Dec. 10, ’09-What a wonderful trapping season! Prime fur, an abundance of fur-bearers and moderate weather have made this a great season to date. There has been a steady stream of trappers coming through the showroom to replenish their supplies.  A big “Thank You” for letting us serve you!

My first attempt @ catching coyotes has left the stretchers empty. I was using Sleepy Creek # 1  1/2 off-set coilsprings in dirthole sets. I used combinations of Mark June’s Widowmaker Paste Bait and Fox Frenzy Lure and Grawe’s Fox Urine. No coyotes but the fox sure worked over the sets. The padding I put under the pan didn’t allow the traps to fire properly-I will try another approach when I re-set after the big snow. What do you like to use for keeping the underside of the pan free of dirt?  In any event this canine trapping looks like fun.

Gene Prudlick told his story of catching his fishers this week. It was going over and around his trail set guarded with a 160 bodygrip but willingly came to a dirthole set in the same location baited with Grawe’s Fat Cat Bait. His coon caught in the last week have been huge and prime-mostly in the mid 20 pound range. Gene likes the off-set traps for his land line.

Another trapper from Arcadia reported catching very large coon also. Many people are fleshing and stretching their coon this year. Well handled furs always bring the most money but more importantly it is a great way to show respect to the animals we catch.

I had a good visit with Jimmy Ellis last week.His coon and coyote catch keeps increasing. The Belisle 160′s continue to work well for him for coon and the Minnesota Brand trap are his favorite for coyote. Talk turned to under ice beaver and muskrat trapping when the ice gets thick.

There is alot of interest in beaver trapping again this year. For me there is a deep sense of satisfaction in seeing a flat prime stretched beaver pelt-the feeling is enhanced by knowing the time it takes to put them  up right.

We’ve been getting lot of requests for Grawe’s FAT CAT Predator Bait.  People have been telling us this is a supreme coyote bait but it is also very appealing to red and grey fox, coon and even fisher. Though it has been hard to get we have a good supply in stock.

We love to hear your stories-please feel free to log on under “comments” and share your stories and what’s working for you!

Doc Tom