Passion and education. That’s why I’m trapping this year. Fur prices are in the tank. If you’re in it for the money, there’s really no reason to trap this year. But I can’t stand the idea of sitting out a season of trapping. I love trapping. Can’t get away from it. Maybe that’s a little bit crazy, but I really enjoy trapping regardless of fur prices. So I’m trapping this year to keep my fingers in the game. Even if I have to give the fur away.
The other reason I’m trapping is education. We all know fur prices will go back up eventually. When that happens, knowledgable and experienced trappers will be the moneymakers. I’ve been trapping for for well over a decade, but I still have a whole lot to learn, and the only real way to learn about trapping is to gain experience on the line. Every time I scout an area, set traps and check them I learn a great deal. I’m trapping this year to learn.
Finally, there’s a chance that fur prices will make a comeback next year. And there’s little competition out there. I’m yet to see another trapper on my lines (knock on wood). With less fur on the market, a recovering economy in China and Russia could mean good prices for the fur we catch this year.
Who knows. Though we’re probably crazy to be trapping this year, only fellow trappers can understand why we continue to do it. It’s a blast.