Photo: Muskrat trappers surrounded by their catch in Salem County, NJ. c.1900. The photo was likely taken in the marshes of Lower Alloways Creek Township. The trappers are identified from left to right as J. Zimmerman, C. Elwell, F. Willis, and Ike Brandiff.
In the background, leghold traps hang, a method now banned in New Jersey. Above the group are numerous muskrats, and muskrat pelts are drying on wooden stretchers attached to the side of a building.
During this period, it was common for men to farm during the summer and trap during the winter to supplement their income. This seasonal practice was an important part of the local economy and way of life not just in New Jersey but all across America

Very cool. It sure would be something to visit with the fellas in that picture!

X2.

That's my back yard. I'm sure I've been on whatever creek they were trapping. Willis and Elwell are still common names here.

I remember being a kid in the 70's. My cousins farmed (we did too) and they trapped muskrats in the winter. Had a mobile home on the farm just for muskrat processing and put up hundreds of muskrats every winter. I went out with them a few times to tend traps. Had muskrat pie at their house once or twice. Didn't even think it was odd at 10 years old. I would probably decline the offer for muskrat pie now. The local fire hall still has a muskrat dinner fundraiser each fall though.

That cousin and I fought over a girl one summer when we were 15. I lost. The next day, I met my to-be wife.

Great story maintenanceguy.

And they didn't have conibears !

Must of been Lenon Lures Muskrat Super All Call in the testing years.