11-17-09 Arcadia Environmental Class Day- I hauled in 2 totes and a cardboard box of traps, furs, books and stretchers.  I was greeted @ the door by helpful students. I then met teacher Steve Schank in the lunchroom and he helped carry the stash to the classroom.

As the 20 young men filed into the room it was apparent that the highlight for them would be to handle the display items. I started the session with a brief description of our Wisconsin fur-bearers and traps and techniques for each. We talked about the role of the trapper in the intricate web of nature-how we have a responsibility and a respect for the resources. This was followed by a “hands-on” session. All of the traps I brought along were successfully set (and snapped) without incident. The tanned furs were well examined. A lively discussion ensued about the prefered media for receiving information by this age group. We appreciate their advice as it will  help us to be better @ getting information to a wider audience.

The following week the school bus driven by FFA teacher, Steve Shank arrived @ noon.  20 students enthusiastically piled out of the bus. They had been told to wear the highest boots they had. I also had 2 pairs of waders for them to use.

First we all gathered around the demo dirt pile by the showroom and I demonstrated my version of the pocket set for coon and mink.

Next we all embarked through the pasture downstream in Muir Creek to check some traps. The walk brought stories of observations the students had made since our time together in the classroom.

At each set all gathered around to hear about the set. The first set, a pocket set, was sprung with a stick in the jaws allowing the visitor, probably a mink, to slip away. We ended up with a muskrat and a coon for the day which were whisked to the Trap Shack. As all 22 of us clamored into the Shack, the request went up to skin the muskrat. The attentive students crammed together on the couch, chairs and fleshing bench as I showed my skinning method.

The promise of Cowboy Kenny cookies which Sue and Hawken had baked brought everyone to attention as we had a group photo in front of the Showroom. Cookies were devoured instantaneously. Then it was time to look @ and test equipment, try on fur hats, admire the tanned pelts and ask questions. Lure and bait smelling was a popular activity-men are like canines-the worse it smells the more we want to smell it! I sure enjoyed interacting and sharing information with this group. It is great to observe the enthusiasm to listen and learn. A big thanks to Mr. Schank for allowing us the opportunity to do this.

Tom Roskos