Curious to hear opinions on if it would be remotely possible for someone to head to AK and attempt to catch a wolverine without having a remote cabin etc. Interested in hearing the holdups, potential, etc to entertaining this idea.

Ask Bruce T

LMAO!!!
Without a guide, it would be extremely difficult.

Are there any trapping guide businesses currently operating? There was a lodge on the Denali hiway that used to, I believe.
How much money you willing to shell out, 160?

In my opinion you would need to know ahead of time exactly where to go. You'd need a means of getting around the area....snowshoes........or a machine.....it would need to be an area with a known population and you would need some type of shelter, heat, food etc. Traps, snares, bait. Lots of logistics. Oh.......and i would say you should budget at least a month on the ground.

As others have mentioned a 'guided' trip would improve but not guarantee your odds of success.
Just winging it on your own I would say the probability of success is approaching zero.

Yeah, I don't know about "guided". Checking someone else's traps just doesn't do it for me. Sure would love to figure out how to make it happen to catch one though. Not sure how else to go about it.

Guided isn't exactly checking someone else's traps. They would be your traps, you would just be guided in where to put them. Almost certainly, a guided trip would greatly increase your chances of success.
If you were to come up here to catch a few marten, or a lynx, maybe a couple fox, go up north and catch an Arctic fox, those could all be doable without help. The wolverine is a different story.

I appreciate the info. Lynx would be another bucket list critter. I guess I need to make better friends with some folks up north!

DYI haul rd. Not much for lodging. i would do it early spring. Maybe rent a camper

I know of a particular village in SW Alaska where a few mile four wheeler ride will get you into high density (relatively speaking) wolverine numbers. Generally you won't need a snowmachine.

You would have to arrange for lodging, wheeler rental, and a generous amount of time.


So, it is possible, probably won't be real cheap though.

Or, we could hold another auction! White17, you up for it?

Sure just as soon as my new heart-lung machine gets here with a 6 month power pack !

Still in the process.Just on delay right now due to my heart attack earlier this year.Be next year or the year after.

I’ve often wondered if that was possible. I drove the Dalton last October and saw a lot of active beaver sign in the creeks. Actually saw a marten running around in the parking lot at the Arctic Circle sign. I wasn’t sure if it gets slammed with road trappers. Certainly no one is trapping all the way to Deadhorse?

Or stay with Sue! Cruise your line in style with that gigantic buggy she has.

I met a guy in October who was working at the Coldfoot camp. Said there was lots of marten around. Likely could be a wolverine somewhere. Expensive way to get one, staying at Coldfoot. Unlikely there's a reasonable cost way tho.

Yep, that's the way to do it, have a job on the slope and use the company truck to check your line after work.
It's been done before!

I would set up camping on something on the side of the road in a pullover area.

I would suggest that setting close to pull over areas would be a fine way to catch some trucker or tourist's dog. Get off the road!

Pete

I had the guy in the tire shop in Coldfoot tell me the same thing.

Wolverine trapping on the slope by a non-resident has to be one of the worst ideas I can imagine.
Wolverine trapping by an Alaska resident trapper that has spent years learning his trapping grounds is still one of the great challenges any trapper faces. And other than maybe a handful of Village dumps, any trap line that has a population still doesn't have many.
They range far and wide, and if/when a wolverine does indeed visit a set, everything better be functioning and perfect. It might be the only shot you get for the season.
I trapped southeast Alaska for several decades and chased gulo for years, sometimes actually being successful!
For me, they are the Holy Grail of trapping in North America, so I understand the desire to catch one. However, like a 10' Brown Bear, a 60" moose, or a 40" ram, they are not common, and for a non-resident trapper from the lower 48, attempting a DIY adventure with the goal of going home with a wolverine pelt is very likely to result in a huge dent in one's bank account and no wolverine.

I agree with Rusty NewHouse.

I always hear about how it’s dang near impossible to find an area that isn’t being trapped already, and road trapping is impossible due to pressure. Is that true or just true within 50 miles of a town? Ive driven about 75% of the road system, it seems like there is miles and miles of road that are a long ways from civilization. You’d expect to find a line or a road trapper every 1/4 mile on the road system? It’s always puzzled me since it is easy to trap public land here and never cross paths with another trapper on a much smaller scale than the distances in Alaska. I’ll never come up and non-resident trap but I’ve always wondered and usually get snarky answers when I have asked.

I once made a post about the lack of trapping sign along most of the Richardson Hiway. Caught some flak from a couple guys but I still don't see much sign. Might be driving that way tomorrow. Of course land ownership plays a part in who may, or may not trap along that road.

In the Juneau area, which has a very small road system, there are several issues at play. First are setbacks from the road, then the extremely dense foliage, then land ownership. There is a lot of Forest Service land, but most of it is non-productive and very difficult to simply go over-land, and nearly impossible in deep snow.
There are MANY trail systems, and they used to be closed to trapping within 1/4 mile on either side, (the roads still are). I spent several years working with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the the Board of Game, and together we were able to get that modified to be able to use elevated small traps as well as submerged traps within 50 yards of most trails, which opened up many opportunities for trappers.
However, the southeast area in general, and Juneau in particular is extremely steep, and the only real areas accessible are the river valleys, which are where said trails are. Those trails have been hammered by "road trappers" for a century and hold few furbearers. You can compete with others for a few beaver and otter, and there are also mink and even, (maybe), a couple marten, but you will indeed be met with hostility and likely snapped or stolen traps.
I'm sure there are areas in southeast that one could make a few sets, but when looking for a place to catch a wolverine, you are looking at needing serious local knowledge, likely a boat, knowledge regarding local tides, inlets, mountain and valley access, and a place to stay, probably for most of the season.
Then there is having or getting the proper equipment, clothing, footgear, traps and bait.
And you will need local help.

Thanks Viking. That was the sort of explanation I was curious about and makes total sense in an area with limited road access. Is the 1/4 mile setback just in Juneau area or is that statewide for any road?

I wouldn't consider trapping anywhere on the "road system"; especially trying to trap wolverine.

There are opportunities though, particularly in SW Alaska, on the peninsula. Lot's of fur (except for marten), very little trapping competition, and relatively mild weather...except for the wind.

Getting it organized would be some work, but not impossible.
For example; it could start by working for a salmon processing plant, getting in good with the plant superitendant, etc..
It is do-able.

Did I mention the wind?

There are a couple of others that followed in Juneau's steps. Yakutat and Skagway come to mind.
As waggler points out, it could be done with the right research, and wallet. And lots of time.

Oh Pete, don't be cruel to Bruce..

You should be kind to him like Ken was.... just keep an eye out for the knife in ur back.......

Bruce has planned to move to another state or go wolverine trapping every year for the last five years. And he mentioned a book writing too. Usually stater about this time of year and he asks a ton of questions to get responses then by spring we dont hear nothing about it again. I figure the odds are in his favor that eventually he'll do one of them. But I've been wrong before.

Well, according to Bruce, he has killed over 700 bucks, so he's probably too busy hunting deer to be bothered with caretaking a lodge and trapping wolverine anyway........sigh.

Ur getting confused there lover boy, lay off the booze, its 330 that's single not Bruce, and maybe on the desperate side.

No, Savell knows what he's talking about. Ol' Bruce was preparing a full-on mission to not only trap wolverine in Alaska this year but also take care of a lodge over the long winter, assuming responsibility for its well-being.
Heck, Bruce already had a winter's worth of moose meat in the lodge's freezer, bait for sets and all the traps he would ever need!

The only thing missing is Bruce!

Yes I'm with u I'm just referring to Savell's flirting

This is the lamest forum. Does anyone here actually trap? The posts from the few guys that actually give trapline reports don’t get a single response then you have these threads just totally full of nonsense. I’m embarrassed to even have an account here.

Then leave. I trapped Alaska nearly every year since 1983, and yes, trapped my share of wolverine. And I assure you, there are some of the most successful, accomplished Alaska trappers you would care to imagine on this forum. Of course, if YOU were one of them, you wouldn't have posted what you did.
So, now that we are graced with a genuine expert, please, wow us with your wit and wisdom.

Supercub, isn't it time you started another wolverine trapping thread.
There are 6 members on this thread who live in Alaska., including me. All of us have around 40 years, give or take, each of trapping in Alaska. I arrived in 1978. I believe I'm the only one who has trapped with an airplane, tho only for marten. Oh, and only with a lowly Citabria.
We do like to poke fun at those with unreal expectations of Alaska.

What is a trapline report?

Supercubtrapper

Where have you been prior to joining this forum in February 2025. Or are you really a trapper? Your post suggests to me you are not a trapper but might just have another agenda coming on here and writing what you did!
This thread is full of honest advice so what’s specifically is your beef? How about a picture of your cub with catch.

To 160

One thing I think needs to be said here. Alaska Interior is where I have trapped since the early 70's and I have not trapped anywhere else. I have trapped in several drainages in the Interior. A long time ago I came to the realization that the Interior is basically HUNGRY COUNTRY! To finance a trapline you have to travel many miles. Most of us have.

The information provided to you here reflects what I am saying. Wolverine are one target species that are a challenge. They are here today gone tomorrow. So to come to Alaska and think you can score just driving the highway system and catch one is possible yes with enough time but not likely.

Then there is the possibility that doing so your probably would run into someone's trapline. Like I said previously we trap HUNGRY COUNTRY unlike where you come from. Trapperman has opened my eyes to fur populations in the outside trapping world. So many come here and think that they can trap anywhere and cause conflicts thinking they have the right to trap anywhere because its public land. Alaska Trappers have a code of ethics and respect for established traplines is one!

We all on here have served our time. You can take the posts on here as honest assessments and advice.

Thank You
Oh Snap

This thread derailed a bit.

I was just curious about how you guys established lines up there. Just curious from things I observed during my traveling up there. Thanks for the people that gave honest insight.

Either purchase or goven one or research and cut one.

With Google Earth it makes it easy to see open country!

Once you have one use is the best way to keep it.

Trapline report. It is blowing like a banshee! Carry a chainsaw. The dead spruce are coming down. For the pilots, not flying weather. Even the wolverine were blowing by in the wind.

Quick check-in Trapping Report from Oregon: Had a break in the weather and got after some muskrats. Took 31 and pulled sets. Medical procedure tomorrow but will re-deploy soon. No sign of Gulo Gulo yet. OUT.

Oh Snap makes it 7 experienced Alaska trappers on this thread. Additionally, 3 of us, OH Snap, Pete, and myself, serving on the ATA Board of Directors.
Rock creek. It's all mostly gentleman's agreement with established lines. That doesn't mean there isn't any problems from time to time.

I would suggest that setting close to pull over areas would be a fine way to catch some trucker or tourist's dog. Get off the road!

Pete
[/quote]Like I said that would be a place to stay.Not where I would set a trap

Stuff happens.Sometimes things don’t always go as planned and a person adjusts.Called replanning

Since the effort is going to take money, let's start with just how much money are you willing to spend to do this? I would say the more your willing to spend, at least to some extent, the more likely you will be successful.

160; following along with Martentrapper's thinking..........you might want to read this thread if you haven't already.

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/21/1/wilderness-trapping-and-living-archive

I live in Anchorage and drive 2-3 hours each way to run my trapline. Many others drive even further...

I know for fact the Glenn highway from Anchorage to Glennallen is pretty much all covered by trappers(granted some free space can still be found).
Also the Richardson highway from Glennallen to Delta Junction is fairly well locked down by a number of trappers.
The Parks highway from Wasilla to Cantwell has a decent number of trappers on it also.

Some of the trappers run road lines just using their trucks to check sets etc. Others get after it on foot or snowmachine/atvs.

Why I did not go was my heart attack and not being able to get 6 months supply of medication at one time

So instead, you built an addition and are now moving to, was it Colorado? I can't keep you straight. Good luck on your next "adventure" Bruce.

Was this the guy that had a frozen waste line crisis? Asking for a friend.

Finally got my addition built.Only going to be living part year in another state becoming a resident in that state. will still be living in Maine part of the year.Making a trip out there this summer.Not Colorado.Will post about it when it happens.Most likely sometime in July.Thanks,Bruce

Bruce, to become a resident won't you have to stay there for a year? It's that way in Alaska. 12 consecutive months. Additionally, won't you have to give up your Maine residencey? I assume all 50 states don't allow double residency.

6 months in Oregon. I don't remember where his next fantasy is taking him. Might have been Arizona, where there is no trapping on public land at all. Maybe he knows a giant landowner!

Viking, Az. allows cage trapping on public land.

Maybe Bruce can get a wolverine in a cage, in Arizona. Now that would make the news.

High five from the trapline Bruce. 40 lb accident.

Some states 4 months,some 6 months.All are diffrent with diffrent rules.Yes I would have to give up my Maine residencey which is why I just bought my Lifetime trapping,hunting and fishing licenses in Maine.Visiting Arizonia this coming winter with plans in the works for Alaska the winter after when my truck is all paid off.

Just so you Bruce, if you become an Alaskan resident. You will not be able to use the lifetime Maine license. Are lifetime Maine licenses offered to non-residents?

Not going to become a Alaska resident.My lifetime licenses are good no matter where I live.I just have to change it to a nonresident Maine lifetime license if I become a resident in another state..I aleady asked all that when getting them at Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Different states are different on their lifetime licenses. But most, if you buy the lifetime license it is good for your lifetime unless you get it revoked for game violations. Doesn't matter if you move out of state. Tags and ability to hunt/trap/fish species that aren't available equally to residents and nonresidents vary however. I know here, if you move out of state, your license is still good, but you must pay nonresident price for any tags each year. Not sure how it works with them changing deer and elk nonresident tags to a draw recently. I don't know if you can still buy them over the counter like a resident, but for a nonresident price, or if you have to put in for a draw like regular nonresidents. I know the hound permit has been a draw for nonresidents for many years, so virtually all houndsmen who move out of Idaho buy their lifetime license first, because they can buy a hound permit every year, without putting in for the draw, they do have to pay nonresident price for it though.

16.05.940 (28)(4) is not obtaining benefits under a claim of residency in another state, territory, or country. I see Maine has both a resident and non-resident lifetime licenses. There is a $400 difference between the two. My guess would be if you had a Maine resident lifetime license. the became a Alaskan resident. You could not use you lifetime Maine license while in Maine. You would have to purchase non-resident license and tags.

Nope, Maine just changes your address on your lifetime Maine licenses and I can still use it.I would not have to pay for a non-resident license and tags.

Now have both a guide and a cabin in Chitina Alaska.Will happen Fall,winter 2027.I'm headed to Alaska.Top on my list is a wolverine and a wolf.

Good luck my friend.

Good luck, Bruce. You have increased your odds by a hundred-fold. And have a great time. Chasing wolves and wolverine is sport at its finest. And when you connect? Oh, man, what a rush! Every time.

Is the cabin actually in Chitina? Guides name a secret?

Chitina, Copper river area as a whole.The trapping area itself is in McCarthy.I might be trapping with a past trapper of the year of Alaska.My guide travels to Maine every year chasing those big bucks on the snow.I'm suppose to meet up with him over coffee in that time frame and get more information at that time.

What do you all think of the No Bs extreme traps for wolverine?Would the Extreme jrs be big enough for a wolverine?

Just use your guide's traps.

Would still like to use some of my own.Help him out if I can.

The NO BS Extremes were my favorite. Actually, after getting my hands on them, I sold all my other "wolverine" traps. They are excellent.

Very nice.Does that include the extreme jr’s as well or just the extremes which are a bigger trap?

Boxes or 5 gal. buckets with 330 size conibears are the go to trap these days. I suppose you want some wolf traps too. Alaskan no. 9 are top notch wolf foothold traps. Made here in Alaska.

Don’t forget to bring a canoe

Since I had to run down towards Chitina today, I thought I'd snap a few pictures of some road signs, since the weather was too socked in for seeing much else. The Chitina and surrounding areas has been the locations of my primary traplines for over 50 years. It's been a good place to have been raised and lived at for virtually my whole life. During the summer, this area becomes over-run with people, coming from everywhere for the dip-netting of the salmon, which is the first major run of sockeye salmon each year in Alaska, starting in May. It's only about 2 hours from the ocean, but far enough into the interior to be away from the coastal-type weather. The last sign is the one you see as you leave Chitina, heading towards McCarthy. The narrow rock cut just beyond the sign, used to be a tunnel, but they blasted the top out so bigger/higher loads and equipment could be hauled to McCarthy. The sign has been shot so many times, it's hard to read, but it says: McCarthy 60 miles

The 2nd to last picture are signs at the beginning of the McCarthy road.

See that sign saying "National Park"? What did I say about you trapping in the park, Bruce?
Betcha Wolverinebait knows Jim Geib.

Wolverinebait, I see your coming from a different direction to get to Chitna. Thanks for that different view. I never saw it like that.

Totally doable. There’s a delta force cat who came up with a truck and trailer, two wall tents and a snow go with an out of state license and absolutely killed it. He got rats and beaver for bait then proceeded to catch marten, link, Wolverine and wolves as an out of state non resident!

https://youtu.be/_tYK9oFOsCI?is=BowqT6dKoaL6WpRL

Nice pictures.Thanks for posting.

Awesome.Thanks for posting.

Gotta believe the guy had contacts up here. Pretty hard to come up here blind and find what he supposedly, "found"! Additionally, money spent to bring all that up by truck and what was spent to trap would far exceed money from fur sold!

Its not about making a profit but all about adventure and memories for me anyways.

Maybe made enough on REBATE! LOL.