Curious if anyone else sets goals as to the number of critters they hope to catch during a trapping season? I.e. say set a goal to catch 5 bobcats, 5 -7 coyotes, 12 -18 mink, 12 -18 marten, 3- 5 beaver, 3 - 5 otter.
Yes that is probably nothing for some that are always turning in high numbers, but here where have to contend with bunny snugglers, skinney skiers and snowshoers following your trail and messing with cage traps in anywhere between 2 to 3.5 feet of snow because they think they are the only ones that should be allowed to use the woods in the winter I feel that would be a reasonable goal.

Everyone is different and what might seem like a small catch to one trapper would seem like a great season to another. Also not every trapper has the same amount of critters to catch. Good luck I hope you surpass your goals.

It is my personality to set goals and I used to do it for trapping.

Now, I just set the goal of getting out more and enjoying my time.

Good luck on yours!

Your goal are your goals. Regardless of if it's trapping, fitness, career, financial ect.. Its what makes you happy and satisfied in your situation not others. Unless someone has need for validation or to show off ie keep up with the Jones look at me.


When I started trapping it was can I catch anything, then it went to how many, different species then sets, traps, snare, left front catch and on.

Do what makes you happy and works for you and your situation. Some years you may be able to only make a few sets tor a few days other years maybe things work out and you can trap all season and put out 100 sets plus. If you try to compete with or keep up with others in their different situations than yours you likely will not end up being very happy and it won't be much fun.

Edit now if it's personal goals absolutely go for it.

Mine is to get under 200 pounds before my check up every year. jk

I set goals. I try to keep them realistic with a little stretch to them.

I used to, but not anymore. I concentrate more on managing my line to be as efficient as I can be. One thing I still like to do is when prospecting I like to estimate how many are available to harvest from that area and then how I do in that section of my line, which I find more valuable to me than total numbers as based on many factors I don't know how much of the line I may be able to set each season.

Bryce

THIS^^ Sage advice!

Goals are goals. But not absolutes. It’s not like on Canadian registered traplines where exact numbers are expected. At the end of the season, I’m just glad I got out trapping. There have been many seasons where time with family would have suffered if I trapped as much as I wanted. So, I don’t set goals and more than not just enjoy what I catch.

… no… just find sign… set it and let the chips fall where they may

I think setting a goal is a good enticement for a younger trapper to keep plugging along and not give up. I am by no stretch of the imagination a young trapper but next season I hope to catch 25 bobcats in New York State.