Traps

I started trapping fur 50 yrs ago. I used to own about 30 old, rusted traps, of uncertain age. I kept about a dozen of the better traps after I stopped.
About 6 yrs ago I had a financial windfall and I bought ten dozen new traps, including some larger leg hold and body grip traps.

 

Where should I look to research and purchase traps? Where did you purchase yours?

 

The very-very earliest American explorers would survive for years in the wilderness with nothing but their rifle , traps and small possible bag . The items they deemed necessary should be part of any preppers stash . I keep all of those items in my preparation for the apocalypse . Just purchasing these items isn't enough , practice using these essentials . I expect most on here are well versed in using all legs of this stool but some may not . Keith has a good video of his possible bag .

 

But I would like to know of a good place to look at purchasing traps and information on the different kinds.

 

been a long time since i dealt with them

https://www.southeasternoutdoor.com/

contacts to learn from...go to a meeting in your area..guys love to teach in all districts.


http://www.virginiatrappers.com/

 

john epler has been in business a long time

https://www.eplerfur.com/

 

Thank you so much

 

Foothold trap sizes range in size from #0 (3.5") to size #5 (7.5") or by the outer jaw width. Most new traps sold today are coil spring designs which are favored due to their light wt and compact size. Several of the traditional long springs designs are still available and are used primarily for water sets, where their greater wt is an advantage in drowning the target animal. The size #0 (3.5") and size #1 (4") foothold are very small traps and they typically have weak, slow springs. They are only suitable for very light wt animals such as weasels and squirrels or for underwater sets for muskrats. The correct size trap to start with is the #1.5 coil spring (5") with a plain jaw. A good number to start with is 3 dozen. A good size body grip trap to start with is the #110 Conibear (4.5" x 4.5"). When you start considering trapping badger, coon, and fox you will want to add a dozen #2 coil spring (5.5") and a few #220 Conibears (7" x 7"). If you decide to try trapping Bobcats and Coyotes you will want some #3 Coils (5.8"). If you live in an area with beaver dams you could consider larger traps and conibears for them. The proper size for a larger beaver is the #4 coil (6.5"), the #5 coil (7.5"), and the #330 Conibear (10" x 10"). These are very expensive traps, so I would only buy a few to start. Careful, they can kill a large dog outright, and they are strong enough to hurt you. Back then, the local hardware store sold steel traps and they were all made by Onieda-Victor. I purchased the rest of my trapping supplies through Fur-Fish-Game magazine. This magazine is still published and it is still an excellent resource http://www.furfishgame.com/. Another great source for trapping info is the Fur Takers of America web site http://www.furtakersofamerica.com/bmp.html. Onieda Victor still produces excellent traps here in America. Plus, there are now a number of newer companies selling traps such as Duke, Bridger, Sleepy Creek, and the excellent Minnesota Brand. You can mail order them from nationwide sporting goods companies like Cabela's as well as trapping supply companies: http://www.minntrapprod.com/ http://www.rpoutdoors.com/ http://www.pcsoutdoors.com/trapping.aspx http://www.fntpost.com/

 

you can also reach out for any local trapper conventions. Many times dealers will have deals on traps and supplies. Also there are usually free classes available on trapping and skinning.