Trapping Today

In this episode of the Trapping Today Podcast, Ron Jones talks with us about the difference between a 'location based on method' and a 'method based on location' trapper, establishing draw stations and test sets, offseason work, and advanced luring and baiting strategies. It's an information-packed episode, so get your thinking cap on! Support our sponsors: Kaatz Bros. Lures Fur Harvesters Auction...

In this episode of the Trapping Today Podcast, I have a very special interview with Alaska trapper Jim Firmin.  We talk about the history of trapping and life in the Fort Yukon, Alaska country, how he got started trapping and developed several traplines in the bush, among other topics.  I really enjoy talking with Jim and had a lot of fun recording and editing this one.  I hope you enjoy as well!...

In this episode I'm back with Ron Jones of New Jersey, talking about advanced dog proof trapping methods and snaring particulars. Enjoy!

In this episode, I discuss the contentious issue of whether fisher kill lynx, and go over the results of a scientific study in Maine that documented fisher preying on Canada lynx at a surprisingly high rate.  It's interesting stuff (and very controversial!!!) Support our sponsor, Kaatz Bros. Lures Here's a link to the study overview Want more background on impacts of the Endangered Species Act?  T...

In Episode 72 of the Trapping Today Podcast, we chat with Ron Jones from ACP Wildlife Control Services and Redneck's Pride calls, baits and lures in New Jersey.  Ron is an experienced trapper who uses his intellect to solve challenging situations with problem animals on a daily basis.  He discusses strategies he employs to catch problem animals, and we talk snaring in New Jersey.  I learned a lot...

In this episode I interview Chip Davis from Expand-A-Pan Traps.  We talk about Chip's background, coyote trapping for the live market, Expand-A-Pan Traps, Mississippi Trappers Association, and his role on Clint Locklear's Trapping Radio.  I had a great time chatting with Chip, and hope you enjoy! Support our sponsor, Kaatz Bros. Lures Learn more about Expand-A-Pan Traps:     Expand-A-Pan Website ...

In this episode, I talk about F&W Media's bankruptcy, which may affect the Trapper & Predator Caller magazine.  I then talk about Paws-I-Trip Pan Systems, which is a great add-on to eliminate pan wobble and add pan tension and night latching to jump traps and longspring traps.  I talk about the old time mountain man 'free trapper' mentality, and read an article I wrote about free trappers, and one...

In Episode 69 of the Trapping Today Podcast, I go over news in the trapping world.  The Stan Project is fully funded - thank you to those who donated - THIS IS GOING TO BE GOOD!!!  New Mexico trappers won a recent victory, as the public lands trapping ban was killed in the legislature.  Stay vigilant, this will likely resurface.  Ontario proved its dedication to the Canadian trapping industry by p...

In episode 68 of the Trapping Today Podcast, we talk about the legendary Sam O. White, a Maine-born hunter and trapper who became an Alaska wildlife agent and bush pilot in the early years wildlife management in Alaska.  I read a bunch of excerpts from the book and provide a little bit of personal perspective on what I took away from Sam's story.  Enjoy! Click here to find a copy of "Sam O. White,...

In Episode 67 of the Trapping Today Podcast, I discuss a project close to my heart, The Stan Project, which would result in a documentary series on the life of Yukon Men's Stan Zuray.  I go over the results of North American Fur Auction's March 2019 Fur Auction results and prices for wild fur, and talk about a few other topics. By the way, our friend Kris Pope at Coyote Trapping School, has 70 fiv...

In this episode I go over one of the great trapping and wilderness adventure books of its time.  Mink, Mary and Me was written by Chick Ferguson in 1946.  Copies are expensive and tough to find, but I believe it's well worth the cost. Click here to find a copy of Mink, Mary & Me hardcover The book is now available on Kindle! Click here.

In this episode, I talk about attempts to diminish or ban trapping in state legislatures across the country.  It's a sad reality, but we trappers need to be vigilant to protect our right to continue doing what we love.  On a lighter note, I talk about "The Stan Project", a Kickstarter campaign for a documentary series on Yukon Men's Stan Zuray.  I mention an article on BC trappers that I was a par...

In this episode, I get the chance to talk with Kyle Kaatz from Kaatz Bros. Lures, trapping supply dealer, lure maker, author and entrepreneur.  I always enjoy talking with Kyle, and hope you enjoy tuning in!  

In this episode, I interview John Chagnon from PCS Outdoors and Lenon Lures. We talk about how he got started trapping, his early supply business, the origin of PCS Outdoors, and his role in the legendary Herb Lenon's lure business. Support our sponsor, Kaatz Bros Lures. Check out John's supply company, PCS Outdoors. Check out Lenon Lures. Hope you enjoy, and sorry about the shotty intro - got a c...

In a break from guest interviews, I sit down to catch up with you guys.  It's been a few weeks and there's a lot going on, so I thought this would be nice.  I go over listener feedback and reviews, and answer a few questions.  I also tell the story of my first leg of under ice beaver trapping this winter.  Enjoy, and stay tuned for a couple of great interviews in the coming weeks!

On this episode, I'm joined by Mark Taylor, trapper relations manager and fur grader with Fur Harvesters Auction, Inc.  Mark has an extensive background in trapping, fur handling and fur grading.  We go back and forth on the confusion we trappers often face when it comes to understanding how fur is graded and what all of those symbols and abbreviations on your auction slip actually mean, and how y...

In this episode, I chat with Garrett Volk from Volk Furs up in North Dakota. Garrett is in the center of one of the hottest coyote markets we've ever seen, and specializes in buying western heavy coyotes. We talk about pelt quality, what makes a good coyote, things trappers can do to maximize the value of harvested furs, and his new fur manufacturing business. Find Volk Furs here Support our spons...

In this episode, I interview Kris Pope from Coyote Trapping School.  We talk about his experience trapping fox on the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, his Youtube, Instagram and Facebook presence, the CTS video training course, interacting with antis on social media, trapping around cows, and always keeping an open mind and learning new things in trapping.  Enjoy! Support our sponsor, Kaatz Bros. Check...

In this episode I interview Cole Porter about how he got started trapping, and the challenges and opportunities available for young folks looking to get into trapping today.  Cole talks about all of the different online resources he has used to learn about trapping over the past couple of years.  I really enjoyed the discussion, and hope you do as well! Support: Kaatz Bros. Lures Fur Profit Book T...

In this episode, I discuss my renewed energy to work on a trapping related project this winter.  What do you want to see?  I have ideas on a book, video, product, etc. I tell the story about the farmland weasel trapping adventure with my two young boys. I go over listener emails, questions and feedback. Remember to shoot me an email at jrodwood at gmail.com with feedback.  I'm giving away Kaatz Br...

In this episode I give some updates from my big woods marten and fisher trapline.  I go over a number of topics we'll be discussing in future podcast episodes.  I then read some listener emails and answer a couple of questions.  I also discuss my Long Distance Call predator call lure. I always love to hear feedback from you guys, please feel free to shoot me an email at jrodwood@gmail.com.  I'm al...

In this episode I talk about trying to stay legal with a complex set of trapping regulations.  I mention a cleanup in the fur shed in preparation for the fur handling season.  I also read another excerpt from "Hunters of the Northern Forest".  One of the more interesting parts of this reading is the high value trappers earned from a few months' work on the line.  Adjusted for inflation, these old...

In this episode, I go over the latest from my marten line, including a painful trapline check in deep, wet snow.  I provide a fur market forecast, with updates from North American Fur Auctions and Fur Harvesters Auction, and include my fur price predictions by species.  Enjoy! Sign up for the Kaatz Bros. newsletter here NAFA Fur Market Forecast FHA Fur Market Forecast Fur Profit Book

In this episode, I'm getting ready and excited to get back out on the trapline!  I give an update on the line and plans moving forward.  I talk a little about topics we'll discuss in future episodes, and read an excerpt from Richard K. Nelson's "Hunters of the Northern Forest", a book about native trappers from Chalkyitsik, Alaska in the 1970's.  Enjoy! Click here to buy a copy of Hunters of the N...

In this episode I talk about our January in November here in northern Maine, and discuss my transition to running the trapline on snowmobile!  I also mention Dave Vander Meer's book, "Call of the Wilderness".  Click here to find a copy of the book.  Enjoy!