children there is the hidden spark of an outdoorsman. They long to be like Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn, living off the woods and waters. Or perhaps be adventurous like Lewis and Clark, exploring the unknown woods and waterways around their home. Perhaps they long to live free and roam the mountains like Jim Bridger, Kit Carson and the rest of the Mountain Men of old.

Trapping is a way to allow kids to explore areas they would never have tried to explore before. Trapping also allows kids to get a better understanding of the outdoors and nature. They will learn the habits, tracks, and signs of the animals that inhabit their areas. They will learn which areas are more likely to produce sign, because they are more likely to be traveled and used by the animals.

Young trappers will learn they must take enough of certain animals to sustain a reasonable population. They will learn that high populations of animals can lead to very high rates of diseases such as rabies, parvo, and mange, which will ultimately lead to the death of the animals. And, that by keeping population in decent sustainable levels they can help prevent the spread of disease.

Robert Frost wrote “The woods are lonely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep.” To the trapper the woods may be dark and deep, but they are never lonely. For the trapper knows that he is never alone in the woods, and the animals and birds keep an eye on him as he travels through their realm. The trappers’ promises are that the traps will be checked and the animals harvested, despite the weather or conditions. And, all trappers know when they start to check their lines, that there will be many miles to go before they can sleep

I take a kid trapping every chance I get! All of my boys little rodeo cowboy friends had to help run the line when they spent the night.

Great post.

My six year old loves the adventures!

Kids want to catch something then sell something the excitement of earning that first dollar. The skinning and putting up is a different level of commitment in a younger person today.

Miss running traps with my kids