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Post by walleyed on Apr 13, 2014 11:51:19 GMT -5
Pulled The remaining Sets at Black Pond WMA Marsh Area and had only a few missed, fired, or flipped traps.
I suspect the Traveler Beaver who has been making Mud- Pies non-stop in the area is the culprit.
Only picked up one rat today on all the floats but had evidence of Trap Tampering with a couple three floats with two traps snapped with branch ends and golden rod stems in them.
Just once I'd like to catch one of these Freak-Shows that perpetrates these Childish Acts and show them the error of their Ways.
With the Today's extremely warm weather, and Tiny catch, I've decided to end the season with the 20 floats and 5 bottom edge sets I still have deployed and operating.
I've got a lot of Packing, Organizing, and trips to the Solid Waste Recovery Station to prepare for my move at the end of the month, so I will wrap the season up Tuesday Morning with what I already have Set.
Stay Tuned.
walleyed
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Post by silverfox on Apr 14, 2014 5:02:52 GMT -5
good luck on the final push, rats have been pretty cooperative up here in lewis county and only one other trapper sharing the water with me and newfox1, and luckily the other trapper is a good egg and we are "sharing" the trapping grounds like respectful adults and not having any issues with trap tampering, 73 rats in the last 5 days, hoping to break 100 by tomorrow, (starting to see some biting, bout 10% of the catch and only a few, less then 6, that are bit more than once)turning out to be a great end to a tough season at least
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Post by walleyed on Apr 14, 2014 16:14:04 GMT -5
Only Picked up a Couple More Muskrat today, both on Floats.
One was a real nice one weighing almost 3.5 pounds. He stretches about 19.5 inches, was absolutely covered with Fatty Whale Blubber and displays No Bite Marks.
A Beautiful, Healthy Spring Rat. It Looked like a Montezuma Muskrat with his Big Size and Excellent Body Condition.
The Painted Turtles are out in force now and if the weather keeps up like this the Snappers can't be far behind.
As I walked down to the First float of the day with a "Chain Down" Right at Dawn, I saw Couple of Leopard Frogs Jump into the Culvert Pool.
Those Frogs Reminded me of one of those Street Corner Preachers who carries a Picket Sign Reading: "THE END IS NEAR".
Now Those Frogs weren't Carrying any Signs, but their Message to walleyed as he Retrieved his Float Caught Muskrat was Unmistakable.
The End of the 2013-2014 Trapping Season is Just About Here, and with it, Finally, Spring In Southern Jefferson County.
I hope all of You Still Out There Trapping have a Memorable Day on the Water Tomorrow, and Full Pack Baskets.
Stay tuned.
walleyed
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Post by psb1011 on Apr 14, 2014 20:39:25 GMT -5
Dont worry Walleyed,the weather won't stay like this. In fact,tom marrow we all here in the north east will experience the change. Darn
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Post by walleyed on Apr 15, 2014 9:59:59 GMT -5
It started Pouring Rain Monday Afternoon, and rained most of the night.
I awoke at Dawn to a Downpour and started pulling floats, and it was not until the Last Float of the Line, and Last float of the season when I looked over the bank to the find two chains over the side and down.
I had Heavily Slathered this float with Papabear's RAT JAM and RAT PILER Lures Yesterday Morning and apparently It was effective as a Nice, Big, Fat Male Rat was double caught by a front and back foot.
It was a great way to end a Challenging but Rewarding Trapping Season.
I ended the season today with 125 Muskrat which for me is about half of what I usually catch. Most of my trapping was done close to the road from floats this spring as most marsh areas were not open enough Due to Late Ice or because the Creeks were at flood stage.
It was just a Small Brook Trap Line this spring, But it worked out for the better by taking what Mother Nature gave me instead of fighting Against the Elements.
Thanks to all for Coming along on my Trap Line and sharing this Greatest of Outdoor Experiences.
We, as Trappers, are truly blessed to be able to practice our Craft and Carry on our Trapping Heritage here in New York State.
Thanks for looking.
walleyed
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Post by walleyed on Apr 15, 2014 10:01:36 GMT -5
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Post by whistlerwhittler on Apr 15, 2014 10:32:22 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing your spring line with us. I've enjoyed reading and seeing the (pre-camera soaking) pictures. Someday I'd like to try spring muskrats, just don't have the time now to run north of that February 15/April 15 line every day.
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Post by camohoyt340 on Apr 15, 2014 14:26:35 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed your daily updates.
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Post by walleyed on Apr 15, 2014 16:44:36 GMT -5
Went to Physical Therapy in Pulaski, and upon my return noticed Suspicious Boot Prints in the snow headed towards my door. There in front of the doorway Lay a Plastic Bag. In My Absence, The Mink Fairy had Visited and Gifted me a Nice, Intact Male Mink which I will soon Skin, Board, Dry, and Trade to Father Rockwood for Large Cash Dollars. Or at Least, Maybe, He'll Just Offer Some Watered-Down Rot Gut Whiskey and a Moth-Eaten Hudson Bay Blanket. Just What Do You Think is Going to Happen Next ? walleyed
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Post by rufus on Apr 16, 2014 6:25:19 GMT -5
I see turkey and walleye fillets in your future. Have fun!
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austinp
#3 Newhouse
the next fur season is never far from our minds :)
Posts: 3,008
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Post by austinp on Apr 16, 2014 6:50:34 GMT -5
All things considered, you had a great run this year. It was a season of great challenges to most everyone on land or in water. My vote for the best threads ever in here are always your annual diary reports. This year's only served to enhance that vote even more! Looking forward to next year's exploits, but let's not rush time past too fast. At our ages, we need time to slow down and give us a chance to enjoy each day... they already fly past way too quickly as it is. Thank you for the unparalleled wordsmithing efforts shared with all
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Post by rendezvous on Apr 16, 2014 12:08:42 GMT -5
Very cool video of a very lucky rat! I like the floats, do you use rigid insulation on the bottom?
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Post by walleyed on Apr 16, 2014 15:19:12 GMT -5
Very cool video of a very lucky rat! I like the floats, do you use rigid insulation on the bottom? I guess you're talking about Phil's Muskrat on Float video. I use !/2" Thick Foil Coated Foam Board cut to fit the bottom of the Flat. I use Sheetrock screws with those plastic washers to hold it to the wood bottom. w
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