How many of you remember Laverne Israelson know as Swede? I bought most of my traps from him at his business in thief river falls Mn. One day while at his shop I saw a box of new shinny Newhouse 4 1/2’s lying on the floor. I’d always wanted one but they were $25 and that was a lot of money in early 70’s. I picked one up and we talked about it and I asked if he could set one with out a setter. He said no and that he had never had anyone able to do it. I said I thought I could and he said no you won’t b able to. Now I was 18 years old and 160 lbs 6’1 3/4” string bean some would say I preferred cable or coyote type. For years first thing I did every morning was 200 pushups upon rising plus Charles Atlas exercises so at least I had that going for me. I put the trap on the floor stepped on the springs and grabbed the Jaws and gave a try. I came pretty close with Swede saying no no no you won’t do it and up came the springs. I tried several more times and each time Swede would be saying you won’t do it And then being the stubborn and hating being told I can’t do it person I am I put another Hurculean effert with Swede saying no ! No ! No! And all of a sudden the jaws opened up and the dog went over and the trap was set. I can see Swede like it was yesterday standing there with his mouth open. Boy I wish I had bought that trap. Still don’t own one but I might just buy one yet at a convention this year. Swede was a great guy to do business with and I’ve still got his trapping books and think I’ll just read them again for old time sake. Live for today but don’t forget yesterday.

Great memories and great story.

We need Trapstickman to illustrate this Herculean effort.

Learned alot from his books. Don't have them anymore. Started using all my square jaw 2#cs fox traps for mink after reading his mink trapping book back in the seventies.

I think I still have his mink trapping book. Knew nothing about him other than that book. I thought it was pretty good at the time I bought it about 1975 I think.

Great story Oakey and ...you should have bought the trap...lol

Same here after reading his mink starting using all my visitor #2 coil and Herters for mink and muskrat. Worked great just like he said That was 49 years ago, hard to believe

I had a few of his lures. I believe they were in plastic bottles.

I learned how to set them over my knee about 45 years ago.

i still have all his books here his beaver book is like an encyclopedia on trapping them. learned alot from them back in early 70s

Swede had an easy to comprehend style of writing. Lots of little tips and tricks.

Bought his mink book as a kid It was well done. Believe he preferred Victor 2 coils for mink.

I purchased Laverne "Swede" Israelson's home in 2014. Lots of stories from the local community. I would love to find the collection of books he wrote. Any memories or stories anyone is willing to share is much appreciated.

Cool story and memory!

TNelson, I have several extras of a couple of Swedes books. I buy every one I come across I'm gone until the end of the month, I'll take inventory when I get home and let you know

I had been to Swedes house in town with my dad and his place in the country several times. Attended his final auction. Wish I had money then lol

Steve

I saw a guy set a new out of the box 4 1/2 Newhouse over his knee in the Pacific Fur room in Spokane. He said it would make a good hind foot beaver trap. Picked it up and set it like it was nothing to it. He was 5' 8" and about 160 lbs. He had my attention.

Steve,

I bought the country property.

I am very interested in any books you might be willing to part with.

Thank you for your willingness to help me out.

Travis Nelson

Travis, I'm working in ND, I'll be home in a couple weeks and will take inventory of what I have. I know i have a few extras stashed away, I bought a hand full of his books last year at a gun show in Rapid City of all places. Didn't take them all, should have for what I paid for them.

I think I'm missing is beaver book, if anyone has one or ten they will part with let me know.

Steve,

Circling back on this. If you have any books let me know.

You can give me a call. 218.686.9933

Travis Nelson

Travis I was thinking about you on Sunday. I dug one out of my stash and donated it to an auction. Not to worry I'm well stocked with his weasel trapping book. I may have an extra copy of his Fox book.


I live south of you 20 minutes. We can hook up some day .I'm out of town for a few weeks.