I’d like to tell a joke about the pandemic situation, but what it’s doing to our economy and the world of fur isn’t funny. Lock-downs are no fun, meetings aren’t held, communications are just a little bit awkward by zoom, skype, Facetime, and so on. It’s do-able but not the same as face to face, with all the side comments that make it so interesting being with a group of people. As the saying goes, “this too shall pass”. And it is my hope everyone comes out of it unscathed.

What does this mean for trapping? I don’t know. Having been a hobby trapper all my life, there’s no stopping now. Lures have been purchased, and equipment has been cleaned. DP baits are made and new formulas tested or will be by fall. The coon market may be mediocre or good, but I don’t care. The fall beaver market means skinning for the hatter market, and that’s fine. The coyote market may or may not materialize and that’s okay, too. For me, trapping is a hobby that helps a bunch of property owners get rid of nuisance animals that are often more than aggravating. With agricultural commodities taking the hit they’re going to have again this fall, having one less aggravation is well worth it for them.

If you go trapping this fall, and I hope you do, do it because it’s in your blood. Do it because you’ve made commitments to farmers and land managers to remove their aggravations. Do it because its a way to get out of the house/office/business and challenge yourself to doing something outdoors you enjoy. It’s all we can ask in this economy.

Bill