Dan.... I'm interested in why people think gun hunting isn't for them? What are the reasons? It wasn't for me for years. And, it may not be something I take to. But, I'm not trapping animals and dispatching them with a gun, either.
Wait... what? When I started trapping it was in a no gun shooting area. I learned the fine are of noggin bopping early on. [Technique and placement are key... not force so much... Which always makes me laugh at the movies where the guys are clocking each other upside the head with a crowbar and then getting back up to fight some more. I'm sorry... If I whack you upside the head with a crowbar, and I mean it... you're not getting back up.....ever...] anyhooo... This is just a silly question. I don't think gun hunting or deer baiting are even remotely related to trapping. That would be like saying I should be okay with shooting deer from a vehicle while it's being spotlighted... because I shoot fish from a boat under power and while using 5000 watts of light. They're obviously exactly the same.
BUT, do you use the shovel on something else or is it too easy for other game? Hell, Christine's used a mag light on select animals, but I'm sure she'll tell ya a .22 is more humane. She trapped for keeps for awhile I think.
I take it you're not against gun hunting....even for you, Chris? So...the question wasn't really for you.
Ben a fox has a really soft head. So it's pretty pointless To shoot one. One quick whack to head and the deed is done. With trapping scent is more important then with deer hunting. I use a .22 because the bullet stays in the head and less blood gets out. I don't trap so I can shoot a critter with a gun. I trap to control predators and it's very safe. There is nothing like walking up to your set and seeing a double gray fox score.
I'm looking for that first catch yet. I can only imagine the feeling of walking up on a successful set. By next trapping season, my wife and I will have moved into our new house. The lot is located 4 miles from my family's 175 acre cabin land. (where I trap) I anticipate a much more extensive line next year.
Is this true for everyone? I really have no idea. My uncle used to sell the pelts. He profited from it. I just go tback from VA"s late ML season. Bear season was full-on, and we saw a few getting checked in at the station. Most are killed via dog hunting. Do you think the guys checking in the bears thought they were hunting? Were they? I have no idea what trapping's about. I'm trying to understand the allure.
How long is the handle on that shovel? Real trappers use a handle less than 3', and swing with their off hand. Otherwise, its just hitting, not trapping.
Damn I do use a 3' shovel, but I use my left hand. Trapping is not for everyone. I got active into trapping 10 years ago. We released 25 turkeys on our farm and I wanted to thin down the predators. There is a great enjoyment when approaching your setup. Hard to explain unless you have done it.
Hahhahahahaha! For the record... tho' my record keeping is not the greatest, I have killed one really angry raccoon with a maglite, killed one chicken killing 'possum with a maglite, seriously addled another possum with a maglite (but it had no batteries.. so it was a rather useless weapon), smashed a mouse with the maglite too. (it was seriously over-matched... that was not even remotely 'sporting') I have also killed an injured deer with four-way tire iron. (There's a challenging weapon for you.) Then there was that one time, a looong time ago, where this guy came over to my house and wouldn't take no for an answer.... until I picked up the double bit axe I kept in the bedroom. I didn't have to cleave him... but I must have looked pretty damn scary because he left in a hurry and apologized profusely the next time I had to talk to him. :D Oh and I killed another really angry raccoon with a pair of conibear setters. That one got a piece of me tho'.
I do not hunt for sport nor do I trap for sport. I do not trap for the same reasons I bow hunt. I trap to help control predators because I enjoy watching turkeys and pheasants in the fall. I do enjoy setting my sets and trying to out wit a yote or fox. That lure alone would not be enough for me to trap. I spent 4 years working with the DNR trying to get turkeys on our land. I was not going to do it just to feed the yotes.
Refer to my first line about sporting and trapping. I do not think sporting has anything to do with hunting or trapping. I hunt because it's the closes I can get to perfection in my life.
That's cool. I respect that. If you're not discounting other ways of hunting as not sporting (and, at the same time stating that's not why you hunt)......you're consistent. Merry Christmas, Gary.
I'm simply asking how you view them, Josh. If you view trapping as sporting.....but view gun hunting as "not"........then I think there's a conflict. If you view neither as sporting, there is none. I'm not trying to imply anything to either.
It took me a little but I think I see where you are going Jeff. Trapping from my experience is far more "sporting" than rifle hunting. I dont currently trap, but spent TONS of time on a trap line back in my youth and look forward to the days I have time to get back into it. For me regardless of what bait or lure is used, to get an animal to step onto a 2" pan & get caught is amazing. The killing of the animal is a non factor once its in the trap. A head whack, or stepping on thier chest is not for the faint of heart. A 22 short to the ear seems much more tolerable to me. Trapping, unless you are good, real good, is far from a gimme where it is not sporting to the animal, and even the best trappers run into a wise critter from time to time that makes them look foolish.
