HFT_AK Journal 2019-20

After having to shut down the line early last season because of bladder cancer, the past 8 months have been rough and a roller coaster. Had surgery X2 in March followed by radiation treatments. Then in April they found that it had spread to my right eye muscles, my 9th rib, my hip, and 2 of my lymp nodes. Went to the Mayo clinic in MN for a biopsy on the eye, they are the ones that found the cancer. Came home and did more radiation, this time on the eye and a lymp node.
Was feeling pretty defeated until they put my on this stuff called Keytunda, it is suppose to be a cancer killer. I won't find out what it is doing ie killing the cancer, stopping it from growing, or nothing until after my 4th round later this month. But...........My eye is opened up, I can see, and I have been getting out doing the things I love. At this rate I should be good for another season.
Did a bunch of moose hunting, not the way I prefer, sitting and waiting vs the stalk. Having only 1 eye kinda kicked me plus having to figure out how to shoot left handed. Saw a lot of sub legal bulls and only had one that I seriously questioned but didn't pull the trigger. It was awesome to be out there.
Spent the past few days out in the woods chasing beaver with Recondo. We hit a new area, not a bunch of sign like we normally see but we connected with a few. Always been a castor guy but tried something different this time. I used Bengay, along with spearmint mixed with glycerin. Worked pretty good and had quite the sweet smell.

We ended up with 13. Couldn't beat the sights and the good company around the camp fire though

Dang, you've had a rough go.
Good to see you back posting.

Atleast it didnt snow.. Let me know how that Dunn shaves those peltsoff those carcasses

You are one tough hombre. You left out the fact you also found the time and energy to build wolf snares for me!
My prayers are with you!!!

bucksnbears it has been rough, but I have good people from this forum that helped keep me motivated AKTRPR, helped pull my line, Wolverine Hunter got me out on the water chasing halibut, and AKHowler who is an inspiration in overcoming this obstacle and calls just to check in.
Then there is Crucible6, that dude took me into town for treatment, got me out dip netting, and hooked me up for moose season and chasing beaver.
All people I connected with here on Tman over the years.
And I got to mention the wife, my greatest champion through all of this

AV, I hope you connect!

Very good , way to get'um.

HFT congratulations on the cancer free news that's always a work in progress I hope for continuing health and happiness JR is a good guy to use as a roll model on how to survive cancer and cancer treatments chemo and radiation aren't always fun without a good support system behind you.

Hey man, good to see you getting out and about! Keep up the good fight, you got this!

HFT.
I’m glad to hear you’re getting out and about. I have an uncle dealing with a different form but still no fun. Looking forward to hearing your beating it and updates on your trapping success this winter.

Praying for you, hope you'll have a good season.

Hang in there John. It’s good to see you back at it!

Keep it going John!

Pulling for you HFT, hope you have a good season!

HFT, Thanks for agreeing to teach the cat and canine section at the trappers school in Birchwood this coming weekend, some lucky students are going to get some great info!

Looking forward to it

congrats on so far beating the cancer
I had bladder cancer in 07
had surgery to remove bladder, prostate and associated lymph nodes, then a secton of small intestines to replace bladder,all pipe worked hooked back up, 12 years clean....
keep the good fight, god bless

Had a blast yesterday at the ATA South Central Chapter trapping school! Got to share my passion for chasing fox, yotes, and lynx. Loved seeing all those young people and the future generation of trappers!



Thanks for all the kind words guys. Had my 4th round of Kutunda last Wednesday, got a PET scan scheduled week after next to see where I stand. In the mean time, gear is all ready, just gotta pull out the wheeler and the sleds and start going over them. Looks like it is going to be one of those years where the start is with no snow..............

All the best to you hft.Hope you have a great year and full recovery.

Thanks again John I heard you gave and excellent presentation!

HFT you have had some serious speed bumps thrown your way. I hope this new treatment does the trick and you are able to continue enjoying the finer things in life!

HFT
Keep pushing foreword and Godspeed on beating
All that ails you!

Well got the results back from my PET scan, kinda bitter sweet. Found some new stuff in my eye muscles and lungs, they don't know if it lit up because it is dying or growing, The spots they found on the last PET scan back in June are either gone or are almost gone. Looks like this medicine Keytruda is killing it, but with cancer you never know but I am optimistic

All geared up for this season and ready to rock and roll!. Picked up a moose yesterday, should be nice and stinky when the season opens!

Pulling for you John.

Keep up the good fight and kick that cancer to the curb !
Allan

Continue progress on your cancer battle! God Bless and keep on keeping on!

Chris

Thanks for the kind words guys
Actually got out today on the wheeler, only made it a bout 5 miles in and had to turn around after winching myself out of a freaking mud hole for the second time.
This weather is ridiculous! 39 right now at the house. Looks like it will be a few weeks before I can actually run.
Got a little gear out, so we will test the waters

I know how you must feel we've had a few days of sub zero temps and a few different snow storms hit down here and thankfully no 70+ mph winds to go with it yet ?
Yesterday it was raining here which turned into snow just before day light this morning we may drop down below zero again tonight but our high tomorrow may reach the mid 30's ???
Look at the bright side the critters you'll catch when it does get back to normal weather wise will be nice and prime !
Allan

I know I shouldn't complain Allen, at least I am out there

Ran gear yesterday, not much happening. Was hoping things would freeze up more but that didn't happen either.
Tried going the opposite direction to see how far I could get. Made it to a bait station and figured I'd drop snares and come back out today and drop some beaver.
Rolled up today to drop the beaver and sure enough got a pretty surprise!



Vegas Jim had given me a half dozen of those Dakota Line snares with the stingers on them about 3 years ago before he left state, I am hooked on those dang things!

We are suppose to get some weather over the next few days, hoping for snow! Be safe out there guys!

NICE!!!! Man, what a nice cat. Your skinning, now!

Congratulations on a darn nice looking lynx keep your skinning knife handy and sharp I've got a feeling your going to have a great season !
We had a rain storm set on top of us here and of course the temp had to drop before sun up so everything was covered in ice our gravel road was a skating rink even it's never a dull moment this season so far.

Let's look on the positive side. If the drug is working it will probably continue to work even in new places.

Good that you are getting out. That in itself is good therapy !

Thanks guys!

White 17
I believe it is, my body tells me it is. Just grateful that today's medicine has advanced as far as it has. Still have my bladder and everything works That is almost unheard of with a person that has stage 4 bladder cancer that has spread. Being out in the woods is the BEST therapy I haven't busted my butt yet.

Way to go John, looks like a beautiful cat. Is it as silver as it looks in the pic? Keep it up, nothing happening here yet. Proud of ya Brother....

Nice cat John! All the best. Ryan

Nice one John! Hope to see lots of critters for you this year. Hope the weather cooperates with you!

Glad to see you're getting out John!

That's a beauty of a cat.

glad to see your out

Nice cat keep it up

Wow
Keep going.
You're in my.prayers.
Nice cat!

John, skinning is winning! Keep it up.

Well done John! Great to see you getting out there! You're in my thoughts every day bud!

Thank you for all the kind words guys, I really appreciate it
Ran what little gear I have this morning, it has been raining on and off the past two day and we have about a 1/4 inch of ice as a base layer. and looking out the window right now it is finally snowing Don't know how long it will last but hopefully it will be enough to put the little bravo to work
Picked up a little mink in a bucket set. Have not cut any real sign but have been seeing a bunch of spruce chickens and hare.

Perfect strike! You are skinning.

Good lynx John. Really glad you’re out and about!

As long as you don't quit you're headed towards a win. Look forward to following your posts again this year. That cats a beauty.

Thanks

Keep strong and keep it up! Positive vibes and prayers my friend!!

Thanks for the good vibes and positive thoughts guys

Well we finally got a little snow, maybe a foot but I don't know how long it is going to last. It rained most of today off and on and they are calling for the same up until Saturday. Had planned on putting more gear out today but decided to just run my trail as best I could and see how conditions were and look for track.
I think I might wait a spell to go full speed, plenty of yote and fox track but..................

Walking up to my first marten set I can see that the coffee can had been torn off the tree and the 120 was sitting there fired. What the heck? Looking around in the snow, no fresh track but I could see large indentations in the snow. Hmm maybe a moose?
I walked another 100 yds to the edge of a slough were I have 2 lynx sets, one on each side of it. Walked over to the first set that had half a beaver wired to a tree as a walk through and it was gone. Looking around I can see the indentations i the snow, hmmm..

As I started to walk to cross the slough to the other set I looked at the trail it just didn't look right. I know dang well when I walked it Saturday I didn't make it that wide through the swamp grass.
Once I hit the middle I could clearly see indentations in the snow and I knew they were from a bear walking not a freaking moose!

Got to the next set and sure enough the trap had been fired and the cable tight! I had him for a minute! I had bought a bunch of old Montana #3 from tradbow up in FBX and I run them for lynx, love the dogless design.
Just glad that joker wasn't there when I arrived Hope with this snow he decides to go to sleep for the winter. The latest I have seen them out was after Thanksgiving but normally they are gone by now.

Did pickup the first yote of the year, young female, thick fur, but way dark.



Be safe out there guys!

Brownie? Makes a .22 feel puny!

drasselt based on the stride it looked like maybe a 6-7 footer, and I would sway towards a brownie, not many blackies that big around here. And yeah a .22 is puny

Darn nice coyote just the same ! Don't you just love it when they wrap up a 8' snare around a little tree like that when they do is when you try to grab your cable cutters and remember you left them on the table in the fur shed !
I'm glad you didn't run into the bear I agree that a .22 isn't much at times .
Allan

Glad I got that Bravo up and running. We had close to a foot of snow and after today and 40 degree temps, it is nothing but 2 inches of slush I am not a fan of puddle jumping! I know if I had my Polaris out there I would have sunk it, got stuck, or blown it up with these dang warm temps!

No sign of Yogi, hoping it stays that away Did pick up another kitty and I think this is the high year for them based on all the track I saw today.

Another nice looking lynx keep up the good work ! I don't have a Bravo but I do have a old Polaris RMK we just got 4" of new snow but tomorrow's forecast is for 50 above so much for what snow we've got.
I'm glad to hear the bear left the area your trapping hopefully you don't get a visit from another one .

Glad you got it running right John!

I had planned a hunt about year ago to go chase deer out at Montague Island. It is hands down one of my favorite hunts and the thought of getting out there helped keep me motivated. There were a few mishaps prior to getting there. My good buddy Crucible 6 blew out his back during moose season, that was a real bummer, and it was confirmed that he ruptured 2 disc's, so he will be laid up for a spell.

I hooked up with a Army buddy here in Wasilla Sunday evening. He owns the boat, a nice 30 footer. We have done this hunt three times now and have done a few fishing trips as well. He has aspirations of being a guide when he finally retires. Our trip down there was a little hairy We jacked knifed the boat right in the middle of Anchorage and almost took out a telephone pole! But we finally made it down to Whitter 3 hours later, hooked up with two other buddy's, got the boat launched and ready for first light.

If you go on the big water in the winter months you know how unpredictable the seas can be. The trip out there wasn't to bad and we made it in 3 hours. I can't say the same for the trip back though. Took 4 1/2 hours and we got a bit beat up

We were hoping that there was snow out on the islands, makes it so much easier to spot movement and it is pretty quite moving.
This is one of my favorite spots out there, 2 draws come together at a creek and the head of a lake.



Picked up this little button buck walking around a bend. He was already at a dead run heading to the thick stuff when I saw him. Missed the first shot but balled him up with the second.



Got him gutted and drug down to the shore line for pick up and continued to hunt. I poked around quit a bit in hopes of getting the deer to move towards my buddies and as I did I found myself on the back side of a lake, I sat down there and ate my lunch and just enjoyed the view. When I finished I decided I would follow a draw up a little just to get a looks see. About 20 minutes later I found myself on top of a ridge line looking down to were two draws met. I was telling myself there has got to be deer here. I looked up the draw and towards the next ridge line and sure enough about 900yds away I saw 2 deer!

I looked back at the lake and thought to myself that will be one heck of a pack and seriously contemplated if I really wanted to go after those deer.

Well....

I closed the gap and got to within 200 yds of were I saw them and I just stood there scanning the draw and ridge line. I had thought they went to the left but wasn't sure. After a few minutes I decided to try calling. I had watched on that show Meat Hunter they guy would give a fawn in distress call, sometimes it would work sometimes not.

I blew on the thing four times........ and as I dropped my hand I heard a thunk behind me, I barely had time to get my gun up when a head popped over a raise 20 yds behind me



That was worth the long pack out

I have a friend that has had fox getting her chickens all summer long. She has seen them numerous times, never thought to ask what color. Set a few snares and yesterday picked these 2 beauties up



I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and are grateful for the many blessing you have in your world!

Way to go, John! You are an inspiration!
Happy Thanksgiving.

Nice work John, Your attitude is healing... That is some good looking eats ya got there. The river still isn't solid at my crossing so I'm gonna go down and try to get a moose in Minto Flats. I thought my freezer was full of meat but half of it was skulls ant they don't eat very well. Happy Turkey Day brother and keep up the good fight while putting fur on the stretchers.

Once again a great job sharing your outdoor experiences Looking forward to the next one.

Enjoying the ride along. Keep it up. Your living the life I hope to live in 2 years, tho maybe without the medical problems!!
mt

Congrats on a good hunt John!

Looks like a nice spot to hunt.
Those cross foxes are beauties.

Crosses and silvers do very well at the Rondy auctions.

Thank you for the kind words guys, it is appreciated!

JR, I feel your pain. Went out on Friday and was running in about 6 inches of water, Freaking crazy weather! But on the plus side we got this last night and according to the weather people it is suppose to get in the single digits Looking forward to my next run! Hope you connect and get meat in the freezer



The kindness of people always puts a smile on my face. Full Freezer wrote and asked for my address, my wife was tickled at getting this in the mail Alaskan Grown



What better way to spend a dreary winter day then to process meat Did the yearling today, going to let the big one hang until next weekend. I think I need to reevaluate the ammo I use for these jokers. .223 69 grain hollow points did a number on him. Would have been fine if it was a head shot but one in the chest cavity took out both shoulders and created a lot jello if you know what I mean.



Picked up a big buck mink right here at the stream behind my house Things are pretty flooded around here and not looking forward to the shelf ice that is going to follow.



drasselt, that is the game plan for this year

And just a friendly reminder draw hunt dead line is on the 15th of this month! Hope we all get drawn!

So good to see you back in action!

With the amount of crosses and silvers you are blessed with there, Taxinet is your friend. Dorsal skin with head and paws on and freeze. Should sell for $200 ea no problem.
Always enjoy your journal. Good luck!

Descent run today picked up 3 yotes and a red. The trails are still flooded out but with 6 inches of snow on top of them. Managed to get stuck once and soaking wet That cold weather can't get here soon enough!

I love rolling up and seeing this sight





Cut otter track today, with the creeks flooded out not much I can do right now except know they are around.
Seriously thinking of just pulling all my marten sets, I have not seen a single marten or ermine track.



yukonjeff, I have done that in the past with silvers, the crosses are good barter material. Hooked up with a guy that does tanning, he does all my lynx for a couple of fox or a yotes.

Nice haul! Do you normally have much marten sign?

FullFreezer, It has always been hit or miss. My best year was 7 and other years nothing. I am guessing this is one of those years. Ermine on the other hand have always been around. Avg about 12 of them a year, just kinda odd not seeing any track especially after a fresh snow.

I was commenting to my son just this weekend about the non-existent weasel population on our line. Not even one living under the cabin, which is the first time I remember this ever happening. On the other hand, more canine sign than I've seen in several years.

I love it when there is fresh snow! Hate it when you see track all over the place just not near your gear Picked up 2 yotes today and laid a few haysets out for the jokers as well. Plan on hitting it hard next week and getting more gear out now that things have froze up a bit.



Be safe out there!

WTG

Fur shed should be looking pretty good by end of season

Well I don't know what to think of this dang weather. We got a foot last Monday and after the past few days of warm winds and rain it is all gone Had planned on getting more gear out but with thin ice on the flats and no snow that was a little difficult. Did get a few otter sets in. Pulled a 220 after the last snow because of overflow and the creek freezing up, sure enough the joker came through after I pulled it

Been seeing a lot of bull moose out on the line, looks like they are starting to drop their antlers. Love finding these right on my trail



There is no feeling better then scanning the wood line were you have gear and seeing this...........



That same trail, same tree, has produced 5 lynx and 4 yotes over the past 7 years Got that one with a stinger kill spring, was able to reuse the snare



Hopefully we get some colder weather and snow sooner then later. My trail is solid ice which makes for a very slow and bumpy ride!

You guys be safe out there!

Cool find on the shed, I've been keeping an eye out. Found 2 last year.

Nice to have a trail that produces consistently like that!

Nice colour on the lynx!

Well it has been pretty dang slow out on my line. The full moon, clear skies, and warm temps have got the critter chilling and not on the prowl. It is cold enough at night that things are freezing up pretty good though, and that is a awesome thing! I feel bad for this little machine though, as you can see I am running on nothing but ice. It is a little tank!



Found another shed, Did a little walking around out there today and found a herd of about 12 bulls, all with their antlers still, Hopefully it will drop down to single digits later this week and they will drop them. Always seems that they do that when it is really cold.



Rolled up on this today, thought it was a small otter at first, biggest dang mink I think I ever caught! I picked a little one up here behind the house yesterday when I get them boarded I will take a pic.



Other then that, the jokers have been leaving me presents in the middle of the trail, on the ice, with no track. I got a few more sets in for them today, just gotta exercise that tactical patience

You guys be safe out there!

You must be running a studded track I assume? In the days before studs the smell of melting plastic slide rails was a sure bet on a luge run like that! Looks like a heck of mink there.

Great looking foxes John !! BUT.........I am really triggered and offended at the looks of your rifle !!! VERY SCARY !!!!!!!!!

I have had 12 below here all day. Maybe it will drop over the mountains into your AO

drasselt, I got a few screws on the track, helps with traction, I am afraid if I had lugs/studs on it I'd tear it apart. That pic was on the nice section of trail Some spots it is just open tundra and no ice or snow.

white, I am impressed that I actually offended you with that little pea shooter Glad I didn't post a pic of the AR my wife won at the state fair from friends of the NRA raffle That would have been triggering

[quote=HFT AK]drasselt, I got a few screws on the track, helps with traction, I am afraid if I had lugs/studs on it I'd tear it apart. That pic was on the nice section of trail Some spots it is just open tundra and no ice or snow.

I call em all studs, they also help with chipping up ice for lube. Of course if it's just tundra not much heat-relief for the hyfax there but at least it's a smoother ride than a 4 wheeler

Right on. You are doing very good! Especially considering you are so close to town in Wasilla. I'm assuming you are catching your cats with cubbies or snare pens. How about your coyotes? Mind sharing what sets you are using? Just mostly trail sets/blind sets? I know you mentioned hay sets, but it appears you use mostly snares. I thought hay sets were made with foot traps. Kind of like a dirt hole set. Thanks for sharing your photos. I'm enjoying them.

drasselt, Absolutely a smoother ride then the wheeler! I got a little 85 Suzuki King Quad, will get me to just about anywhere I want to get, but once things freeze up and the ground is hard, she beats my butt to death! That and I am not a fan of it on ice, I am always afraid I am going to roll the dang thing when I get sideways

Here is a pic of that mink on the board. The one on the right is a average size buck mink. I should have taken a pic before I skinned them out.

The wife had one

That’s a Tank of a mink!

Well today was an interesting day.
I spoke with Crucible6 the other day. He lives down by the Palmer hay flats, and when we talked he was like John you ain't gonna believe what I saw today! I saw 2 ptarmigan! The first one I second guessed myself, maybe a seagull, the second I know for a fact it was! I am thinking to myself....OK. Well low and behold today at first light I swing my sled in to check a patch of spruce with a bait station in it when what flies up right in front of me, a freaking ptarmigan! 12 years of hunting trapping out there and that was a first! Never expected them to be in the low lands like they are.

Further on down the line I pull up to a lynx cubbie to relure, made it stinky, hop on the sled and hit my loop to get back out on the main trail when I come across this track. I found three track total the one was to faint to take a pic. It sure as heck looks like a bear track to me, and if it is it is a pretty small cub out in mid December at 8 degrees.
What are your guys thoughts?
I have only had a wolverine come through my line once, is that a possibility?





That track looked like it was paralleling a set of cow and calve track and everything was headed towards a creek that is about 500 yds away. I figured today would be a good day to walk that creek out and scout for some otter. I made it up the creek in the general vicinity were I thought the moose would cross and sure enough found their track, but only theirs.
I kept walking, came around a bend and in the distance I saw something that just didn't look right, this is what I found,



Felt bad for that little fellow, he is froze in tight! The ice around him was pretty clear, the only thing I can think of was he fell in and couldn't get out.

Ended my run catching this pretty fellow on my last snare line



It is getting colder here, in the single digits finally and they are actually calling for some snow come next week!

You guys be safe out there!

From what I see I would say bear track. For one thing a wolverine should have hairier feet. Did you chip-out that fox? Also I saw 3 Ptarmigan sail across the Parks near Lowes a week or two ago. Surprised me. They usually seem to come to the lowlands when the snow gets deep up high. I've seen them dead on the tracks by Birchwood even.

I would guess a bear track also.......mainly because it looks like your trail is too hard for a wolverine to make a track that deep.

In the Mackenzie delta we have no mink this year. not sure if maybe the creeks are still running and they are under the ice. But with there total absence seems like maybe a virus has gone through. not surprising seeing as to how no one traps them anymore. Leads to overpopulation and sickness, that's what the hippies don't understand is that the trapper is a vital part of a healthy ecosystem.

It's really interesting that when the wolf reintroduction started in the greater Yellowstone eco-system years ago, the environmentalists clamored that predation was necessary for a healthy population of elk, deer, etc. But when the "healthy predation" involves humans, they regard it as horrible or somehow destroying the species, and heaven forbid WEARING OR utilizing that animal.

drasselt- If I had trapped or shot that fox it would absolutely come out. I have fox and yote that run that creek so I am thinking that will become a point of interest for them, curious to see how it plays out.
I wonder if the ptarmigan had a population boom this summer and are dispersing? I have a few buddies that run up in and around Hatchers Pass, the snow isn't deep, maybe 2 ft at most but it is hard pack right now.

As for the track, I am headed back out there tomorrow and am going to recon it a little more. I can not imagine what a little cub would be doing out in this weather and if there is a den near by I'd like to know! Don't need no run in with a momma bear

Wolverine tracks are usually in the typical paired weasel pattern

drasselt- I will keep that in mind, the snow is still soft in the spruce, so I am sure I can pick up the track and figure out exactly what it is, just going to take a little walking and time, something I didn't have much of yesterday.

I'm sure you know but I'll post anyway. Here are some gulo tracks in fresh snow;




and here are some that were made in deeper snow and then blown on by the wind

Bear track in the first picture, hind.
You are stacking the fur up John! Hoping to see more success in the future for ya.

Good job

Well got out there and got things set for this snow we are suppose to get, Confirmed that yes indeed those were bear track, About a quarter mile down I cut track, from the stride it looks like a little bear maybe 4 ft. Couldn't say if it was a blackie or a brownie.

This guy wasn't to happy to see me though





Finally am able to run the creek and got some more gear out today.

You guys be safe out there!

Nice cat HFT,
That little wandering bear might end up in one of your sets.

Boco, I honestly hope not!

scottermac, that is a toad!

Pretty productive day

I love it when you find this.......



That kitty walked back and forth a couple of times in a 100 yds stretch. So I left him a present



Suppose to get a skift of snow tonight so it will blend right in

Looks like this guy made it through the season without getting capped I even saw a cow with a collar on today, she wasn't picture friendly though.



I don't know what is up with the kitties this year but I am not complaining one bit Picked the first one up on a bunny trail, the second somehow got a front foot through the yote snare. Now if I could only get one to step in a freaking trap!





Made it home and took a walk down to the pond, picked up mink number 3 from the same set



I go in and get my Xmas present from the chemo doc tomorrow, infusion number 6.

I want to wish everyone a very Happy and Merry Christmas!

Good luck John !!! Merry Christmas !!

Keep kicking butt, John!

Merry Christmas HFT if possible sit in a chair in a place you can see out a window should help get you through that stuff.
Keep up the good work on your line !
Allan

I love leaving presents! You got quite the journal HFT!

Merry Christmas and good luck trapping. Looks like your Lin did pretty productive this year. What did you put in the hole in the grass for the lynx?

Thanks guys

Bushwack Jack, I run alot of snares, mostly pinch points and bunny trails. Those have been producing pretty good this year especially for the lynx. I have about a dozen cubbies out and zero catch's in foot holds. Not from a lack of trying. My bait stations have not been doing to hot this year, lack of snow and there is plenty of voles and mice just running all over the place out there, easy pickings. As for sets for the k9's, I run mostly hay sets, the weather around here blows, freeze, thaw, rain, wet snow, yeah you get the picture. All I can say is I try

cat catcher, there is a chunk of deer scrap in there along with a dab of Canine Force.

Thanks for the reply and for the tips HFT AK. One more question. You said you mostly use snares. So do I. But then you also said you mostly use Hay sets for K9s. I thought the Hay set is specifically a foot hold set. Is there a way to do it with snares that I am not aware of? Thanks again.

Keep it up John! I am cheering you on from down here.
Merry Christmas

Nice catches! Have you had any lynx get chewed up yet? I am always hesitant to use snares for lynx as I don't want them to be half eaten when I get there.

Bushwack Jack, yep the hay set is for traps only.

bfisch, knock on wood, I have never had that happen The occasional vole damage but even that is rare.

mad_mike, TY Still hoping you connect!

Nothing in snares John.
Been doing okay with the traps.

I hope everyone had a happy holiday

I was smiling ear to ear this morning as I slid into my parking spot in this fresh 8 inches of snow

Rolled up to my first set and bam! Got Mr Otter in a 330



A ways down the line I picked up a nice little red in a snare.



Didn't see much for fresh track but it did snow all last night and was still coming down when I came in this evening. You could make out the indents in the snow from the fox Just a matter of time

Be safe out there!

Did anyone visit your frozen in the ice fox?

Cats must have moved down your way, I don't have many in my area this year. Haven't been targeting them very hard, but had one all over a trap last week and it didn't fire.

smalltime, ran by it today, nothing yet. Yep it has gotta be a high year for the lynx down here.

It was a pretty day out there on the line, fresh snow and plenty of fresh track Ended up picking a yote up at a bait station, a fox on a bunny trail, and a mink along the creek.



Had a kitty visit a jack pot but he wasn't interested, he was headed towards more of my gear so maybe next check Had a otter in a yote snare, have no clue how in the heck that could have happened, big catch circle, and it somehow slipped out of the snare. I am thinking I had him either by the tail or a foot.

Hopefully this weather will hold for a spell!

You guys be safe out there!

Good day! Thanks for sharing! Did you guys get cold this past week?

Yep, it dropped to around -5 a few nights. Just checked the weather and we have a chinook blowing in for the next 2 days Already 29 degrees

Wow! We warmed up to 10 above and are supposed to be around there for a few days and then get cold again. The coyote looks silvery.

Well 2019 went out pretty crappy here. A chinook blew in and it was a whoppin 47 degrees The snow melted, the creeks opened up, not cool.

But......................

2020 came roaring in last night with a fresh dump of snow 6 inches of fresh powder and cold temps to follow



Happy New Year everyone!

Happy New Year John.

May your cables be drawn tight!

Happy New Year HFT! Thanks for sharing and keep fighting the good fight.

Impressive thread, I just read the whole thing tough sleeping some nites older I get.
I pray that you win your fight and you are completely healed all that ails you sir thank you for sharing time with us all
Later Red

Thanks for all the kind words guys
Well the winter weather has finally come -23 here at the house and it looks like it will be all week. Hoping it get the critters hungry

Ran today, seen a bunch of kitty track but of course no were near my gear. I think they might be looking for partners, they are traveling in areas I have never seen them travel. Like wide open areas.

Did manage to pick this little fellow up



You guys be safe out there!

That fox looks fluffy! Nice!

Are you getting your foxes in trail sets or are you setting up bait stations and catching them around it?

bfisch Most of the fox I got this year have been on bait stations. I think I picked a few up at my marten sets as well, I always block or create choke points around my marten sets, about 50 yds out. Anything coming in to check out the smell gets caught I have not hit back behind my house yet this year, that is were I normally get a bunch. It is a big swamp and I have not trusted running back there until this week.

Well went out to top off the bait stations today, everything is froze solid so I am hoping the dang birds don't eat it all Been pretty dang chilly here with it averaging about -25, and it is suppose to last for at least a week if not more.

Ran out back behind the house just to have a looksy, ended up hanging snares. I can't remember seeing so much track back there as I did yesterday!

Picked this pretty red up at a jack pot.



About three weeks ago when everything finally locked up I walked the creek. I found a track that I thought was a wolf, but I second guessed myself and told myself that it could be burn out or freeze thaw on a yote track that would make it look bigger. Well running today I found this in the middle of my trail. No mistake about what it is



He left a present in the middle of the trail, looks like he has been chowing down on moose. Next run I will be leaving him a present and hoping he come back through that away

Be safe out there!

Glad you were able to make it out behind your house and see a lot of sign. Good luck and hope that wolf comes back for your present!

Man, that is cold. Whole state is getting there, now. We will be cold here in the next day, or so. And big winds to go with it. Gusts to 60mph.
Stay safe, and don't trust ice.

A pretty day out there today! Pretty interesting and productive

Cut kitty track and he zigged zagged all across my trail for about 3 miles and once I hit the creek I lost him. Running up the creek I could see fresh mink track headed in my direction Sure enough




From that mink set for about a 1/4 mile I walk along the creek. Can't run it because there is always open water, plus I sunk a sled there back when I first started my adventures up here.
Along that section I hang a few snares on my trail, the kitties like to walk the same trail so you never know, Hit the first snare and it was knocked down. Hmmm, no moose track, no wind what the heck. Couldn't see any track because my path is pretty froze solid. walked about another 70 yards to my first kitty set and sure enough had this nice onw waiting on me First one in a foothold for the year



I love those Duke #4's for lynx



About three weeks ago when we got dumped on I had a chew out by a yote, caught him today about 200 yds past the previous location on a bunny trail.



Picked up a beauty of a cherry red on a bunny trail



That fox that I had found frozen in the creek, Mr MInk found him, looks like he chewed his ear a little and didn't like the taste



Cut this guys track again Had gear with me this time and dropped 3 pee posts and one snare. He walked the same section of trail twice running moose, so hopefully he will come back that same route.



Got home today and the wife had picked up a package from Ted's Fur shed A bottle of MEOWCH and a few pheasant wings compliments of akntrpr
Going to put them to use next run

Surprised the coyote hung around, after getting "hung up".

Good to see you getting after it John, I hope to see some pics of that wolf strung up soon.

Ran out back this morning to check. It has warmed up a bit, we are in the single digits anyway Picked up this pretty red.



The highlight of the day was akntrpr from TOK stopped by today and we BS;d for a spell. Always love spending time and telling and listening to stories of our outdoor adventures He showed me a pic of his moose blind, made me pretty envious, almost a 5 start hotel, skeeter free and heated!

av- that last big dump of snow we had he was almost able to walk through the snare, had him mid belly and glad I got him. Hope the weather has been good to you!

Ted- That joker passes through at least once a season for the past 4. Never the same area or route. I am actually surprised that he ran around as much as he did chasing moose. There are quite a few small calves out there, hopefully he will stick around for a spell.

Single didgits here, now. 10 ' seas, heavy freezing spray.
We are stuck in town for at least another week.

Good looking foxes! I also like the Duke #4's for lynx, but will be adding some Bridger #3's (2 coiled closed jaw) soon . I think they are very similar traps.

Been busy this week with dang doctor appointments but got out there today and ran everything. My morning started off with finding this girl along the railroad tracks. Seems like every year a few get smacked by the train within a 200 yds stretch. The railroad people were already on it getting it to the main road for the charity list.



Not as much track today as I was hoping for after a fresh snow. We got about 2 inches Sunday, but the temps are back up in the teens. Picked up the bigger fox on a bunny trail and the little one at a bait station. Also picked up a mink in a 330 set for otter. I have to wait till it thaws out to figure out were all te dang blood came from.



Finished my day sitting watching this Back to the doctors tomorrow, hopefully some good news.



Be safe out there!

Praying for you, man. You are doing well! Positive thoughts.

HFT great pictures from your line those are some good looking critters ! I also hope and pray that your Dr's visit goes well you've got this !!!

Hoping for good news for you!

I always enjoy the sky this time of year!

The night sky especially

Good luck with the Doctors!

Well guys here is the latest from the doc's..................

Stage 4 high-grade muscle invasive trans cell carcinoma bladder cancer that had metastasized to six distant sites in the body......

Two surgeries, multiple scopes, all kinds of imaging, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, 3 ER visits, more than 90 trips to Anchorage and a trip to the mayo clinic in Rochester MN.

Today the radiologist and chemo doc both looked me in the eye and said...........

"You are cancer free!"

Still have 4 more rounds of Keytruda to do for preventative maintenance but I will suck that up

Thank you for all the encouragement and support

Great news!!!! Thank you for the update.

Phenomenal news....

That is wonderful news!

That's outstanding John !!

Good attitude sure helps !!

Glad you hung in there.

John, that is fantastic!!! You clearly have a great medical team, a great constitution, and WHAT IT TAKES!
You are one tough, blessed dude.

You're proof there is always hope with a positive attitude and the will to beat cancer. Congratulations on your hard fought victory.

Oh man that's good to hear!

Congrats, that’s great news!

Great to hear!

Congratulations HFT that's the best news I've heard in a long time ! Those last treatments will just be a slight bump in the road and a faint blur in the rearview mirror of life !!!

Isn't it amazing how much power is contained within those 4 little words " your cancer free " then the floodgates open and relief sweeps over you making the rollercoaster ride that you've been one was worth it !

Allan

Wow you must be one tough hombre good job!

Thanks for all the kind words guys I had a lot of support from a dang good wife, family a few buddies, and friends Especially the wife

Ran out back today, picked up this pretty girl at a bait station



Be safe out there!

Fantastic! Nice looking cross. I am so happy for you. Thank the Lord!

Good news John.

Good to hear man, great news. Here's to continued healing and health!

Great news congratulations

Congrats on the update from your Docs! Wow that has to be a huge relief to you and your family.

Great news!

great News HFT

Pretty busy weekend for me I ran Friday and as I was headed in I passed that moose that the RR guys were suppose to retrieve. Well they didn't and the birds had that joker torn up. After a call to the troopers and F&G they said I could have it, just have to go get the permit tomorrow before I do anything. Saturday the trooper I spoke to the day before called and said that there was a moose up the highway that had been smacked a few times and was a safety hazard, would I be interested in getting it? Heck yeah! After I get the permits tomorrow I will be running bait this week

Been kinda slow, not much track but I did manage to pull this joker He was waving "HI" to me when I rolled up



For those that follow my journal you know I find a shed or two every once in awhile, and you also know that I am cursed at never finding a matching pair. Well I broke that today Walking down toward a slough I saw where a moose had cut my trail and there were spots of blood. There is a pretty good rub about 25 yds off my trail and his trail lead right to it. I kicked the snow and sure enough Might not be the biggest set of antlers but dang it, it is a matching pair



Be safe out there!

Those pairs are the hardest to find! Nice score on getting some more bait!

Cool deal John! I found this weird set a couple weeks ago, on the trail about 1/4 mile apart. First set I've found too. Not sure why the pic is downside up.

Glad you got that great news from the Doc HFT.

That cross fox is a beauty.

Excellent news!! Very happy for you!!

That's great news on the Dr report. Congratulations!

smalltime- that is a weird rack! I always wonder what stories lay behind horns like that Accident, fight, genetics, makes me wonder

Well got the first batch of fur ready for tanning Got a bunch more that will go to auction or to Fur Rondy,



Picked this pretty little boy up this morning on the short line



Got one moose out on the bait stations yesterday, started on the second and the dang chain slipped off on the chain saw. Before I could get it cleaned out and put back together it froze Headed back out on the morning to finish that up

Be safe out there!

Nice red HFT! And good looking bunch of fur there

What do you do with your tanned furs?

bfisch- this year many of them will be gifts to people that I am thankful for and that were there for me during my struggle with cancer. The rest the wife will sell, she does pretty good and is one heck of a marketeer

Good on you! Hope they sell well!

Pretty fox

Now that's a red fox, beauty!

Great news John. Glad to hear the great update with your health. Keep setting the snares buddy.

Went out today and started pulling mink gear. At the very end of my line I pulled down onto a slough to grab 2 traps and cache the boxes. Went to leave and as I am cruising out I find this.....



You know I had to set it Now if I could only find one that Mr Otter made!

This weather is freaking unreal, -10 yesterday, +27 today!

Picked up this pretty little girl back behind the house, that makes 5 from back there



Headed out tomorrow, hoping this chinook made the critters move!

You must be feeding them good HFT.

Boco, with the amount of bunny's running around this year it has been hard to get the jokers to commit to bait stations. Out on my main line I have one that has always been a top producer for yotes and fox, on average 10 fox and 5 yotes. This year nothing has even come close to it. My numbers are way off. But on the bright side there will be plenty of seed out there for next year

Might wanna try some blind sets where they hunt the rabbits if they are leaving any sort of pattern.That usually works good with the cats for me when there is lots of rabbits.The cats will stay in a rabbit pocket and hunt for a few days then move on.Cat snares on the rabbit runs have added pelts for me.
True,the bait piles arnt nearly as effective if the animals arnt hungry.

Boco I got the bunny trails covered just waiting for them to cycle back through.

Didn't expect to catch a rat outta that hole! I see now why Mr Mink was done there



Be safe out there

Sounds like the sets behind the house are productive. Did you rest the 110?

bfisch they are Hoping for a few more before they start to rub. Nope didn't reset it, our season on mink closes tomorrow.

Oh well, seed for next year. At least you got a fluffy rat out of the deal.

Indeed Seed for next year.

Picked this boy up behind the house, #6



Be safe out there!

I'd say you are having a heck of a good year on the line. Especially for trapping locally. I don't know anybody that does as good as you that traps close to town. I knew a guy once that came close. But as far as I know he no longer traps or lives in the area.

Thanks for the compliment but actually my numbers are way off this year. With the no freeze up till late and high bunny numbers, it put a damper on things. There are people that do far better then me, Kusko's boy puts a hurtin on them big time

Well the wife decided that we needed a vacation, so off to Vegas we went for a dew days It hit 72 one day and I was able to take my shirt off and I gotta tell you that sun freaking felt awesome!

I enjoy slots but am old enough to know you only gamble with a budget and when your outta money you step away. This trip I hit triple 7's three times That is a first for me Still waiting to win that jack pot



It got down to the last $20. I had been playing this game silver strike, every time you hit it you get a $10 coin. Well that morning as we walked downstairs I saw a promo that was the same set up but with a 40 dollar coin. I told the wife last 20 I want to hit that game....... sure enough I got it plus an additional 2 $10 ones for a total of $60
I had thought about keeping it and giving it to AKHowler when I see him next, cause you know it has a wolf on it But that was a fleeting thought with the wife



So got in last night and hit the line running this morning getting K9 gear reset and relureing everything. We got about 4 inches of fresh snow out on my line on Wed. The birds are all over the bait stations but no track. Ran the creek and came to the first kitty set Not the prettiest of cats, but I will take it! Had her full pad back leg and two toes on the rear, she wasn't going any where



Now what makes this kitty special is that TED (Aktrpr) had stopped in a few weeks ago and gave me a bottle of his mojo and we talked a spell, That man is a wealth of knowledge!.



I kinda felt like I was back in Vegas as I watched a kitty go down my line and hit this snare, knocked it out of the way, on a bunny trail he hopped right over 2, and just when you think it couldn't get any worse.... he walked to within 10 yards of a cubby, looked at it, layed own and rolled in the snow a little, then got up and went the opposite direction!



Looks like another chinook is blowing in with temps in the 40's and rain,

You guys be safe out there!

Welcome back, dude! You are an example for all that face adversity!

Do you set two traps at all your cubbies and is that how you leave/cover them? I know some cover them and some don't. I add a little bit more snow than you have pictured but have been adding less than when I started.

Thanks for the kind words AV.

bfisch- I try to put out 2 traps, I got enough of the dang things I prefer walk throughs but we just haven't had the snow for those this year. Yeah I hear what your saying but it was 36 out there today and they are calling for rain, rather have a exposed trap vs one that is froze down.

Makes sense. Way to play the weather.

I read these posts every Sunday morning.
Thank you.
Great news on the prognosis.

Been pretty dang slow out on my line the past few days, Between the weather and the crappy conditions started to shut segments of my line down today. Missed a few yotes at pee posts, one all but danced on top of the pan But it had warmed up enough and then froze hard enough to lock that trap down.

This mornings adventure started at 18 degrees and snowing. By the time I got out on my line we already had close to a foot, Coming home this evening it was 39. Got everything dug out hopefully the critters will move. Picked up this little red at a bait station, not what I wanted, Got all my snares high for the yotes and kitties, this little thing was beyond rubbed and if it was in a trap I would have let it go.



Things have been going alright with me medically, the infusions still jack me up but don't me from rolling My eyeball is wide open, now I just need for the muscles to rebound so I can see straight

39 degrees! Wow! That is not helpful for land trapping. Especially if it keeps snowing. We are supposed to get up to 20 tomorrow and that is too warm I think. Hope you can get those coyotes next go round.

Good luck on the coyotes and nice catch on the cat. I understand your pain on the coyotes dancing all around the set and not getting caught. Thanks for taking us along on the line.

Glad you are getting back to normal John. Chin up, it can all ways get worse. Eyes open and back on the line, sounds like great progress to me... Crazy weather here as well. Gonna go out and dig my line out and work on the trails again. Warming up here now so I'll head back out Tuesday. Did you say you were coming up for the Fling this year?

I know brother, grateful for everyday That is the current plan to be up there for the fling.

Thanks for sharing and congrats on the successful trip to Vegas!

Well been fighting the weather the past week, we got dumped on pretty good. Been trying to keep ahead of it but the critters all seem to be holed up. Started shutting things down and except for a few yote snares and otter sets things are coming to an end. Time to start focusing on getting ready for beaver and bears Might do a little ice fishing



Dropping this fur off and a few antlers for the ATA Fur Rondy auction in Anchorage.



Be safe out there!

Hope it sells high!

Nice work, that's a good pile of fur

Nice pile of fur.

Way to get after it, John. You are an inspiration.

Ran out behind the house today to start shutting things down, picked this little girl up at a bait station. Loving this weather we have right now, cold nights and sunny days



Be safe out there!

Nice job HFT! Looks good, I hope they sell well for you.
Sunny days! Gotta love em!

I shut down a big portion of my main line last Thursday pulling K9 and kitty traps and closing up snare lines. Picked up a moose from F&G and topped off the bait stations out there and was hoping to connect with one more yote. Went out today to shut everything down.

Well......we got a little snow



If I didn't stay on the trail you sunk, I buried that little Bravo about 5 times It felt like I was plowing more so then riding today, Really wish we would have had this back in November.

Headed down the trail to the first bait station, there is a little creek that always stays open that I had a otter set in. Sure enough had this guy come through after the dump of snow Good way to finish the last run for me






Of course we all know how it is, whether it be hunting or trapping, you pull your gear, or move and what you were targeting comes through after you pull or leave. Had 2 kitties come through were I had pulled gear, Seed for next year




Came home to see this little guy playing in the snow here at the house He is actually standing on my pond and was nosing around, for what I have no clue.



Over all a pretty good season, didn't break down or blow up a sled Still have 2 otter sets here at the creek behind the house, you never know

You guys be safe out there!

Nice job, buddy!

Good job John, you just leave that Bravo down there and you can ride one of my new Expeditions when you come up for the Fling

How did you do selling at the Rondy?
mt

It has been good to follow along!

Seems like a great way to finish out the season.

Thanks for sharing your season HFT>

Wowzers! The line pulling season has begun. Ive already scaled back a bit too. going to stay after the cats a bit longer though. Thanks for the journal, its been great following your season.

Good job buddy glad to see you were able to get out and enjoy the season hopefully next year i can make a couple of runs with you i should be back home

I will give you a shout in a couple weeks when i get back from the iditarod

Thanks for the kind words guys,
mt- waiting on the check to see how I did. I stopped in for a little and watched 3 ermine go for $70 and a otter go for $120, all put up not tanned. So got my fingers crossed

Well got the fur check from the ATA auction and I am totally kicking my self in the butt! I tended to air on the side of caution especially with the market the way it is right now, and this being the first time I tried the ATA auction. I should have sent everything there (but kitties) instead of getting most of it tanned.

I sent in

6 reds for a ave of $80, The highest one was $160.00!!!! The lowest $60.00!

1 yote for $100,

1 cross for $70,

2 lynx, 1 for $125, 1 didn't sell,

8 mink for $100 total,

1 lone rat for $3,

2 Moose antlers, 1 antler for $105, and the other didn't sell.

The lynx and mink are about what I would have averaged at an auction house, probably would have gotten more for the mink if they were fur side out, but I will correct that for next year.

The kitties I think I do far better getting them tanned and selling them privately, little more work but better $$

The yote was about ave for what I catch and I am not complaining about that price

The fox, the auction houses haven't even come close to those prices in the past three years, I am tickled at those prices

The items that didn't sell went to the ATA and I hope they make some money!

Overall this was a very positive experience for me and I will be doing it again next year!

I appreciate all the hard work the ATA put into making this happen, hopefully I will be able to participate and help out more next year!

Glad your happy with the prices John! The raw lynx seemed to be lagging a little this year and we had a ton of them, even the tan lynx struggled a little the first 2 days but it all turned around on day 3. The secret to success in the rondy auction is having a wide variety of both tanned and untanned items for sale. And you're right, those mink would average better turned fur out. I got lucky with some skin out rats the first year I had fur in there but have since put everything fur out and have seen a decent increase in the averages. Thank you for sending in fur and helping make the auction a continuing success!

HFT .... good for you. Those prices are dang good for this season. Gives me hope on the couple wolves I had at the auction.

That price for the lynx isn't bad. I'm trying to figure out what to do with the ones I'm still sitting on.
Wrote Bill W. and asked current price, he said big males w/feet on he's paying $75 !
So $125 is looking good.

Chickenminer, I sent a bunch into NAFA a few years back and ave $105. That price seems pretty consistent with FHA over the years as well. Was not happy with the price so I have been getting them all tanned and the wife markets and sells them between 225-300, takes a little time but normally she has them all sold within 3 months end of the season. People from the lower 48 love the dang things

TAtrap, appreciate the kind words and the hard work members of the ATA put into making this happen. I have a plan for next year

Well guys got some excellent news this past week. Did my last infusion on Tuesday and did a PET scan on Thursday that came back clean, NED Doc say he don't see it coming back anytime soon if at all.

Been hunkerd down here at the house, spring cleaning and freaking painting. This week it warmed up pretty good, the snow is all but gone so I have been able to get out in the yard and do some trimming of the tree's and bushes The first ducks have landed on my pond

Hope everyone is in good health and staying safe!

That’s great news! So good to hear.

That's truly great news congratulations on your check up !!!
Allan

Good to hear John, have a great summer!

Awesome news John

Great news HFT.

Great news

Glad to hear it John!

That is great news!

Great news!

That’s great news HFT! Don’t you just hate painting!? Lol

Awesome news buddy!

Glad for you!

That's great news !!