Old Time Lessons On Catching Animals For Fur: A Comprehensive Guide

In the days before modern conveniences, people relied on fur trapping to provide warmth, shelter, and food. Today, fur trapping is still practiced by many for these same reasons, as well as for the challenge and excitement it offers.

The Science of Trapping: Old-Time Lessons on Catching Animals for Fur

by Barry Siegel

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If you're interested in learning how to trap animals for fur, then you need to read this guide. In it, I'll share with you the old time lessons that have been passed down for generations. These lessons will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful fur trapper.

Choosing the Right Trap

The first step to successful fur trapping is choosing the right trap. There are many different types of traps available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best trap for you will depend on the type of animal you're trapping, the location, and the weather conditions.

Some of the most common types of traps include:

• Body grip traps
• Conibear traps
• Foot hold traps
• Snares

Once you've chosen the right trap, you need to make sure it's set properly. A poorly set trap is more likely to fail, which can result in lost time and money.

Finding the Right Location

The next step is to find the right location to set your traps. Animals are most likely to travel along trails, so look for areas with good visibility and cover. You should also consider the wind direction, as animals are less likely to approach a trap if they can smell you.

Once you've found a good location, you need to prepare it by clearing away any brush or debris. You should also make sure the area is well-drained, as animals are less likely to stay in a wet area.

Baiting the Trap

Once you've set your trap, you need to bait it with something that will attract the animal you're trapping. The best bait will vary depending on the type of animal, but some common baits include:

• Meat
• Fish
• Fruit
• Vegetables

You can also use lures to attract animals to your trap. Lures are typically made from animal glands or urine, and they can be very effective at attracting animals from a long distance.

Checking Your Traps

Once you've set your traps, you need to check them regularly. The frequency with which you check your traps will depend on the type of trap you're using and the weather conditions. However, you should generally check your traps at least once a day.

When you check your traps, be sure to do so quietly and carefully. Animals are easily spooked, and if they see or hear you, they may avoid your trap in the future.

Skinning and Preparing the Fur

Once you've caught an animal, you need to skin it and prepare the fur. This is a process that requires some skill and practice, but it's not difficult to learn.

To skin an animal, you'll need a sharp knife and a pair of pliers. First, you need to make a cut down the belly of the animal from the neck to the tail. Then, you need to carefully peel the skin away from the flesh. Once the skin is removed, you need to stretch it out and dry it.

Once the fur is dry, you can prepare it for sale. This involves removing any excess fat or meat from the skin and then brushing or combing the fur to remove any tangles.

Fur trapping is a challenging but rewarding activity. By following the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of success and learn a valuable skill that can provide you with food, warmth, and income.