Produced by Linda M. Everhart, Blairstown, Missouri
SCIENCE OF TRAPPING
DESCRIBES THE FUR BEARING ANIMALS,
THEIR NATURE, HABITS AND DISTRIBUTION,
WITH PRACTICAL METHODS
FOR THEIR CAPTURE.
By E. KREPS.
REVISED EDITION.
Published by
A. R. HARDING, Publisher
106 Walnut Street
St. Louis, Mo.
Copyright. 1909.
By A. R. HARDING PUB. CO.
CONTENTS.
I. The Trapper's Art
II. The Skunk
III. The Mink
IV. The Weasel
V. The Marten
VI. The Fisher
VII. The Otter
VIII. The Beaver
IX. The Muskrat
X. The Fox
XI. The Wolf
XII. The Bear
XIII. The Raccoon
XIV. The Badger
XV. The Opossum
XVI. The Lynx
XVII. The Bay Lynx or Wild Cat
XVIII. The Cougar
XIX. The Wolverine
XX. The Pocket Gopher
XXI. The Rabbit
XXII. Tracks and Signs
XXIII. Handling Furs
XXIV. Steel Traps
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
The Author with a Catch of Furs
Trap Set in Correct Position at Den
The Balance Pole
The Skunk
The Mink
Mink Set under Log
The White Weasel
The Marten
A Marten Set
The Fisher
The Otter
Otter Trap Set under Ice
The Beaver
Trap, Set for Beaver
Beaver Trap Set under Ice
The Muskrat
The Red Fox
Water Set for Fox
Dry Land Set for Fox
The Coyote or Prairie Wolf
Scent Set for Wolf
Bank Set for Wolf and Coyote
The Grizzly Bear
The Raccoon
The Badger
The Opossum
The Lynx
The Wild Cat or Bay Lynx
The Cougar
The Wolverine
The Pocket Gopher
Burrow of Pocket Gopher
The Rabbit
Rabbit Snares
Tracks of Furbearing Animals
Tracks of Furbearing Animals
Tracks of Furbearing Animals
Tracks of Game Animals
Canadian Pattern Stretching Boards
Steel Traps
[Illustration: The Author with a Catch of Furs.]
INTRODUCTION.
Among the many outdoor occupations, trapping the furbearing animals
is perhaps the most pleasant and in many instances is also very
profitable.
Although trapping was one of the earliest industries of this country,
the occupation has not passed away, along with the vanishing
wilderness, for there is more trapping done today than at any time
during the past. Scattered all over North America, in both the
thickly settled portions and the more remote districts are thousands
of trappers who are each season deriving both pleasure and profit
from this unique calling.
Trapping in itself is an art. Many of the wild creatures are
exceedingly wary and the trapper must match his reason against the
instinct, the natural wariness and the acquired knowledge of the
animals. This wariness alone has saved some species of animals from
extinction, and although man is superior to all brute life, such
intelligent animals as the fox and the wolf frequently prove a match
for the most expert of trappers.
In order to be successful, one must know the wild animals as a mother
knows her child. He must also know and use the most practical methods
of trapping, and it is my object to give in this work, the most
successful trapping methods known.
These modes of trapping the furbearing animals have for the most part
been learned from actual experience in various parts of the country,
but I also give the methods of other successful trappers, knowing
them to be as good as my own. I am personally acquainted with some of
the most expert trappers in North America and have also followed the
Indians over their trap lines and in this way have learned many
things which to the white man are not generally known.
E. KREPS.
SCIENCE OF TRAPPING.
CHAPTER I.
THE TRAPPER'S ART.
During past ages many of the wild creatures of the forest and stream
were hunted and captured in various ways by the inhabitants of the
wilderness,--the flesh of these animals being the principal food of
many tribes of savages and the skins being used for clothing; but it
was only after furs became a staple article of wearing apparel among
civilized nations and the traders had learned of the profits to be
made in the fur trade that wholesale and systematic trapping began.
For many years after the commencement of the fur trade in this
country, the occupation of trapping was monopolized by the native
inhabitants, but later some of the bolder of the white race pushed
into the wilderness and learned the trapper's art.
To-day there are thousands of trappers scattered over the United
States, Canada, Alaska and Mexico and the catching of wild animals
for profit is no longer considered to be an occupation fitting only
for the savage, for there is scarcely a farmer, ranchman or other
person whose calling brings him close to nature who is not more or
less interested in the fur-bearing animals. Wild animals are not all
hunted for the sake of their furs. There are some such as the wolf,
coyote, mountain lion and wild-cat which have become positive
nuisances because of their destruction of stock and for such the
government and in many cases the stockmen pay a bounty. The capture
of wolves and coyotes especially has become a profitable business.
As to the profits to be derived from this occupation, there are
professional trappers in the North, South and West whose catches
amount to from five hundred to two thousand dollars or more each
season, but the number who do as well as that is comparatively small.
By far the greater number of trappers are those who follow other
occupations and devote only their spare time to the capture of wild
animals and they are for the most part farmers and country boys who
in this way add considerable to their yearly income.
It is not at all necessary to go into the wilds in order to do
successful trapping, and almost any farming section will be found to
be a paying trapping ground. Indeed, the country man or boy will in
most cases do far better in his own home district than he would by
going into some place with which he is not familiar even though the
fur-bearing animals be more plentiful there than at home. In his own
territory he will learn the haunts of each kind of fur-bearing
animal, its route of travel, the dens, etc., and this knowledge will
be of great value when the actual trapping commences.
Of course all of the various species of animals will not be found in
any one section but where one is missing there will be some other
found in fair numbers. Muskrats are most numerous as a rule in the
settled parts of the country and wherever the muskrat is found there
the mink is also. Skunks are found almost everywhere and the ease
with which they may be captured makes the trapping of them a
lucrative business. Foxes are found in most of the hilly sections and
while they are not so easily captured, one can make a success of it
if he gives the matter careful study and uses sufficient care in
setting and attending the traps. In many parts of the South the
raccoon is found in abundance as is also the opossum and the otter,
the wild cat and other animals are found more sparingly in many parts
of the country.
The trapper no matter where he is located is certain to meet with
many hardships but it is a pleasant calling for all of that and there
is a certain amount of pleasure in even the roughest experiences.
Once one has followed trapping for a few seasons it is almost
impossible to give up the wild, free life. The study of the habits of
the wild creatures which is necessary if one wishes to become a
successful trapper brings one into close touch with nature and the
work is extremely fascinating.
In the early days before the steel trap came into general use, the
deadfall and the snare were used almost exclusively for the capture
of the fur-bearers, but at present when steel traps have reached a
high state of perfection, are sold at prices which place them within
the reach of all, they are preferred by most trappers and many of the
most expert have discarded the wooden traps entirely. However, both
the deadfall and the snare are good traps for certain animals and it
is well to know how to make and use them for one may sometimes see a
good place in which to place a trap but may not have a steel trap
along. In such cases the knowledge of how to construct a practical
deadfall will be of value. It is true that many of the fur-bearing
animals are too cunning to be captured by such a contrivance but some
of the most wary fall easy victims to the snare. Some of the most
expert fox trappers use the snare in preference to the steel trap but
the number is comparatively small.
Many styles of traps have been invented and some of the most
promising styles were placed on the market but it is doubtful if any
trap will ever be designed which will equal in popularity and general
usefulness the old time jaw trap, commonly known as the "steel trap".
These traps have been improved in many ways until at present they are
almost perfect and are made in sizes and styles to meet all
requirements and all conditions of trapping.
The jaw traps possess decided advantages over all other styles of
steel or wooden traps. They are light and compact and may be moved
from place to place without inconvenience to the trapper, will
capture the most wary animals as well as the most stupid and will
work perfectly under all conditions whether set in the water or on
dry land, on the snow or on a log or stump or the side of a tree.
They may be used with or without bait and if the proper size of trap
is used and it is set in the right way it will capture almost any
animal that comes that way. What other style of trap possesses all of
these advantages?
As most of those who have never done any trapping know practically
nothing regarding the use of traps I will outline briefly the methods
usually employed for the capture of fur-bearing animals before
proceeding farther.
Most of the animals which are caught in traps are decoyed by means of
a bait,--something in the line of food which appeals to its
appetite,--so placed that in attempting to reach it the animal places
its foot in the trap. The most common way is by setting the trap in
the entrance to some natural enclosure, such as a hollow log or
stump, a hollow between trees, or a hole in the rocks, or under a
stump the bait being placed in the enclosure beyond the trap. Failing
to find a natural enclosure, the trapper constructs one, using such
material as may be found on the spot. It is advisable as a rule to
make as little disturbance as possible and to give the enclosure a
natural appearance.
It sometimes happens that an animal can not be induced to approach a
bait and in such cases the "blind set" is resorted to,--in other
words the trap is set without bait in a trail where the animal
travels or at the entrance of its den. Failing to find such a place
the trapper carefully studies the route of the animal and selects a
place where some natural or artificial obstruction will crowd it into
a certain spot where he carefully sets his trap in such a way as to
catch the animal the next time it comes along. These blind sets are
as a rule very successful and many trappers use such methods
exclusively.
In setting steel traps, great care is advised for the one who learns
to do this most neatly, leaving everything natural is, as a rule, the
most successful. One should always be certain to get the trap in the
right position for to miss catching an animal not only means its loss
for the time being but many of them will become wiser from such
experiences and their capture will be more difficult afterwards. The
trapper is wise also who gives sufficient attention to the fastening
of the trap, thus reducing the animal's chances of escape after it is
once caught.
To properly set a steel trap on dry land one should dig a "nest" for
the trap, deep enough to allow the covering to be flush with the
surroundings and just a little larger than, and of the same shape as
the trap when set. This hollow should be lined with dry leaves or
moss and the trap placed therein. To make the trap rest solidly so
that there is no danger of it being tipped over also to make the jaws
set level, the spring should be twisted around towards the jaw which
is held down by the trigger or "dog". The trap should then be covered
with some light, dry material in keeping with the surroundings, a few
dead leaves or a sheet of paper being used first to prevent the
covering from rolling under the pan and in that way prevent the trap
from springing. Instead of doing this some trappers place a bunch of
cotton or dry moss under the pan but I do not think this advisable.
[Illustration: Trap Set in Correct Position at Entrance of Den.]
In all cases when setting traps at dens, on trails or at the
entrances of enclosures, the trap should be so placed that the jaws
will be lengthwise of the animal's approach so that it will step
between the jaws and not over one of them. If the setting is reversed
the rising jaw will sometimes throw the animal's foot out of the
trap.
There are various good methods of fastening and the proper one to use
depends on the nature of the surrounding and the species of animal
that one is setting for. Water animals should be drowned as quickly
as possible after they are caught and in order to secure this result
the "sliding pole" is used. This is simply an inclined pole leading
into deep water and of a size that will enable the ring of the trap
chain to travel easily its entire length. The most common way of
using the sliding pole is to thrust the small end into the bed of the
stream and fasten the other end securely to the bank. The pole should
have a few branches near the small end to prevent the ring from
sliding off. All water animals when caught in traps plunge into deep
water immediately and the ring of the trap chain sliding down the
pole makes it impossible for the captured animal to again regain the
shore. In order to make this outfit more certain when setting for
large animals such as otters and beavers, a stone of six or eight
pounds should be tied firmly to the chain but not near enough to the
trap to interfere with the action of the swivel.
In trapping for muskrats and mink the usual practice is to simply
stake the trap the length of the chain into the deepest water
available, the weight of the trap being sufficient to hold the animal
under water.
For land animals the trap may be fastened to a "clog". This is simply
a chunk of wood, a pole, brush or stone, the object being to hamper
the animal in its movements and prevent it from getting a dead pull
on the trap and chain. In fastening to the clog the staple may be
used or the chain may be dropped through the ring so as to form a
loop which is slipped over the clog, a few snags being left stand to
prevent the chain from being drawn over the end. When setting for
bears the ring is slipped over the clog,--a pole,--and fastened with
a spike or wedge. Some trappers prefer to use a pronged iron drag and
this is especially desirable when trapping for the more cunning
animals such as the fox, coyote and wolf as the drag may be covered
without leaving much sign. A stone may be used in the same manner by
securing with wire to the end of the chain.
For the animals mentioned the traps are sometimes staked down
solidly, the stake being driven out of sight but this gives the
animal a dead pull and they will sometimes escape.
Such of the fur-bearers as are likely to escape by gnawing or
twisting off a foot may sometimes be held securely by the use of the
"spring pole" or better still, the "balance pole". The spring pole is
a small springy sapling, trimmed of its branches and planted firmly
in the ground. The trap is fastened to the small end which is drawn
down and held in that position by being hooked lightly under a
crotched stake or a link of the chain may be hooked to a headless
nail driven in the side of the stake. In theory this device works
nicely but in practice it is not found to be perfect as the wood will
lose its "spring" if kept bent for some time, especially in freezing
weather.
[Illustration: The Balance Pole.]
The balance pole is more faithful in its action. It is simply a long
slender pole fastened in a crotch or tied to the side of a sapling,
the trap being secured to the small end. It is so balanced that the
weight of the butt will not only lift the trap but the captured
animal as well. It is fastened down in the same way as the spring
pole and is released by the struggles of the animal.
In order to keep steel traps in perfect working order they should
have a certain amount of attention. Repairs will be necessary at
times and before the trapping season commences one should look them
all over and see that they are in good condition. The triggers should
be so adjusted that the pan will set level. All parts should work
freely and the trap should neither spring too easily nor too hard.
Rust on traps is not desirable and may be prevented to a great extent
by boiling the traps occasionally in a solution of evergreen boughs,
maple, willow or oak bark or walnut hulls. This will give the traps a
blue-black color and they will not rust for a considerable length of
time. New traps will not take the color very well but they should be
boiled just the same to remove the oil also the varnish with which
some manufacturers coat their traps. Some trappers smoke their traps
before setting believing that the odor of the smoke will smother that
of the metal. This however is not in my opinion a good idea as clean
iron has no odor and the smell of smoke enables the animal to locate
the trap, thus having just the opposite of the effect desired.
Others again, grease or oil the traps which is also bad for the same
reason and another thing worth considering is the fact that a greased
trap does not have as good a grip as one which has not been so
treated. For my own part I would rather have my traps red with rust
than to have them oiled, and if it is necessary to oil the joints of
a stiff working trap, use some oil having practically no odor, never
strong smelling substances such as kerosene.
As to the number of traps that one can handle, this depends on
conditions. The kind of animals that one intends to trap for, the
nature of the country, the method of setting and tending traps, the
amount of fur to be found, etc., must all be considered. The muskrat
trapper who is in a good location where traps may be set from a boat
or in the marshes where muskrat houses are plentiful as on some parts
of the Atlantic Coast, can easily handle from seventy-five to a
hundred or more traps, looking at them once a day. The marten
trappers of the Northwest sometimes use five or six hundred traps,
but the traps are not set far apart and the trapper spends a number
of days in going over the line. In the thickly settled districts
there are comparatively few who use more than five or six dozen traps
for they must be seen each day, and for beginners from two to three
dozen traps will be sufficient.
As before mentioned, steel traps are made in various sizes so that
they may be used for all animals, from the smallest to the largest.
The No. 0 is the smallest size and is intended for such small animals
as the pocket gopher, the rat and the weasel. If the spring is of
fair strength as it is in the higher grades they may also be used for
muskrat and marten. They are used extensively by the marten trappers
of the Rocky Mountain region.
The No. 1 is known as the muskrat trap and is the best size for this
animal. It is also used for mink, skunk, opossum and marten.
The No. 1 1/2 is a very popular trap as its size and strength adapt
it for general use. It is known as the mink trap, but the tendency
among trappers is to use the 1 1/2 for larger game and the No. 1 for
mink. It is the best size for skunk, and if the spring is of fair
strength, it will hold the fox, coon, fisher and lynx as well as all
smaller animals.
The No. 2, which is the smallest size of the double spring style is
known as the fox trap. It is also the best size for coon and is
sometimes used for otter especially in the North but in my opinion it
is too small for regular use on otter.
Next in order is the No. 3 which has been named the otter trap, and
it is the proper size to use for this animal. It is also used for
catching the coyote, beaver, wild cat and lynx and is a very popular
trap in the more remote sections of the country.
The No. 4 trap was originally intended for the capture of the beaver
and is the proper size for that animal. The higher grades of this are
also used to a great extent for trapping the timber wolf, also for
otter and coyote.
The best trap for wolves, however, is the 4 1/2 which was designed
especially for trapping these animals. It is considerably heavier
than the No. 4 and is fitted with a longer chain and a pronged drag.
This size is also used for taking the cougar or mountain lion.
The bear traps are known as the No. 50, the No. 5 and the No. 6. The
No. 50 is the smallest but is sufficiently strong for the black bear.
For those who prefer a larger trap for this animal, the No. 5 will
prove satisfactory, and it will also hold the grizzly, but is rather
small for that animal. The size best adapted to the capture of the
larger varieties of bears is the No. 6, which will hold almost any
living animal.
In addition to the traps mentioned, there are a number of special
styles designed to meet the demand from those trappers who desire
special traps for some certain animals. Among these may be mentioned
the clutch traps, the single spring otter traps and the traps with
offset jaws.
It should be understood that in writing the foregoing description of
traps, I had in mind the higher grades only. In the following
chapters devoted to the capture of the various animals, the proper
sizes and brands of traps to use will be given.
[Illustration: The Skunk.]