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Post by jonspeed on Apr 14, 2012 11:30:05 GMT -5
Hello,
I am beginning to do some research on trapping. I used to hunt when I was a kid, my dad trapped, and I took a trapper's safety course when I was 12. I haven't hunted in years and never trapped.
Now I am 40 years old with boys who are 8 and 6 and I have a desire to introduce them to the outdoors. I don't want them to grow up knowing nothing but the Wii and the computer. My own work has kept me desk-bound for years and the internet has been my primary way of making money and doing business. I feel trapped by that stuff, and want the boys to grow up to be men and not just sniveling punks. I also want them to know something about the history of our area and trapping is a part of that.
Anyway, any help you can suggest will be greatly appreciated. I live on the south side of Syracuse, in The Valley neighborhood. So there it is...my desperate plea for help.
Blessings,
Jon
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Post by Itrapny on Apr 14, 2012 12:03:39 GMT -5
Welcome to the Forum! The best advice I can offer you is to see if they are interested in the outdoors as forcing them to will only make them dislike it more. Start gradually and introduce them to local events such as the Fur Rondy in July, the New York State Trappers Convention in late August and the the Oswego Cty Rondy in September. If they show enough interest, try to get them into a trapper training class and see if you can find a mentor for them in your area who can possibly take them out on the line for a day or two.
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wcs
Posts: 1,159
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Post by wcs on Apr 14, 2012 14:01:53 GMT -5
Welcome. Go through the old posts on this site and learn as much as you can absorb. The men on this site have put their knowledge out there for us new guys. They have explained sets and placed pictures for all aspects of trapping. I just started out this past season and only have learned from a few books, magazines and this site. This site has by helped the most. Good luck.
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traps82
#3 Newhouse
Hope is always alive
Posts: 3,208
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Post by traps82 on Apr 14, 2012 18:36:35 GMT -5
Welcome from me too!! Like Wayne said... Take them to the Rondy and Convention.. That will get them motivated. I dont have kids but my GF got bit by the bug BIG TIME. She went from not wanting to hear anything about hunting/trapping, to LOVING IT!!! I had her look at a K9 track in the mud and said to her "What K9 made that track?" W/o missing a beat she said "That's a dog". And burst into a HUGE smile because she knew it wasn't a yote that quick!! It is a joy to see that stuff!!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2012 19:05:49 GMT -5
Where abouts are you located? And welcome there are many people on here that can help ya break the ice with the kids as many of them are mentors for the kids at the NYSTA youth trappers camp.
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Post by jonspeed on Apr 15, 2012 11:53:00 GMT -5
Just so we're clear I am also looking for mentoring for myself. I want to trap with my kids, if they take to it. I am on the south side of Syracuse.
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Post by oakhilltrappin on Apr 15, 2012 19:58:52 GMT -5
Best mentoring you can get is to just jump in head first and and just Read, Read, Read and Read some more about trappin..wether it be here on this Forum in the archives ...trappin magazines...whatever !! Its where I started 3 seasons ago..never touched a trap in my life and just soaked everything to do with trappin up like a Sponge and this forum was definitely a HUGE part of that...but then I just grabbed up my kids and went into the field, I was no stranger to the woods, hunted all my life but I was a greenhorn to the trappin and so was my Uncle who teamed up with me and my Kids....went out learned even more in the field with hands on experience......and here we are 2011-12, the end of our third season............ I guess what Im tryin to say is, In my opinion Self Mentored brings a much higher reward and sense of pride...Sure we have talked to a few veteran trappers here and there at conventions or asked a few questions here on the forum ,but we have never had another trapper along with us on our line...Just my 2 cents I guess....Oh yeah and for the off season this year I plan to Read, read, read and read some more !! Good luck !!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2012 21:04:31 GMT -5
I live about 10 minutes from you, I will be cleaning out my barn this summer so if you want some traps and stretchers to get you started I will give you some free of charge, my 7 year old will starting out this year also.
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Post by Itrapny on Apr 16, 2012 5:32:28 GMT -5
Great offer Mr. Marshrat....thank you!
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Post by jonspeed on Apr 16, 2012 7:49:01 GMT -5
Wow, thank you. I will send you a note in a minute.
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Post by jonspeed on Apr 16, 2012 7:53:15 GMT -5
Nice pic oakhilltrappin. That's good advice.
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Post by ambowpk on Apr 16, 2012 8:35:09 GMT -5
Hi Jon. I just got bit by the bug about 2 months ago. After a lifetime in the woods I never got into trapping because I was intimdated because of lack of knowledge. One night I came up from the basement and my 8 & 6 year olds had F&T's trapping show on and asked why I didn't trap, especially when I had a few hanging by the woodstove as decorations. After sitting down and watching I thought, I can do this. This is what I have done thus far to begin my education process. Joined this forum and two others (http://www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/25/1/Trapping_Only.html, londonlureco.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=newestthreads) Ask questions, know question is dumb and there is always someone that will answer. I have found the trapping community to be very welcoming, like ferternity. Research the posts and previous posts. A wealth of info. Also, look to youtube for videos. My wife complains now that I am spending too much time on the community, I tell her I am doing trapping research. It becomes addictive. I also joined NYSTA and the Erie County Trapping Association here in WNY. I attended my first meeting last Tuesday and found it very informative, educational and enjoyed it. I play on attending the Rondy as well in July. 4 helpful videos I have purchased and watched more then once... Professional Canine Trapping by Kevin Kishel, Trapping Backwoods Coyotes in the Snow, Trapping Winter Coyotes both by Darin Freeborough, and Mark Stecks Canine Trapping in Dirt and Snow. Become a sponge and soak it all up. Oh, and I have signed up both my boys to take the Trapper's course with me. I have told them any racoon they catch they can have whatever $ or skin they want to keep, well at least their first skin they can keep. They are excited. Hope this information helps a fellow newbie.
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