November 6th, 2011

November 6th, 2011
November 6th:

--Trapline--

Marcy, NY > Steuben, NY

Coyote, Red Fox, Grey Fox, Raccoon

Mink, Muskrat, Beaver, Otter



After a fantastic day on the trapline, the acquisition of company for today’s check kept the high rolling along. My main man Jonathan wanted in on the action. After a good breakfast, we hit the ground running in anticipation of some new catches.

We saddled up the four wheeler and slowly muscled through the terrain checking the half dozen sets that are here behind the house. Smiles defined us as we excitedly rounded the corner to each trap location. The short first leg quickly came and went without any new catches.

Next, it was onto the water line before wrapping it up behind gramma’s house. Jon worked his way along the banks of the creek as I checked traps and installed new ones. He did a great job of pointing out hollow spots up in the banks of the creek. His young eyes quickly dial in on where the furbearers are going…

Emotions plunged below the sea level at one unfortunate point. Traversing a flooded pasture, Jon was riding piggy back to dry land. The muck bottom provided little support as we moved out into the deepest part of our obstacle. It became too deep and Jon’s little rubber “barn boots” quickly filled up with icy cold water. Panic got the best of him, but we sorted through the situation. Uncle Issiah’s big wooly socks were protected by neoprene waders and remained dry and toasty. They rode all the way up Jon’s little legs and saved the day!!

Again, no beavers, rats, or mink. There was a sprung pair of 330’s guarding the entrance to some bank dens used by beaver. It is the same situation as last year. Explanation is leaning toward muskrats springing the big traps without getting caught…

There are many spots where the beaver are entering / exiting the water to access the trees up on the shoreline. Most of these locations are too steep to guard off with a large conibear trap. Many look to be excellent spots for foot holds with drowning rigs. Trouble is, I have no experience or the equipment needed for that method. If I’m going to continue to be welcomed to trap the creek without company then I better go get the gear and figure this out. The beavers are really making a mess and the farmer wants them out!

A few new traps were put in for rats in some very hot looking locations. Perfect little bank den holes were guarded with 110 conibears and 1 ½ foot holds. There should be some new fur to throw on the pile soon.

After our work was done on the existing water line there was still no word from my friend doing the trap check at the hunting lease. So, everything must have been left untouched there.

It was onto to our last leg of the line behind gramma’s house. Hope was in the air with the new set edition going in last night. The new dirt hole set was only twenty yards from yesterday’s end of the line catch. The remake was quickly made into a post set. To be honest, the mind was already preparing for the skunk. It had been a beautiful fall day with great company.

Prepping for the minor disappointment proved to be unnecessary. Driving down the little two track road behind gramma’s we cruised along like a plane headed down the runway. Fifty yards from the new set location, I began seeing the coyote head darting around through the brush. The nose of our plane lifted up as I turned around to look at Jonathan behind me. His young eyes were wide with excitement and we were airborne!!

Glowing with pride, Jon and I took some memorable pictures of the great catch. It was the perfect ending to our day on the line together. We headed back home hungry and tired but happy with fulfillment. The magnificent predator lay over the pack basket with its fur flowing in the wind. The ride was laced with bliss having the elusive target in our laps.

Furthering the sense of accomplishment was the perfect front paw catch. The coyote appeared to have committed to the set just as I had directed it. The winning lures were Chain Reaction, Red Tornado, Red Fox Urine, & a fresh piece of venison. All the lures are made by Night Owl.