Well I had a technical malfunction and didn't record an awesome interview I did with Loren Stallsmith of Circle S Leather, so in the meantime I talk about a couple recent issues that have come up around regulations. More interviews to come! And Happy Memorial Day!

In this episode I delve into hog trapping, as I've just recently got my hands on some high tech hog trapping equipment. I don't yet have much experience trapping hogs but a good friend of mine is a hog biologist that specializes in trapping them so I've leaned on him heavily for some hog trapping knowledge. And I'll share with you what I learn along the way.

In this episode I go through a recent article published in Quality Whitetails about a large coyote research project in the Southeast. The article focuses on what the data means for managing deer, but I think the data could also help us as trappers learn more about the coyote and his habits. I also touch on a few things I'm thinking of doing differently for the coming season, particularly some things that I've read in O'Gorman's Hoofbeats of a Wolfer book.

One of my favorite summertime activities is catfishing, especially with trotlines, jugs, and limb lines. Its like summertime trapping, except enjoyable! And a great way to quickly fill the freezer. It is very easy and cheap to do any of these methods, and you can even use a kayak or canoe and do them effectively too. If you're itching to fill your trapping fix during the off season give one of these methods a try, just be sure you've got plenty of grease to release them into!

I've been getting a lot of questions lately about what bait and lure to use trapping in the summer. In this episode I talk about some of the challenges of summer trapping and also give a run down of how to overcome those challenges, and some bait and lure thoughts. Summer trapping is a little different than fur trapping, but you're still learning and adapting to the coyote's habits. You just have to think about it a little different. They are still very catchable.

The trapline can take us to some remote places, often alone, in harsh conditions. Many of us run farm country traplines where we are rarely out of sight of a house and never lose cell service. Either way there are multiple hazards that can arise and being prepared can help to ensure you do not get stuck in a bad position and ensure you come home safely, all in one piece.

This is the 2nd episode that I talk about nuisance trapping and how it pertains to fur trappers. In this episode I dive deep into getting pricing and how to figure out how much to charge. And we talk a little about marketing at the end too. These 2 episodes should give you a starting point if doing nuisance trapping is something that interests you.

Once you get started trapping it is only a matter of time until someone wants to pay you to remove some of their critters. This can be a great way to earn a little side money or even potentially work into a career change, but there are some things to consider and take care of before hand. Hopefully over these next 2 episodes I can help at least point you in the right direction if this is something you have been considering.

There are multiple options when it comes to getting fur tanned, whether you're just wanting to get your first coyote tanned for a wall hanger or you want to get a batch tanned to try making things with. First off, no offense to taxidermists, but you're cheapest option is not to take it to a taxidermist. They are going to send it off anyway and you'll get charged from them too. Here are several tanneries that specialize in fur tanning, some I've used and some I haven't -

USA Foxx - www.usafoxx.com Moyle Mink and Tannery - www.moytown.com Tubari LTD - www.tubariltd.com Sleepy Creek Tannery - www.sleepycreektannery.com Furs for Fun - www.fursforfun.com

I hope this helps you find somewhere to send your furs to get tanned!

The anti hunting and trapping groups have been hard at work pushing legislation to restrict hunting and trapping. This seems the most active things have been in several years all at once and we must pay attention to what is going on if we hope to keep our ability to hunt and trap.