I’ve gotten older and as such, standing up after making a set is getting harder all the time. It’s even harder in chest waders after crawling up a steep bank. I hate to think of carrying a fancy walking pole like my wife uses for her daily walks. Yet, I find myself reaching for anything 2 ft or longer to make standing easier. Haha, don’t get me started on crossing streams in murky water!

For those of you who are too stubborn to quit trapping because of age, what do you use to help you stand after making dirt sets?

I'm not older but do have back go out periodically, problems with legs working corect and balance that comes and goes. I genuinely like a walking stick about 6" taller than I am. it helps geting up and down, with balance on uneven ground and makes a very nice brace/ rest for better shooting. I usually just cut a young sassafras off at the start of squirrel seasion and it stays in the back of my truck all year. Started out so I could have a rest and not need to get to a tree to lean on just to have line of sight blocked when I got there. With the stick I have a rest everywhere and when I have clear line of sight.

I quickly discovered It made me more stable on uneven ground, steeping over logs and easier up and down ditches. The saplings grow everywhere here, grow to thick and need thinned out work and are free.

Get a ski pole to use as a walking tool and lifter.

I use an aluminum ski pole now and will probably have to rely on it more this coming season. As the saying goes, getting older is a b#%^*+>€, but it’s better than the alterative.

I use a broken hockey stick. The blade is snapped off so it's just a stick with a padded grip area. I put a screw in the bottom and leave it hanging out of the stick. That is what I hook the chain or cable on when I want to pull the set. Once you use it, you will just want it everyday. It can be useful for letting critters go to the light or go to the woods. They are free too. Hockey rinks and schools are full of them.

I tried the ski pole, but they are too flimsy for me. I need something stronger. Get a hockey stick and you won't look back!

I made my own trapping basket and beefed it up a bit so I could use it for getting up and I could sit on it if needed.
I also have a walking/dispatch stick I made from a limb that grew straight up from the main limb.
I left it somewhat of a tee at the top for hooking something to help me up a hill
I also put a 3" brass screw in the bottom and ground the head into a point. I also wrapped the bottom 6" with 12 gauge copper wire so it would be less likely to break, and find a trap underwater when needed.
And later down the road I can cut it down to be used as a cain.

A hook on the end for grabbing trees while crawling up banks and hills makes a lot of sense

I use a pulp hook on some real steep creek banks.

On land I’ve learned to use a five gallon bucket to get my knees straight then stand the rest of the way up, I’m 6’2” so it can be a challenge.

I use a 6 gallon bucket, its a few inches taller than a 5 gallon one.

I have a telescoping walk staff i use when off-roading as I have a bad leg and foot and walking on rough terrain is hard.

Out of all the tools in my watertrapping arsenal , my 6 foot walking/trapping hook is the most essential and I don't do any scouting or trapping without it. From helping me to keep my balance navigating the swamps, creeks, and waterways, to checking water depth and bottom composition before taking that questionable step into the unknown, it is my most helpful friend on the line. Many extra steps are saved by using the hook for grabbing things that are alway just out of reach. I wrap the upper third of the stick stick with orange tape to not forget it when leaning against cattails and swamp grass while wading and making sets. Comes in handy for dispatching critters and finding traps in the muck. When traversing the bank along the waters edge I do alot of checking for unseen holes and sudden drops that might be hidden by tall vegetation which could turn a good day into a very bad one.
When boat trapping it is an extension of my arms when setting and pulling sets and checking water depth before getting out of boat. To me it is essential as a good pair of waders and I don't leave home without it.
As for what little land trapping I do nowadays I use a thick kneeling pad and a tile spade when standing back up if necessary.
I will be 76 next fall and " slow and steady" is the key to continued trapping for me.

A 6' walking stick....a gaff type hook on one end... Walking, helping to stand, balance, dragging stuff out of the truck bed....Indispensable.

Great ideas guys. I'm not quite there yet but it probably won't be too long.

tater rake, does it all and more

I never leave the house with a ski pole. Got one in the back of the truck at all times and in hand 90 percent of the time.

I use an old hockey stick with the blade gone, very heavy duty and will take a lot of weight to help me get up.