Trapping the Mackenzie Delta
#5256781
11/04/15 12:41 PM
11/04/15 12:41 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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My son is busy researching new gear this morning. I have eight sets going so far and have caught five fox so far. Missed a couple easy shots at lynx too. Like so close Ray Charles could've hit them. Looking forward to another good season and hoping everyone enjoys the journal this year... More to come...
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5257100
11/04/15 05:28 PM
11/04/15 05:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 339 Manitoba Canada
lorne
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 339
Manitoba Canada
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looks like hes saying that one dad ..that's the gun I want LoL
Respect the animal ,it was a gift,as was the right to harvest it.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5257141
11/04/15 06:05 PM
11/04/15 06:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34 saskatchewan
saskamusher
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34
saskatchewan
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what a happy guy that's the best pic ever .....hows ur weather ryan any sign of long fur getting prime ...waiting for cold weather here is driving me nuts im thinking early fur is going to sell poor at best this year but that's jus my guess .keep the journal comin ..good luck this year
trapping with dogs
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5257697
11/04/15 11:08 PM
11/04/15 11:08 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833 MT (Big Sky Country)
Allan Minear
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833
MT (Big Sky Country)
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One things for sure Ryan, he looks like one happy little fella who can be a hand full. I agree it looks like he is telling you which gun he wants. I also am looking forward to your journal. Allan
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5271405
11/15/15 11:11 PM
11/15/15 11:11 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Long fur is looking good saskamusher. It's really improved noticeably this past week. First cold spell hit last night so the fox should be looking great before long. A question for you beaver guys, do conibear traps always leave a visible mark on the beaver hides? Almost looks freeze dried where the trap struck. Just heading out to tend the town traps, hoping for the best!
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5271410
11/15/15 11:15 PM
11/15/15 11:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Posts: 3,263
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Hey isn't family trapper the leading authority on rotating pictures?
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5271556
11/16/15 03:08 AM
11/16/15 03:08 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,324 AK
FairbanksLS
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4,324
AK
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It's fairly common to get a conibear mark, seems to be more prevalent with magnum traps IMHO.
formerly posting as white dog
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5271564
11/16/15 04:43 AM
11/16/15 04:43 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,255 Homer, Alaska
Family Trapper
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,255
Homer, Alaska
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Hey isn't family trapper the leading authority on rotating pictures? Not sure about that but I was able to geturdone!! And threw in a little adjustment to the fox as well. Cool to see all three color phases there. Is that common? Almost like Kodiak. l
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5271698
11/16/15 09:00 AM
11/16/15 09:00 AM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34 saskatchewan
saskamusher
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34
saskatchewan
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hope it stays cold for u ryan and fur gets heavy . as others said the big magnum traps leave a mark it seams to squeeze all blood and fluids out of the spot where trap hit leaveing just white leather and see as the heart is no longer pumping it isn't replaced when trap is taken off so it stays white . I never heard of it being a down grade unless buyers are looking for excuse to down grade ur fur to buy it cheep .
trapping with dogs
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5271924
11/16/15 01:30 PM
11/16/15 01:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 342 Montana
Hiline Bob
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 342
Montana
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Nice! Good luck with the rest of your season.
Bob "Everybody told me you can't far on $37.00 and and a jap guitar" ~ S.E. "Turn me loose, set me free, somewhere in the middle of Montana." ~ M.H
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Bushman]
#5273015
11/17/15 05:03 AM
11/17/15 05:03 AM
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akroper
Unregistered
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akroper
Unregistered
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Nice - A grand slam of fox Nope. Missing a Samson fox. The first fox I ever caught was a Samson. I've not caught one since, and it's been 35+ years.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5273347
11/17/15 11:43 AM
11/17/15 11:43 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Posts: 3,263
NWT
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I've caught Samson fox before. Are they worth anything? Muskrat- I caught it in a 330 about 2-3 feet from the lodge entrance with sticks placed to funnel him into the trap. The silver and the red in the picture were a double. The cross was first to be picked up that night. Running out of room on my trailer...
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5273349
11/17/15 11:45 AM
11/17/15 11:45 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
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OP
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Family trapper- yes the three color phases are common up here. Throw in the little white arctic fox too for a nice occasional surprise.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5273352
11/17/15 11:52 AM
11/17/15 11:52 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Posts: 3,263
NWT
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HFT- the beav was fully submerged. I cleaned skinned it and the castors are drying in my furnace room. Tiny house so I'm thinking there isn't a whole lot of beavers in there. I found another house about five minutes drive from my house that looks like it might hold lots of beavers. The new house is about 7-8 feet high. The only way I found the first house is by finding the air vent with the feed pile out front.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5273366
11/17/15 12:07 PM
11/17/15 12:07 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,064 Wasilla AK
HFT AK
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,064
Wasilla AK
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Been thinking about that after reading what graydog and saskamusher wrote, makes more sense to me now. Sounds like that new house will produce for you! Hope you connect with a few more!
Last edited by HFT AK; 11/17/15 12:07 PM. Reason: big fingers
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5273411
11/17/15 12:56 PM
11/17/15 12:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,271 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
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trapper
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james bay frontierOnt.
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Here is a hat I made for my daughter out of a Sampson red,quite a few years ago. I caught 3 sampsons that year.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5273492
11/17/15 02:01 PM
11/17/15 02:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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The two Samson foxes I caught in the past had zero (0) guard hair on them. Looked exactly like a fox in fleece one piece underwear. Looked more like a cat than a dog and if I remember correctly they had slightly thicker leather. They went to auction so I can probably look up what they went for.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5273508
11/17/15 02:15 PM
11/17/15 02:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Posts: 3,263
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My Lowest price for fox at the auction the Sampson fox was at was $46. Someone must've thought it looked nice
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5273655
11/17/15 04:49 PM
11/17/15 04:49 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,271 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,271
james bay frontierOnt.
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Because they have no guard hair,they are soft like a sheared beaver.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5274245
11/17/15 10:35 PM
11/17/15 10:35 PM
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akroper
Unregistered
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akroper
Unregistered
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I sold the Samson red for $25 in '78 or '79 when a typical Alaskan red was selling for $100+, if I remember correctly. One of the coolest fox furs I've ever seen was a Samson cross. It was a uniform cream color except for a distinct chocolate colored cross about an inch to two inches wide running from elbow to elbow, and from between the ears to about mid-tail.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5274577
11/18/15 02:44 AM
11/18/15 02:44 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
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Don't know why all my pictures are getting posted sideways.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5274629
11/18/15 06:05 AM
11/18/15 06:05 AM
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akroper
Unregistered
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akroper
Unregistered
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Turn your camera 90 degrees. That should do it.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5275088
11/18/15 02:05 PM
11/18/15 02:05 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Akroper- if it was that easy I'd have done it already.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5275254
11/18/15 04:17 PM
11/18/15 04:17 PM
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akroper
Unregistered
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akroper
Unregistered
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Akroper- if it was that easy I'd have done it already. Just giving you a hard time. Actually I'm jealous. I haven't figured out how to post pictures, sideways or other ways.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5275367
11/18/15 06:03 PM
11/18/15 06:03 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Sounds like the hard time I usually give people! I've never had the sideways picture problem before. Got to start using my camera instead of I phone.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5287907
11/27/15 01:19 PM
11/27/15 01:19 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
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OP
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Posts: 3,263
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Finally made my trails out to the cabin on Tuesday. The mighty Mackenzie river had two open holes and a lot more piled up ice than most years. The good news is that the wolves and lynx are around. I set two 330s for the wolverine that looks to be living around the cabin. One of those pole between two trees with hanging bait in the middle deals. I'm at home with my two juniors watching cartoons. Within the next 3-4 hours I'll most likely be fully loaded and on my way out for the weekend. Lots of snares, 330s and a couple dozen #3s and 750s. The bad news is the rivers have overflow now. Hopefully all goes well and my line produces this year. With the distance I will be be travelling and the work involved i would say now is a fitting time to say here we go again, no more of this cushy town/road trapping in a warm truck for me! (Well less town trapping anyway)
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5288234
11/27/15 06:28 PM
11/27/15 06:28 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554 Fairbanks Alaska
AKHowler
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554
Fairbanks Alaska
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Good luck and be safe this season Ryan. Looking forward to following your season
Alaskan #9 Trap Company JR Pederson PO BOX 58226 Fairbanks AK 99711 cell# 907-378-7291 pedersonjr@yahoo.com
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5291853
11/30/15 03:54 AM
11/30/15 03:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Had a good weekend at the camp. Didn't set as many traps as I would've liked to but the ones I did set are on good sign in sheltered spots. I had one set of fresh wolverine tracks running on my trail yesterday so it's good to know they are out there. Shoveled the roof on my cabin and banked the bottom logs. Can't wait to get back out there to check on my sets and get more traps out. Oh yeah I found a buried log and put a hole in my boggan. Got stuck in overflow too but that's expected from time to time. Luckily the water was shallow.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5291854
11/30/15 04:07 AM
11/30/15 04:07 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
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OP
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I'll start taking some pictures next trip out!!
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5292521
11/30/15 05:45 PM
11/30/15 05:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
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OP
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HFT- the boggan can be repaired fairly easily. It belonged to my dad so telling him was probably harder than it will be to fix it. Luckily he bought it at a gov surplus sale for $20. Sure got $20 use out of it. I used that sled all last season but it was the first trip out for the sled this year.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5292818
11/30/15 08:37 PM
11/30/15 08:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
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OP
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Merry Christmas Ryan From the Gwich'in harvesters assistance program! I scored 4 12 inch and 4 8 inch savageaus plus 16 Martin stretchers last week Too by being at the right place at the right time.
Last edited by Ryan McLeod; 11/30/15 08:38 PM.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5295903
12/02/15 06:19 PM
12/02/15 06:19 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
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OP
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Sonny- I just set regular cubby sets similar to a lynx cubby but smaller. Bait and stepping sticks crossed in front of and behind the trap. Blind traps in high traffic spots do well too with a small amount of blocking to guide them in.
I finally caught a lynx from a family group last night. They were hanging around where I had beaver traps since the season started and finally one got caught. I put snares and blind traps out for the rest who are probably milling around the area. Been getting ready all day to check my traps at the camp and set more. Feeling excited to have a look and get more sets out. Pretty cold out though.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5297238
12/03/15 01:59 PM
12/03/15 01:59 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2014
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I woke up this morning expecting to be forced to drink instant coffee. I got to the cupboard and lo and behold my girlfriend bought McCafe for the keurig. Hallelujah! Just waiting for fiona to get home from work and then I'm off to the trapline. I think my 14 month old future partner is getting tired of me asking "think daddy has a wolverine today?" Hopefully I do have one waiting. I know not to get your hopes to high otherwise it will be more of a let down if you get there and see an empty trap. My goal for this trip is to get about forty more snares and #3s out. Good luck this weekend young fellers!
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5303594
12/06/15 10:18 PM
12/06/15 10:18 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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All this week I couldn't wait to go check my few traps I had set out by my camp. I didn't have very many to check but with the wolverine sign from last weekend I knew I had a decent chance of snagging one. I was all set to leave this past Thursday at 1 pm but on my way out the door my furnace quit. 4 hours later I was on my way knowing the family would be warm while I was away. The 65 miles I traveled was pretty cold and instead of checking traps I went directly to my cabin, made a fire and then went to see my traps. This is the first trap I looked at. I figured I would go to the furthest trap and look at them on my way back to my warm cabin. Pulling away I was thinking "Right on I got him" Well either that or a porcupine! Seeing that my line usually produces 1 or none on wolverine I didn't expect much more that dark night besides maybe a couple fox or lynx. A lot of fresh snow erased all recent animal track. Walking up the steep bank to my very next trap I heard a faint jingle of trap chain and a low growl. I first seen the glowing eyes and knew it was another gulo! This big male left a typical wolverine bomb crater and wasn't very happy to see me at all. I could see I had him by one toe so I didn't waste any time and quickly put him down. Running the rest of my short line I managed to pick up one jumbo lynx too. I went back to my first trap and had a better look at the nice female that was frozen solid. Back at camp I took a few pictures and couldn't wait to start skinning the thawed male. I like the color on this one. Mouse damage that most would be mad about but since they will both be used for sewing I couldn't care less. First time my cabin seen two wolverines at the same time since I inherited it. I seen big fresh tracks the next day so I can;t wait to see if I pick him up next trip out. I put out 15 more sets in that area.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5303695
12/06/15 10:55 PM
12/06/15 10:55 PM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554 Fairbanks Alaska
AKHowler
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554
Fairbanks Alaska
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Good job Ryan. Nice run and a beautiful light diamond on the female. Those firsts at the cabin are always memorable
Alaskan #9 Trap Company JR Pederson PO BOX 58226 Fairbanks AK 99711 cell# 907-378-7291 pedersonjr@yahoo.com
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5303993
12/07/15 02:00 AM
12/07/15 02:00 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 juneau, alaska
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
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EXCELLENT! That male looks large! And as for that tiny nick on the ear, that wouldn't ding you on a taxi sale, IMHO. Keep the luck rolling! Sure wish plastic would work, here. No takers for me, or others I know in these parts, ever. Gave up after 5 years, or so.
Made it almost 3 years without censor!
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5304009
12/07/15 02:49 AM
12/07/15 02:49 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,735 SW Alaska
otterman
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,735
SW Alaska
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nice catch Ryan, That female has a beauty of a diamond on it
We get out of life only as much as we really want and work hard enough to achieve
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5304030
12/07/15 04:51 AM
12/07/15 04:51 AM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 148 North Slope
Nunamiut
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 148
North Slope
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Nice haul! Nothing like a two-fur! And nice lynx.
If it was easy, everybody would be doing it!
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5304733
12/07/15 05:09 PM
12/07/15 05:09 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
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OP
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Inupiaq- that's 3/4 inch plywood that someone threw away. They are super heavy but when they get set they stay. Usually haul them up above high water line and leave from year to year. I've used osb before with success but like it's been said on here the animals like chewing on that stuff.
Alaska Viking- same. I haven't caught anything in a milk crate either.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5304930
12/07/15 07:27 PM
12/07/15 07:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Posts: 3,263
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Muskrat- i froze my bait into the box. Since wolverine arch their back when they pull at stuff I set my triggers high and wide facing the back of the box. That's the result with the catch behind the front arms. I'm going to keep setting my triggers like that for now and see if it's consistent. Never tried lexan before.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5309348
12/10/15 12:27 PM
12/10/15 12:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Frustrating day on the trapline yesterday! I started out early and set three 750s on thick wolf sign, that will be nice to see what happens there. I was expecting about 4-5 lynx but instead I had tracks at 21 traps and one lynx caught. HWGA! I think some checks will be great but still frustrating to see so much tracks and so few catches. It seems like the rabbits are plentiful so I think the animals would rather eat a warm bunny than a frozen chunk of meat. Next trip out makes sense to set snares and trail sets so I can catch whether the animals are hungry or not. Coming home I seen tracks where a big wolverine came down off the bank and started following my trail. I sped up, the tracks started running hard. I came around a corner and see where he left the trail and ran straight across the big river. I unhooked my sled and shined my lights out into the piled ice. I could see the sunuvagun running about 400 yards out!! The far 1/4 of the river was smooth so I figured this might work out. I made my way through the rough ice way slower than I would've liked and got to the smooth ice where I pinned it towards the monster gulo who had snow flying behind his big snowshoes. I closed the gap to about 120 yards but ran out of shooting time. He was hitting the willows as I pulled my gun off!! What could I do? If I had daylight I would've got him, if the ice froze smooth I would've got him, something as simple as leaving my camp 1/2 minute earlier could've made the difference!! Oh well, had a smoke and started home again. That's when my rear shock froze and I had to low ride all the rest of the way. Couldn't budge it. I pull up outside my house cold, damp and hungry. I Park my skidoo and while I'm still sitting on it..... Donk!!!! The shock frees and I'm sitting high again.
I can't wait to go again!!
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5309382
12/10/15 12:50 PM
12/10/15 12:50 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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I thought about the possibility of seeing an animal in rough ice so I was going to carry my 270 and have my22 mag for backup. Next time I will have my rifle. I'm sure I would've got him with one of my scoped rifles.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5310255
12/10/15 10:41 PM
12/10/15 10:41 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Load of wood for wolf hunting would be awesome.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5315358
12/14/15 02:46 PM
12/14/15 02:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Checked traps yesterday. Came home with 3 lynx and one beauty of a cross fox. Best sign of the trip? I have wolves on my line. Put out a couple surprises for them. One small set of wolverine tracks. Hmmm, got slapped by a 330 luckily the safeties were on but still got a pretty nice slap. My son is going out for ear surgery today so it's just me and my girl at home this week. Good time to have a fur skinning marathon.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5317927
12/15/15 11:43 PM
12/15/15 11:43 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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I was going to put up some new pictures but my memory stick is corrupted. Just came home with the 6th, 7th and 8th lynx out of a family bunch that's been around my town traps. Caught another yesterday but it was eaten. Cant wait to see my camp traps.
Good on the wolverine but bad on the wolf muskrat. That's one more that I might see when I get out to my happy wolf hunting grounds. You shot the wolverine or trapped it?
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5323040
12/19/15 02:02 AM
12/19/15 02:02 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Lynx activity has been picking up this week. Its really great to be catching and it sure makes me want to set more and give it more effort. Had a marathon skinning session these past couple days. I did 19 lynx, 6 fox and a wolf. 8 more lynx going on stretchers tonight, flip tomorrow and off to my camp for a couple days of setting and wood hauling. A couple pictures that I recovered from my corrupted memory stick. Remember that snare my nephew and daughter set? Got 3 lynx out of it so far! I really like this picture. The good old trap/snare combo. My style of a bucket set that I've been using for a few years now. The 330 is sitting on a flat piece of driftwood and the bucket has two forked sticks on opposite sides and then buried to keep the set rock solid. Brushed in so much that the trap is barely visible. Its been working well on foxes but just one wolverine with this set so far. These are a couple picture of me this fall doing what I have to to pay the bills. Super hard unenjoyable work. Awful scenery to boot.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5323566
12/19/15 02:27 PM
12/19/15 02:27 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Thanks fellers. The fish are dolly varden char from the rat river. Yes the same rat river made famous by one Albert Johnson.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5323623
12/19/15 03:32 PM
12/19/15 03:32 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,271 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,271
james bay frontierOnt.
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Great pics and awesome lynx catches. Show us a pic of your fur when put up,love to see it.
Last edited by Boco; 12/19/15 03:32 PM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5323647
12/19/15 03:58 PM
12/19/15 03:58 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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I didn't take any pics of the first batch that I sold yesterday. Eight lynx and a wolf. I'll take a picture later of the next eight. I'm sure you can all guess that I have eight stretchers to use right now. I should've took a shot of me and the biggest lynx so far this year. Probably top 10 for size that I've ever caught. And no bugs!! Promaxx makes a wicked effective flea killer.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5329794
12/23/15 11:24 AM
12/23/15 11:24 AM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833 MT (Big Sky Country)
Allan Minear
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833
MT (Big Sky Country)
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Thank you Ryan for giving us a glimpse into your life on your line as well as the chance to watch your kids grow up. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Allan
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5341838
12/30/15 08:56 PM
12/30/15 08:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Trapping luck is still holding out for lynx. Got some new wolf packs peeing on everything they can. Seems like two packs are competing for territory with my home river as a boundary. Set out 5 boiled traps on pee posts and moved some frozen pee to a area where a loner has been hanging around. Got a broken cross member on the rear suspension to fix tonight. Still loving trapping and not feeling one bit lazy out on the line. I dropped 19 pounds since trapping started with all the climbing steep banks and walking. Broke through thin ice in a creek the other day but luckily I had some speed going and stayed on top, loaded sled and all. My friend Patrick picked up two wolves on his last check. One in a 750 and the other in a 1.5 coil spring. Don't know how he does it but last year he held one in a1.5 long spring better known in the delta as a rat trap! His 5 year old son goes everywhere with him now and he was there to see wolves caught in one spot too. Checking traps in -51 was fun the other day. I was told to stay home but trap checking is a responsibility that comes with trapping. I'm not one of those guys that can sit and wait for weather to improve. Animals are caught, I'm going to go no matter the weather. Patricks catch that lucky day. One of the fluffiest delta wolves I've ever seen.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5342314
12/31/15 01:04 AM
12/31/15 01:04 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554 Fairbanks Alaska
AKHowler
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554
Fairbanks Alaska
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Good job Ryan, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Have fun and be safe.
Alaskan #9 Trap Company JR Pederson PO BOX 58226 Fairbanks AK 99711 cell# 907-378-7291 pedersonjr@yahoo.com
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5343159
12/31/15 05:58 PM
12/31/15 05:58 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all! I've never seen my son so interested in something. He would rather play with a small ratchet and an old idler wheel than all his new toys. Proud dad to see that today.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5343162
12/31/15 06:01 PM
12/31/15 06:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Light bulb burnt out right before we finished if you were wondering about the headlight in the dark porch mechanics.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: AKHowler]
#5343166
12/31/15 06:04 PM
12/31/15 06:04 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Good job Ryan, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Have fun and be safe. Same to you buddy. I asked Santa for a couple #9s but I guess Im not on the list. I'll get a hold of you once I start work in the new year.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5353227
01/06/16 04:01 PM
01/06/16 04:01 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Howdy. Trap checking day has finally come. Soon as Fiona's home from work I'll be on my way. I've got a new line set that caught 3 lynx out of six traps last trip. Now that line has about 20 traps to look at. 2016 has been great so far and I've managed to pick up 13 lynx so far. Hopefully get some good pictures today and post them in the next couple days.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5353444
01/06/16 06:17 PM
01/06/16 06:17 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 0 AK
Tuckerbone
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 0
AK
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5354129
01/07/16 12:28 AM
01/07/16 12:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,262 Mt.
g smith
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,262
Mt.
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Ryan when do the wolves in your area begin mating and do you see an increase in catches when that starts ?
You can ride a fast horse slow but you can't ride a slow horse fast .
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5354705
01/07/16 02:54 PM
01/07/16 02:54 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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I think wolves start mating soon. Usually get some big males in traps around end of February. It does seem to pick up during mating I guess because the wolves are scent marking their intentions and getting caught more often. I missed one wolf yesterday. It snapped a pee post trap. Picked up one lynx in the first 3/4 of my line. Wasn't looking too good but the last four traps on a row made my trip each holding a fluffy cat. Got a mink too. The old 700 Polaris ran fine after a rebuild and sitting for three years.
Last edited by Ryan McLeod; 01/07/16 02:55 PM. Reason: Dumb auto correct
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5366730
01/15/16 12:53 AM
01/15/16 12:53 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Busy skinning lately. Last trip to traps was eventful. Seen a wolverine and two wolves but it's hard to get them in the delta unless you catch them in the middle of a big lake or river. No chance for a shot so I say at least I got to see them. Brought this batch in before to keep me busy this weekend. The wolves I seen last trip freshened their scent posts without stepping on the traps so hopefully they are more comfortable and one or a couple make a mistake and step in the right spot. Took my son on his first trap checking trip during some recent warm weather. Didn't catch anything but he was smiling the whole time.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5366731
01/15/16 12:55 AM
01/15/16 12:55 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Morgan led the way on our walk with her 4 years of trapping experience. It's going to be fun watching these two kids as they get older and have some friendly competition snaring lynx on snowshoes. That's what I look forward to.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5366738
01/15/16 01:02 AM
01/15/16 01:02 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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The kids will be on snowshoes, not the lynx.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5366781
01/15/16 01:52 AM
01/15/16 01:52 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,255 Homer, Alaska
Family Trapper
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,255
Homer, Alaska
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Ryan awesome. So cool to see you getting those kids out. It was a priority as a father to always take my kids if possible. Here is a few tips. You can not find a little kids pair of boots that will keep them warm in really cold temps. Start putting those furs to work for you. Make some kids mukluks. Good first project. A lot easier than a hat. I came up with a very simple pattern for the most part. Nothing fancy but very very functionals.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5366797
01/15/16 02:47 AM
01/15/16 02:47 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,859 Northwest Territories
muskrat411
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,859
Northwest Territories
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Ryan: Edward checked my traps in John Martin today on his way back from Head of Willow. One wolverine ripped the back off my plywood box and took my bait. I think I'm going to pull out of there. More fur in 1st Creek. Plus I'm trying to run a line along that Husky cut line. I'm as far as Black Mountain Creek. Hopefully eventually make it as far as Lobstick Creek and run into son tutu or vidziaa for that side I suppose.
Almost forgot Edward said he saw tracks of a wolf pack otherwise of JM canyon. He said there tracks spelled out kneck shot. Just kidding about that last part.
Last edited by muskrat411; 01/15/16 02:49 AM.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5366808
01/15/16 03:32 AM
01/15/16 03:32 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,255 Homer, Alaska
Family Trapper
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,255
Homer, Alaska
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What are you using for bottoms? There was a product called Sole Saver. Used to be at Black Elk in Anch. An old guy on the east coast made it. Fantastic stuff. Went on like cake frosting. But he died and you can't get it anymore that I know of. I have a gallon that I saved. Some day I will make my own custom otter mukluks. I have everything I need except the time. All my own tanned otter etc. My first pair I put otter fur on the bottoms. I then put some rivets in them with the numbs out for traction. They worked okay but slippery still on snow. The second one was better. I made the sole out of otter and turned fur inside. Then coated the leather with sole saver. I made a 1 inch strip vertical around the outside perimeter of mukluk. Coated this too. My mistake was I ended the sole saver at the joint. And that is where they failed after a few years of hard use. I would now shave the leather up past the joint now and coat that too. They take a lot of abuse. I used chrome tanned leather and it held up well. But the seam is too important not to keep guarded. I used a full felt insole as the pattern out of material. Then inserted the full felt insole inside to give additional insulation and some stiffness. They don't have to be exact as kids are growing. Make them bigger. I just left an opening in the back big enough to accommodate getting the foot in and then closed up with ties. I think this one thing was responsible for taking my kids out in the cold more than anything. Just hard little insulate feet with new plastic boots. I put a flat felt insole on the bottom. Then a full felt insole in side. My son and I are talking about making two pair as a project together when life slow down a little bit. I have some nearly knee high felt insoles waiting. Ayakulik turned me on to another cool option for soles he found that I want to try. Using 3M 5200 chalking for the bottom. Anyone that has been around the marine boats knows this stuff. Really pursuing mukluks is something that is really hampered due to "What to do with for soles?" problem. This could be the new answer. Who is going to be the first to try it? https://lostcreekadventures.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/repairing-steger-and-other-mukluk-soles/
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5366814
01/15/16 04:01 AM
01/15/16 04:01 AM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,500 Kenai AK
KenaiKid
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,500
Kenai AK
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Another fantastic use for 5200 FT. Looks like it works well too. I wonder if anyone has tried a rubber traction coating, like Rhino Lining? It seems like doing a seal coat with 5200, like he did, then a grip coat with Rhino Lining (or equivalent) would be very durable with great traction.
Boco couldn't catch a cold. But if he did, it would be Top Lot.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5367244
01/15/16 01:15 PM
01/15/16 01:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 juneau, alaska
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
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I have used 5200 to patch hip boots and Extratuffs. Works great.
Made it almost 3 years without censor!
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5367730
01/15/16 07:31 PM
01/15/16 07:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 148 North Slope
Nunamiut
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 148
North Slope
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Nice pile of lynx! Does your family make anything with the fur? Or do you just sell them dried? Good luck with the wolf sets.
If it was easy, everybody would be doing it!
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5368251
01/16/16 03:58 AM
01/16/16 03:58 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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I mostly sell them dried but I've been selling them with feet and skull left in to a buddy of mine these past couple years. He mostly buys in January. Haven't really sewed anything but I have some nice lynx bellies that I salvaged from lynx that were eaten in snares. It's the back legs that mostly get damaged. Me and Fiona have quite a few furs that we put aside for sewing, just haven't started yet. Fiona's into beading but I know she's got fur projects in mind. On another note... Got this and five lynx today. Clubbed a weasel in my Grandparents smokehouse when I was grabbing bait this morning too.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5368480
01/16/16 11:12 AM
01/16/16 11:12 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 847 N.E. Pennsylvania
trappertom52
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 847
N.E. Pennsylvania
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Wow! Beautiful work there. I showed the pics to my wife, and she said she would only be able to wear those beauties to church.
Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool and his folly. Proverbs 17:12
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5368500
01/16/16 11:26 AM
01/16/16 11:26 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 juneau, alaska
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
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Is that wolverine sporting a bluish diamond, or just the picture?
Made it almost 3 years without censor!
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5368881
01/16/16 05:24 PM
01/16/16 05:24 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Av- the wolverine has some silver color in the fur. Not so much blue but with the lighting it shows up like bluish. Trapper tom- sounds like yer wife needs a pair of church shoes. I'll bet there isn't many if any of these beaded slippers in Pennsylvania.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5369012
01/16/16 07:05 PM
01/16/16 07:05 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Here's the slippers she made for me and the ones she made for herself and Morgan. The first ones I posted were for a customer. Everything all set to start skinning the ten lynx I brought in and the five fresh ones from yesterday. Pepsi and coffee are stocked, and season seven of sons of anarchy is ready to play as I skin. Len- the kids mukluks you posted are awesome. Look very warm. I have two beaver hides from this fall that could end up looking like that.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: muskrat411]
#5374200
01/19/16 05:57 PM
01/19/16 05:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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How many Golu is that now? I got as manny weasels as you this weekend but only two lync,the golu took another one for himself. Edward got a nice sheep up Semple Creek. Man did the willows ever grow up in that creek. We're tied again in the gulo department. You still like lexan back on your coni boxes after the wolverine ripped them off. Try putting a box with no trap until he's confortable going in to grab bait. Just be sure to write Acme Wolverine box on the side. Then rub your hands together and say " Ian McLeod...Suuuuper genious" Just like wiley coyote.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5383648
01/24/16 11:08 PM
01/24/16 11:08 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,271 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
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james bay frontierOnt.
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Nice haul Ryan and nice looking pelts. You must have a good population of cats and fox too.Do you snare rabbits too? Any marten?
Last edited by Boco; 01/24/16 11:08 PM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5383683
01/24/16 11:27 PM
01/24/16 11:27 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833 MT (Big Sky Country)
Allan Minear
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trapper
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MT (Big Sky Country)
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Thanks again for sharing your trap line with us, those slippers look nice and warm, and the bead work is some of the nicest I've seen in ages. Do you get many cross fox and those lynx and wolverine and quite a sight something that isn't around this part of Montana. I can't wait to see how well your kids do when they are old enough to start their own trap lines. Stay Safe out there. Allan
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5383688
01/24/16 11:30 PM
01/24/16 11:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Seems to be more cats around this year Boco. I usually set snares when family or friends ask for bunnies to eat. More of a "Choot'em" kind of guy when it comes to putting rabbits on the plate. There are some areas with high marten populations but where I trap there are some but not a lot. I'll be looking at starting to set for marten next year. The thing with me is that I really like trapping lynx and often don't set for other animals that can really increase my fur hauls like mink, otters, etc. I'm still developing my line too so once I get all the lynx travels routes figured out then I'll start setting for other animals. I have 48 new 120's so trapping marten is pretty high on my list of new things to do.
Mainly trap fox around town until ice is thick enough to get after lynx, wolverine and wolf.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5383695
01/24/16 11:33 PM
01/24/16 11:33 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Allen- Thanks buddy always good to hear from you. Cross fox are pretty common in these parts and I'm already planning on starting my kids out with 6- 1 1/2 LS each and a dozen snares each.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5383701
01/24/16 11:35 PM
01/24/16 11:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,271 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
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james bay frontierOnt.
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I love catching the cats too,but we don't have the numbers you have.Most I got on one line was 12. One guy near me traps several traplines,he gets between 30 and 50 when the pops are good. We used to have a lot more fox but they have been very scarce for a few years now.Marten is the staple fur here. I like snaring wolves too.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5388054
01/27/16 01:05 PM
01/27/16 01:05 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Muskrat- I sold them 4 fox carcasses and it looks like you're ahead again. Big fresh tracks though about a mile from one line so maybe we're tied and I just don't know it. Your latest wolverine looks good, seen it on youtube. Must be one of them milk crates I grabbed for you when you started to take 2 and I grabbed an armfull.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5388068
01/27/16 01:12 PM
01/27/16 01:12 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Muskrat- Besides trapper243 you're the only guy I know who catches fairly often with milk crates. Should change your sign in name to milkcrate411. Talking 'bout that milkcrate information.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5423920
02/18/16 07:25 PM
02/18/16 07:25 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Quick Update: Been pretty busy these past couple weeks. I made a trip south to pick up my truck after the engine blew and got repaired, had my warehouse moved from my parents yard to my yard, started work again, skinned and dried 21 more lynx and still managed to run my traps and raise my kids. I love being busy though and I wouldn't have it any other way. I caught a wolf a couple days ago but unfortunately the pack ate it. The wolverines around my cabin have disappeared for now and I'll most likely be pulling my wolverine traps soon because the sun quickly takes it's toll on wolverine fur, hopefully they come back around one more time. Lynx trapping has been up and down lately with catches ranging from 1 to 6 per trip. I've found some martin and set a couple traps for them, saving my efforts on martin for next year when I have all season to trap them. Pulled 18 traps at the farthest end of my line to save time and explore some new areas. I finally have all the parts to fix my 550 so once that's done I'll think long and hard about switching from trapping to tracking so I can get my yearly wolf hunting in (I haven't set out specifically to hunt something all winter) Just mostly been trapping.
I'm still trying to take pictures but my camera was submerged in water during the fall char tagging program and has slowly been deteriorating in photo quality since then. Most picture during daylight turn out straight white. I'm looking forward to spring hunting and stocked up on ammunition when I picked up my truck. I've got shells for rats, geese, wolves, and my 1 spring grizzly. Lots of adventures to come yet before that awful season known as summer.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5425038
02/19/16 12:12 PM
02/19/16 12:12 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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I caught 4 which is the most I've ever caught out of the lines I was running. Before this year it was 2 qavviks in 5 years out in that area. Good to know there's still a couple out there but haven't seen the tracks since they tried chewing into my plywood house and scratching up my door on the loghouse. The gulo fur will be starting to go downhill next couple weeks with the longer sunshine. First they lose the shine then they thin out on the legs and base of the tail.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5425549
02/19/16 07:18 PM
02/19/16 07:18 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Yessir that fool! I need to get rid of some traps that I don't use and get more of the ones I like. I don't have any belisle 330's but if they're as effective as the 120 super x then they must be a pretty good trap. Well designed and built. I was regretting getting 48 120's instead of more 330 and #3 but now that I have found some decent martin habitat I'm pretty excited to hit them hard next year. Pretty awful feeling to see where you had a good catch and he got out/away or in my most recent trapline heartbreak....eaten.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5425605
02/19/16 07:44 PM
02/19/16 07:44 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Yeah I'm heading out tomorrow morning too. I'll set a new line and try finish the season strong. Got more 120 boxes cut out, just need to put them together tonight. I'm up to 6 lynx eaten and a wolf this year. Hopefully I never pull up on an eaten wolverine, That's probably enough to cut my season short if that ever happens, but after a couple days I'd get bored and keep on trapping. Good luck to everybody this weekend.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5441691
03/02/16 12:54 PM
03/02/16 12:54 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Went to traps on Monday and ,right before the first trap, a set of wolverine tracks came down off the river bank down to the river. He dug up all the chopped pieces of bait on the trail and then tunneled into my cubby to steal the bait. The next 11 traps were also snapped and robbed of bait, even the big 330 was snapped. Instead of resetting and rebaiting everything for him I chose instead to set up one spot with a 330, a stinger snare, and 5 blind traps. It was pretty obvious this bugger knew exactly how to disable a set and now my goal for the remaining season is to pick this guy up. I would hate to start out next year with a trap savvy wolverine running my line that knows all my set locations. Ridiculous amount of track in the area so it's pretty likely he isn't too far away. One more set of wolverine tracks in a different part of the line but he just crossed the river, Why? you ask, did the wolverine cross the river? Well it's likely he crossed the river to get to the other side. I also did a 200 km day in the mountains with one wolverine track found, but the tracks disappeared into some timber and we ended up losing the tracks in a wind blown creek. Spotted some sheep too but a busted jerry can ruined our sled for hauling meat home.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5442708
03/03/16 01:12 AM
03/03/16 01:12 AM
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 148 North Slope
Nunamiut
trapper
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North Slope
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Good luck catching him! My buddy and I had a wolverine eating up foxes from buckets a few winters back. We ended up catching him 3 feet from a tom, both in leg holds on a caribou kill. I'm going to give my sets a couple more weeks. By then I'll have a lot of day light to do some long distance traveling.
If it was easy, everybody would be doing it!
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5443125
03/03/16 11:54 AM
03/03/16 11:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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FT- After about 6-7 snapped traps I was pulling up on a 33o box and could see the snow knocked off the driftwood. I said out loud "And then he met a box" but was sure surprised to see the trap snapped and the 1/4 beaver carcass gone.
Nunamiut- I'm about ready to pull up my lines and do some wolf hunting too. This season has worn me out.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5443151
03/03/16 12:20 PM
03/03/16 12:20 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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This is how I set up the "Hail Mary" spot for the trickster Any guesses which one will catch? (Don't say none of them....even though it's very possible) I'm thinking a double front foot catch in the 750 for some reason but I'd love to see him in the snare set where he comes off the bank to the river. The 750 is set squarely in front of the baited bucket.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5443163
03/03/16 12:35 PM
03/03/16 12:35 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Most times that I've used this type of set up I wind up catching him in more than one trap. Just last week I caught a lynx in a #3 and he swung around just right and hit the snare set beside the cubby, good neck shot.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5443190
03/03/16 12:49 PM
03/03/16 12:49 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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This set is done in a small pile of drift wood about 30 feet from the rivers edge. He will most likely approach from the left of the bucket. There is a couple good solid drift woods running behind the box and bucket and that is what I am anchored to although I should've used drags to avoid multiple catches on one critter. His main trail comes off the bank to the left of this set and I would be approaching from directly behind the set.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5443202
03/03/16 01:00 PM
03/03/16 01:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34 saskatchewan
saskamusher
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34
saskatchewan
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my money is on the snare before he gets there get him tied up before he even knows it .
trapping with dogs
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5443211
03/03/16 01:04 PM
03/03/16 01:04 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Saskamusher- I was hoping I'd snare/conibear him to avoid broken claws, etc. but mainly I just want to get him off my line. I haven't snared a gulo in 4 years. My daughter was only one when I last snared one.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5449693
03/07/16 06:42 PM
03/07/16 06:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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The wolverine was reeking havoc on a different part of my line and showed me clearly that he knows traps. A black wolf didn't know traps and caught a ride home in my boggan though.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5452877
03/09/16 05:46 PM
03/09/16 05:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Well, I logged into my FHA trappers account expecting millions of dollars but instread I almost threw up my lunch when I seen the pitiful clearances and prices. This is easily the lowest prices I've seen since I started trapping and I'm already thinking that next year I might buy skates and play hockey instead of trapping. Better yet, since I know I will trap next year, I may just run a strictly "W" line. Wolves and wolverines only. I was planning to sell the wolf I got but instead, to remind me of the positive side to the season and not concentrate on a negative fur sale, I will go home at 5 pm and cut the wolf up for some new mitts. In all honesty though, the trapping experience is the same regardless of price and I cannot measure the success of a season based strictly on fur prices. I had fun, stayed active and enjoyed my self on the land doing what I love doing. BUT based on the sale I can now take my family out for a pizza instead of going on a trip to Cabela's town....I mean Edmonton.
BRING ON THE GEESE.....I"M GETTING HUNGRY HERE!!!!
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5452934
03/09/16 06:23 PM
03/09/16 06:23 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833 MT (Big Sky Country)
Allan Minear
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833
MT (Big Sky Country)
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Hey Ryan congratulations on catching the wolf. That's an empty feeling when a guy gets the news on how there fur did at the auction after all the hard work. I for one would like to see the final products made from the wolf and those wolverine pelts. Down here our winter weather has went to parts unknown, with temperatures in the 50's + during the day and in the 20's at night. How is your daughter doing with her new rifle is she ready for spring muskrat season yet ? Allan
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5452943
03/09/16 06:31 PM
03/09/16 06:31 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Not sure when the products will be finished but I'll post some pics when they are done Allen. Morgan is actually going out tonight for some gun lessons. Probably be ready to try some shots at bunnies soon.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5453135
03/09/16 08:52 PM
03/09/16 08:52 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833 MT (Big Sky Country)
Allan Minear
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833
MT (Big Sky Country)
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That's a great idea just remember that women can and will out shoot us guys if given a chance, I've got two daughters who were pretty good shots one kicked butt at a local turkey shoot against some tough competition. Allan
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5453560
03/10/16 12:30 AM
03/10/16 12:30 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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My girl stringing lynx when we still thought we would get a few bucks for them The old 700 rides again. The last wolverine I caught. Wolverine tracks on the porch. I don't catch them like this too often. Look on a map of Mackenzie river. This is the Horseshoe Bend.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5454755
03/10/16 10:23 PM
03/10/16 10:23 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833 MT (Big Sky Country)
Allan Minear
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833
MT (Big Sky Country)
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Those are some great pictures again Ryan as for the wolverines messing with you I'm sure you'll catch them before you know it. I had a huge bobcat mess with my mind one one of my snare lines long story short I ran out of time as the season closed before I could get a snare around it's neck. Keep up the good work with you helpers there at home, both my kids used to be good help for me now next are grandkids to help grandpa ? Allan
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5455259
03/11/16 12:06 PM
03/11/16 12:06 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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I ran into 3 wolves on Wednesday night in the dark skidoo portages. I managed to get all 3, a white one with mange will be handed in whole for sampling and 2 healthy blacks. I had to use a come along to lift one of the black ones for skinning. It's roughly the size of a cow caribou and easily 100+ pounds. Lots of fat on the two black ones that I skinned so I'm guessing this is the pack that's been terrorizing the moose out that way. I've even seen moose beds in the middle of rivers right on the ice so you know something in the willows was scaring them pretty good. Another pack upriver was also just ahead of me and they ripped up an old caribou hide before running hard for the river banks. I think I almost ran into two packs in one dark night!! I'll put up some picture later on tonight.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5456119
03/11/16 11:51 PM
03/11/16 11:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,997 Kelowna BC Canada
trapper ron
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Kelowna BC Canada
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Way to go on the wolves Ryan. Looking forward to the pictures.
Member BCTA Trapping Instructor
"It's what you learn after you know it all that really counts."
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5458882
03/14/16 04:55 AM
03/14/16 04:55 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Had a pretty good story written on my other computer but when I tried posting it the laptop says incompatible programs. I'll try tomorrow and put up the rest of my pictures too. Need to sleep now, took me 3 hours to do 21 km with a broken rear shock.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5459363
03/14/16 03:17 PM
03/14/16 03:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
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Last Wednesday started out like any other day. I had no idea that it would end up turning into a dark night that will always be remembered as a stand out memory in my wolf hunting adventures.
All during the work day I was thinking about the traps that I had to check that night and shortly before quitting time I asked my supervisor for Thursday off so I could camp out at the cabin and wake up early the next morning to set and run 10-15 rat traps for the day. I hurried home at five bells and got my stuff ready while caribou meat and potatoes sizzled in the frying pan. I decided that since I would be camping there wouldn't be much sense in rushing to get out of town, and I even waited around long enough to help put my kids to bed. After that I sat around some more and watched a movie with Fiona and then when she went to lay down I started getting dressed for the trip before I was tempted to wait for morning to travel. It was now about midnight and dark but I've never minded travelling at night if I have a good trail to follow (sometimes with no trail too), so I grabbed my gun and bag and then went to gas up my skidoo tank and 15 gallons extra. While gassing up I noticed that I had forgotten my extra cigarettes in my truck, so back I drove, all the way across town to get them. Finally I was on my way, for real this time.
The trails were dark that night as I travelled through familiar lakes and portages with no stars or moonlight to be seen. About half way to my cabin was when I first seen the fresh wolf tracks. I quickly checked them and continued on judging them to only be a few hours old by the amount that the snow had hardened inside of the prints. I wondered if waiting so long to leave town was such a good idea as I followed the tracks across a wide open stretch of the Mackenzie River where seeing them earlier would have been the ideal spot to get a few delta dogs. The tracks followed the main trail back into the lakes and portages and before long I pulled up to the first pee post which was marked with blood streaked urine, a sure sign of the females coming into heat. I quickly shovelled the frozen pee into a plastic bag that I had in my pocket then smoked a cigarette in anticipation of the possibility of seeing a wolf at the 2 month old moose kill that was coming up in the next chain of lakes. This is when the exciting stuff started happening.
A couple lakes later.......
I hit the lake and grabbed the throttle thinking if the wolves spent a couple hours at the kill site then I can either catch one in the headlights or stop and try howling to see where they were. Pulling up fast I could already see the moose was dug up and there was some tracks bounding up into the willows and some more tracks running down the skidoo trail. I figured my best bet would be to keep'er pinned down the lake in case some were still on the ice. Sure enough I spotted a black wolf running into the start of the next portage. It's funny that this log stands beside the trail and every time I pass by in the dark, the shadow from the log passes the portage left to right. This time the shadow went left to right and straight? It took my brain a quick second to sort out the sight and tell me "YES that was a wolf you just seen Ryan!"
The wolf got through the willows and hit the next lake way faster than I could. The speed he was going on the hard packed trail could've put a grey hound to shame and before the next portage he was so far ahead that he took advantage and jumped off the trail into the powder, up the bank and into the timber where I could never follow. More tracks running though so on I went knowing that I was less than a minute or two from the Mackenzie River, and more importantly, a smooth stretch of the Mackenzie River. The last willowed area before the big river is a long slough covered with 3 foot high red willows leading to a narrow channel with cut banks on both sides as it hits the Mighty Mackenzie. EYES! Pinned. Can't see them. Then a blurry spot at the furthest reach of my lights. Wolf Breath steaming, and snow flying behind them, I catch up as they hit the cut banks. I can smell them now and the deadly looking white wolf running in the lead has all my attention as they leave the slough and the willows for the last time. The white splits to the left with me behind as the 2 blacks stay on the main trail across the Mackenzie. I get close enough then with the wolf running broadside I first see the mangy side view. I decide to take it out of the population and hand it in whole to the GOV for sampling so I let my first shot go. It drops the wolf but as I slow down and turn back I can see he's gotten up and doesn't look much slower. Get him back in the headlight, broadside....Click! Click! Rookie mistake. The one time I forget to fill the magazine before leaving!! Was probably swearing at myself as I stuffed 4 shots in and took off again. Now the 3 tracks hit some rough ice and about half way through it, two sets of tracks leave the trail and go right, Heading back towards the smooth area with some deeper snow. I quickly think it's the black ones when they had a big lead so I follow the single set going straight on the trail. I caught up at the far (west) bank of the river and made no mistake this time dropping my first wolf of the night. I filled the magazine right up and got back across to the smooth spot, quickly turning down river hoping the wolves were headed back to the east bank. I was speeding along with only my headlights and a prayer. I said out loud a couple times "Come on tracks...Come on tracks..." THERE! TRACKS! Couple minutes later at the far edge of my lights I see a blurry shadow and catch him as he hits the bank. I jump off my skidoo and let er' go dropping the biggest one with a clean headshot just before I would've lost him. 1 more set of tracks! Let’s go! Spotting the last wolf was a repeat of the first black. I get him broadside and down he goes! I went back to where it all began and picked up my sled and wolf mitts which both got dropped when the action started. A quick look back at the first lake showed 6 wolves had gotten away. I looked for them for a while but they stayed in the timber. But man was I happy with my 3 wolves, and the chance to have a smoke! I followed my trail and retrieved the 3 wolves. I grabbed the white one first and was sure to fill my sled with snow before placing the wolf on top. I brought it over to the east bank and buried it then dumped the snow from my sled. I knew I wasn't going to skin it so I would leave it until I was on my way home when I could bring a tarp from my camp to wrap it up and avoid handling it too much. Travelling on I seen a different pack had been around about 15 miles upriver and they were bounding into the willows and trees as well. I stayed up all night skinning the two black ones, and kept thinking, how much more luck could I have asked for? A lot of things could've prevented this but everything worked out. A night to remember for sure! The next morning I pulled some winter traps and picked up a really nice pale cross fox in a snare.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5459417
03/14/16 04:05 PM
03/14/16 04:05 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833 MT (Big Sky Country)
Allan Minear
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 11,833
MT (Big Sky Country)
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Thanks Ryan for the great story and pictures I felt as if I were riding along with you on my sled. Years ago I also had a black wolf run out in front of me on the interstate going home from work late one night but never got a second look at it no matter how hard I tried. So what did you find wrong with the hip on the one black wolf ? Those are sure a nice color and size. Allan
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5459433
03/14/16 04:20 PM
03/14/16 04:20 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Thanks Allen. The hip had a small tear and I'm guessing it was from ice, or another wolf. With the female around close by the 3 big males might've been fighting. Maybe it was slowing down another faster wolf in the narrow portages and got a few nips to tell him to speed up. Hard to say what happened. No damage to the muscle underneath though and nothing a few stiches won't take care of. I gave the last black wolf of the night to Fiona to tan and sew whatever she wants to. The trapped one from a few days earlier is still intact and will be sent to auction.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5459599
03/14/16 06:13 PM
03/14/16 06:13 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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I enjoyed writing the story so much that I've decided to get back into writing after a 3-4 year loss of interest. I've even picked the title for my first book:
"A bear ate my oranges: A collection of short stories by Ryan McLeod"
HAHA! Just an idea I had, thinking out loud more than anything at this point.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Ryan McLeod]
#5460373
03/15/16 02:03 AM
03/15/16 02:03 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554 Fairbanks Alaska
AKHowler
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 554
Fairbanks Alaska
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Thanks for the ride a long Ryan. Great story
Alaskan #9 Trap Company JR Pederson PO BOX 58226 Fairbanks AK 99711 cell# 907-378-7291 pedersonjr@yahoo.com
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Re: Here we go again... Delta trapping 15-16
[Re: Chickenminer]
#5461782
03/16/16 12:36 AM
03/16/16 12:36 AM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263 NWT
Ryan McLeod
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,263
NWT
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Ryan, That white wolf is cool! Too bad the hide is no good. Sounds like quite the rush for a few minutes. Yeah when I seen the 3 running I had my chance to choose one. I picked the white because from behind he looked like a good wolf. Once I seen the mange I was thinking darn it I should've chose a black. I thought the two blacks were long gone but luckily they took a long route through snow and I was able to get them too. I looked for the others yesterday but only found tracks from one wolf. Probably the first one I seen. It is a rush but I've learned to save the shaky nerves for afterwards, dry eyes and cold shaky hands after it was all done. I tried a wolf hunt in the mountains on Saturday too but a busted shock on the way home ruined the day. Still feeling it in my neck and shoulders today.
If you take care of the land the land will take care of you
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