trapping

just curious as to who traps on here, i myself trap for the benefit of getting out and seeing the woods, the money imake is just a bonus. if it comes down to it trapping could be very beneficial in getting food, fur and other goods.

 

I don't trap anymore,but I haven't forgotten how.I sold out most of my equipment,but I could set out a short trapline if the need arose.I still get the fever every year when the mornings are frosty,and if there's a whiff of skunk in the air,then it's time for a couple aspirin and a cold shower.

 

im only 20, still got many years of trapping ahead of me, learned from my grandpa at around 15 or 16 when i would run the line with him, usually set out footholds on the river for them wiley old coon, try to get a littlemore equipment every year.

 

I've built some 'no kill' types of rabbit traps, but I have yet to test or use them....Won't be of much use here in the city, all I'd catch is some feral cats!
No money in them varmints!

 

When I was 20 we were trapping girls, I guess animals would be more rewarding

 

Yeah, them thar womens are EXPENSIVE to keep around....it's always something, food, clothes, a car, they want everything! The it's anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and THE IN-LAWS! Nah, I'll stick to critters ( 4 legged types!)
LOL!!!
( PLEASE,.....don't tell my wife I said that!)

 

I have and can whenever I feel the time is right. Florida does not allow steel leg traps. I have a supply of snares in multiple sizes, leg traps, crusher traps etc. I also plan on using gill nets in saltwater post SHTF.

 

I went as far as to buy a crayfish ( I call 'em crawfish) trap and duplicated it in hardware cloth...It works! Not a lot of meat.... but hey, it's all about survival right?

 

ive made fish traps, turtle traps and even snapjaw leg traps
used the fish n turtle traps the most when i ran the fish farm
as far as trappin animals, i know how but not gonna unless i have to
snares, livetraps and bullets are much more humane

 

I don't know,if you can find a local banjo maker,cathide is s'posed to make the best banjo head..or so I've been told.Also groundhog hide..

 

Raccoon as a food source?

I have yet to sample Raccoon as a food source. I am unfamiliar with the nugget like musk glands, as to how many there are exactly, and exactly where they are located. Sure would be nice if someone with good knowledge on this, if they could provide photos showing removal of these glands and exactly what they look like.
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Y'all might wonder why the interest. Well in the past I have been quite successful in trapping Raccoon. They are easily lured into position to be caught in a leg hold trap. My present AO is overrun with scads of the masked burglers. If they make decent table fare if prepared properly, I could use an educational upgrade on the subject.
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Anyone out there able and willing to provide the answers?

 

Out of all the books I have I'm unable to find anything about removing glands from coon before cooking.Everything I've found so far says to remove the fat because of a strong taste.IIRC,coons have glands in the armpits and anal glands..just cut a big circle around the anus when you're getting ready to gut the coon,that should take care of those glands.I've never had coon to eat and it's been a long time since I skinned one.I did eat possum once as a teenager and it was good.

 

I have Hoop net's.
Gill nets
Turtle trap
Steel Leg Traps...and...
I built a 4 x 8 Hog Trap...Which i have caught 2 hogs in the last month...
and the good old ''Live'' trap for cat's which i put peanut butter and a little corn in...
and ''Bingo'' Mr. Raccoon is now my guest...

 

I already caughtvone lol, I'm trying to figure out a way to build a coon cuff trap or a dog proof trap out af 1 or 1.5" pipe.

 

Lots of experience in days gone by, still have my equipment out there in the barn, just rather not spend time out there freezing my fingers off setting traps anymore. I do use a lot more live traps in gardening season to rid the area of unwanted garden thieves. Been thinking of setting a few 'yote traps this fall, but probably the cold will get the better of me.

 

I trap as well. Depending on the year though. This year i have a good job and OT at $23/hour so there is no way i can trap and work and make it worth my while.

Let's Talk About Trapping: North American Furbearers, by Jason L. - SurvivalBlog.com

I wrote this last spring.

Jason

 

Jason, I read your blog about trapping. Have you prepared Raccoon for eating? My understanding is to remove scent/musk glands at both the front legs and the rear legs, for a total of four. Can you verify this and maybe provide pictures? Thanks.

 

I've never prepared it myself. I have eaten it from another trapper that cooked it. I honestly would not eat raccoon until my chickens, pigs and cows were gone. At that point i would trap beaver & muskrats then racoons last. They are one of the biggest carriers of rabies and while i think if it was well cooked it would be OK I'm not going to take a chance until i have to. BTW the raccoon i ate was not bad but flat (needed salt).

Jason

 

id stick to deer after my food supply ran out.