Coyote Trapping School Podcast

In this episode I review the different types of sets for coyotes and go over some coyote trapping basics, mainly sets, dirthole, flat, and scent post.  Hopefully providing good information for beginner and experienced trappers alike.  I also touch on an update to think mink cull we talked about last episode in Denmark.   To get a Shortliner Trapping Bag, Fur Stocking, or beavertail wallet be sure to visit my shop https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/shop/ Trapping season is here for some and coming quickly for others, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I touch quickly on what could be a major impact on the fur market, related to COVID.  Then I go through a general overview of coyote biology and behavior.  As trappers, we should be experts on the game that we pursue, so I thought it might be helpful to review some data regarding coyotes, hopefully to improve our effectiveness as trappers.  Coyotes are a pretty interesting critter anyway, especially looking at their expansion throughout North American, and possibly soon South America. To get a Shortliner Trapping Bag, Fur Stocking, or beavertail wallet be sure to visit my shop https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/shop/ Trapping season is here for some and coming quickly for others, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com   

In this episode I talk about eating furbearer meat.  If you’re a trapper or hunter, odds are that you’ve at least considered eating various wild game.  I think eating some of the meat we catch is a great opportunity to introduce others to wild game as well as give us some additional arguments to those who don’t approve of trapping.  The fact is, when handled properly it is quality tablefare, and a great talking point! To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/product/shortliner-trapping-bag/  Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  Trappers Academy - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/trappers-academy-now-open/

In this episode I answer some listener questions.  I also talk a little about fur tanning (I just got my Texas furs back from the tannery!) and just some general trapper rambling.  I hope you enjoy, I’ve got some interviews in the lineup that I’m pretty excited about so stay tuned and if your season has already come in, good luck!   To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/product/shortliner-trapping-bag/  Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  Trappers Academy - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/trappers-academy-now-open/

In this week’s episode I dig into some trapper survey data and find some historical data of trapper harvest from several different states, some dating back to the 1930s.  It is very interesting data and highlights how important it is for trappers to accurately respond to those surveys.  Our game agencies rely on us for good data, and if we don’t provide it to them then they don’t have good data to manage the resource with.     To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/product/shortliner-trapping-bag/  Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  Trappers Academy - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/trappers-academy-now-open/ Data Links discussed -  https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/2018_michigan_furbearer_harvest_survey_report_678251_7.pdf https://www.ncwildlife.org/Trapping/Learn-Resources/Surveys-Reports https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Population-Harvest-Trends https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/files/6515/5138/2740/2017-2018_Trapper_Report_FINAL.pdf https://www.pgc.pa.gov/InformationResources/MediaReportsSurveys/AnnualWildlifeManagementReports/Documents/11101-17z.pdf

In this episode I have a deep discussion with Kyle Waltz of Conserv Wildlife Services.  We talk in depth about Kyle’s business model and specifically the opportunity to partner with Conserv if you have or are wanting to start a wildlife control business.  It is a very interesting conversation and certainly gives a wildlife control operator some things to think about.  To learn more email Kyle at growth@conservmail.com or visit https://conservwildlifeservices.com/grow-with-us.   To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/product/shortliner-trapping-bag/  Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  Trappers Academy - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/trappers-academy-now-open/

In this episode I interview Ryan Carpenter, one of the R’s of R and R Trading Post.  Ryan and his wife, Renee, have a fur sewing business in Pennsylvania.  We talk about a wide range of topics including how Ryan got started trapping and how they got started in the fur sewing business.  I love seeing our fur get used here locally instead of being shipped off and never getting to see the final product.  To follow along with Ryan and Renee, or to order something you can visit their website - https://www.randrtradingpost.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/randrtradingpost/?hl=en Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/randrtradingpost/  To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/product/shortliner-trapping-bag/  Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  Trappers Academy - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/trappers-academy-now-open/

There are a lot more benefits to trapping than a fur check, which is a good thing in times like these when fur checks are slim to non existant!  There are plenty of things that trapping teaches you, and the network and connections you make as a trapper can unlock opportunities that you may have never otherwise been able to take advantage of.  As we approach trapping season, I hope there are plenty of us out there chasing fur, regardless of whether it has a high value or not.  It's good for the trapper and good for the environment.  That's a good combination in my book. To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/product/shortliner-trapping-bag/  Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

This is an interview with Kyle Kaatz about gland removal.  Depending on the species the value of glands can really add up and by adding an extra couple minutes we can increase the yield from the trapline.  To see the latest prices Kaatz Bros is paying for glands visit https://www.kaatzbros.com/reports/glands-essence-castor-and-carcasses-wanted/ We also talk about a couple of their DVDs that show the specific glands and how to remove them, Glands a Trappers Commodity, and Skunks the Best Investment You’ll Ever Make. Kaatz Bros also has a couple of DVDs on lure and bait making if you’re interested in saving glands for your own use, In the Lure Room, and Cracking the Code. And be sure to get your other trapline needs from www.kaatzbros.com.  And don’t forget to to let me know any questions or suggestions, kris@coyotetrappingschool.com. 

In this episode I talk about one of the most important things in my life, my faith.  I believe that we were put on this earth by our Heavenly Father, and that through His son, Jesus Christ, our sins have been forgiven and we can have a personal relationship with God.  And one of the most important things in that relationship is spreading the Gospel and letting others know about the Good News of Jesus Christ.  If you have any questions or thoughts I would love to discuss more!  Please email me at kris@coyotetrappingschool.com. And don’t forget to visit our sponsor, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com for all of your trapping supply needs, the season is coming quickly! 

In this episode I share some of my findings and hopefully some helpful tips and tricks that I’ve picked up since I started doing leatherwork, particularly making beavertail items.  I’ve had a good bit of success with the small effort I’ve put into it and have no doubt that it can be replicated.  There are plenty of good resources on YouTube and other online locations.  Here are a few I mentioned in the show: Don Gonzales Saddlery - https://dgsaddlery.com/, YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXSfdiYw03MlhOakXt08O5Q Stock and Barrel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwXTLPDOobr8M9CdzKZJB3A Springfield Leather Company - https://www.springfieldleather.com/ Tandy Leather - https://tandyleather.com/ Weaver Leather Supply - https://weaverleathersupply.com/ Corter Leather - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoYR1doityX-Cac-3lP4MLA Specialty Leather Productions - https://specialtyleather.com/ Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com

Today I interview Bobby Dale Boyles, a Kentucky trapper.  We cover a wide range of topics, one of the most interesting may be his tanning process.  After talking with him I may have to try tanning again.  You’re sure to enjoy this episode, non stop trapping talk!  You can follow him on Instagram @bobbydaleboyles  Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com

In this episode I talk with NY trapper Linda White, to get a different perspective on trapping.  We talk about how Linda and her husband run their trapline and bait and lure business, Sawmill Creek Bait and Lures, https://www.sawmillcreekbaitandlures.com/, which also lead to Linda starting Trapping Girl Inc, https://www.trappinggirlinc.com/.  We discuss some of the challenges women face on the line as well as how there may be more women trappers out there than us guys realize.  Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I interview South Carolina trapper Bill Smith. We talk about beach trapping, another example of how trapping is conservation, along with gator trapping, and crawfish trapping, just to name a few things.  Bill is a down to earth guy and you will enjoy this interview.  You can follow him on instagram @coastal_land_and_wildlife. Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I talk about some of my gator hunting and trapping stories from years past.  Man I wish I had a video camera along back then, that would have made some great videos, but the least I can do is share some of these stories and hope that you get as much enjoyment out of them as I do reliving them.   Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I talk about some of the trapping resources that are available, and beneficial, for beginner and seasoned trappers alike.  In today’s age there is more access to information than ever, some good, some just so-so.  Here are a few of the good resources out there! As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com

In this episode I talk about my experience trapping invasive foxes on an Aleutian island in Alaska.  It was quite the adventure and also quite the conservation success story.  Since the 1940s there has been an initiative to remove the nonnative foxes from islands and restore them to seabird nesting grounds.  Not just helping all seabirds populations but bringing the Aleutian cackling goose (a subspecies of the Canada goose) from the brink of extinction to a population of over 150,000!   These are the stories that the public doesn’t hear when trapping bans are proposed - trapping is conservation! Here is an article that I wrote about my experience: https://trappingtoday.com/aleutian-experience-one-trappers-story-fox-trapping-alaskan-islands/ This was the head biologist that coordinated our trapping efforts: https://www.gi.alaska.edu/alaska-science-forum/biologist-trapper-retires-after-helping-transform-aleutians https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/fox-extermination-aleutian-islands-alaska As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I talk with Frank Cisa, of Wildman Wildlife Removal & Exclusion, https://www.wildmantrapping.com/.  We discuss a variety of items from tools to trapping tactics, and how Frank has grown his business.  Frank is still a relatively new Wildlife Control Operator, but he is definitely doing something right as his business is growing and he is getting word of mouth referrals, which is a great thing!   As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I discuss some of the aspects of sales and selling in a wildlife control business.  I explain how I’ve encountered and experienced that it is really more of a wildlife exclusion business, from a cash flow and efficiency standpoint.  And several different approaches when selling to a customer.  Ultimately it boils down to how well you sell yourself.  The customer is buying you and how you present your proposal, if they “buy” that you know what you are talking about and can really fix their problem.  As with most jobs, there is much more an aspect of managing relationships and people than trapping animals and doing what you want to do! As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I discuss a few different options for generating leads or calls for your wildlife control business.  One key in my opinion is that you must be online, so you need a website.  Then it boils down to whether you want to buy leads or generate them organically.  Both options work but organic leads take more time to grow.  I think its a good idea to utilize both options, at least until your organic leads are generating enough business that you don’t need additional leads. If you’re interested in writing some articles for me shoot me an email, likewise if you are interested in the fur trimmed leather bag let me know that as well! As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I review the recent NWCOA training I took.  Their Wildlife Control Operator course is a basic course that covers a wide range of topics geared toward new Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs).  If you are new to, or thinking about starting as a WCO I highly recommend this course.  The best part was this session was taught online, so travel wasn't involved.  It is a full 2 day course covering techniques and equipment, safety, and the most common wildlife issues that people tend to have. To learn more visit www.nwcoa.com   As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com

In this episode I talk with Daniel Dekeyzer, a Georgia trapper who also runs a successful nuisance trapping business on the side.  We talk about how he got started, where he gets business from, and in general how he runs his jobs.  Gives a little more insight into how different trappers run their businesses. As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I talk through a spreadsheet I put together that outlines, and allows you to consider all the overhead costs that should be factored when you are pricing jobs.  This sheet breaks your rate down into monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly rates or targets.  This is something that you can use as a starting point when you are considering what your rates should be.  I’d be happy to share this spreadsheet with anyone that is interested, just shoot me an email at kris@coyotetrappingschool.com. Link to this on YouTube - https://youtu.be/EmdfKBE-3Xg Also mentioned in this episode is the book “Profit First” a game changer in the way an owner manages finances in the business.  As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I review an article from the Wildlife Trends Journal, https://www.wildlifetrends.com/.  A friend of mine actually sent me the article because of the cover picture, which was a photo of me when I worked for the USDA doing some predator trapping.  This was a very informative article delving into alot of specifics around large scale quail plantations and how they handle and pay for predator control programs.  This gives some good pricing insight which was a main reason why I wanted to cover this article.   As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com 

In this episode I interview Stephen Vantassel, the Wildlife Control Consultant.  Stephen hosts the “Living the Wild Life” segment of the Pest Geek Podcast. We talk all sorts of topics related to starting and running a wildlife control business, including the importance of contracts, proper messaging, and the National Wildlife Control Operators Association, to name a few.  Stephen is a wealth of knowledge and this is definitely an episode you’ll want to take notes on.   Stephen can be reached at wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com, his website https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/about-stephen-m-vantassel/, where you can buy his books and learn more about Stephen.  Also be sure to check out the Pest Geek Podcast, https://pestgeekpodcast.com/. Other resources we discusses - NWCOA - the National Wildlife Control Operators Association - https://nwcoa.com/ As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  

In this episode I interview Stephen Vantassel, the Wildlife Control Consultant.  Stephen hosts the “Living the Wild Life” segment of the Pest Geek Podcast. We talk all sorts of topics related to starting and running a wildlife control business, including the importance of contracts, proper messaging, and the National Wildlife Control Operators Association, to name a few.  Stephen is a wealth of knowledge and this is definitely an episode you’ll want to take notes on.   Stephen can be reached at wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com, his website https://wildlifecontrolconsultant.com/about-stephen-m-vantassel/, where you can buy his books and learn more about Stephen.  Also be sure to check out the Pest Geek Podcast, https://pestgeekpodcast.com/. Other resources we discusses - NWCOA - the National Wildlife Control Operators Association - https://nwcoa.com/ As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  

In this episode I sit down with Kyle Waltz, host of the Wildlife Control Podcast.  Kyle is a very successful wildlife control entrepreneur, having build and sold two successful businesses in Florida, First Coast Wildlife Services and Expel Pest Services. Kyle is still currently running, and growing Conserv Wildlife Services.  I discovered Kyle through his podcast where he gives very tactical information on running and growing a business.  If you are interested in growing a wildlife control business you will get plenty of good information from this interview. As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  

In this episode I sit down with Kyle Waltz, host of the Wildlife Control Podcast.  Kyle is a very successful wildlife control entrepreneur, having build and sold two successful businesses in Florida, First Coast Wildlife Services and Expel Pest Services. Kyle is still currently running, and growing Conserv Wildlife Services.  I discovered Kyle through his podcast where he gives very tactical information on running and growing a business.  If you are interested in growing a wildlife control business you will get plenty of good information from this interview. As always, be sure to support out sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas kris@coyotetrappingschool.com  

This is the first episode in a multi episode series on starting and growing a nuisance trapping business.  In this episode I give an introduction on starting and growing my nuisance business, and some of my learnings thus far.  In the coming episodes I will have interviews with some professionals in the wildlife control industry as well as some of my findings and thoughts on pricing and things to consider if you are interested in starting a nuisance trapping or wildlife control business.   For questions or podcast ideas email me at kris@coyotetrappingschool.com and be sure to support our sponsor Kaatz Bros Lures www.kaatzbros.com

In this episode I review some of the recent state fur auctions and discuss how the dreaded Coronavirus is or may affect the market, its having global impacts that will likely go on for several months it looks like.  Overall the fur market looks about the same as it has the last few years. I touch on several somewhat southern sales and the coyote prices compared to what we hear about the high coyote prices. In general though, I’m not worried about what the market is doing, I’m a trapper and I’m going to keep on trapping as long as I can.   If you’re interested in a beavertail wallet or have some southern mink please email me at kris@coyotetrappingschool.com Also, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Brothers Lures, www.kaatzbros.com 

In this episode I look back over this past trapping season, they seem to take forever to get here yet pass by so quickly.  Overall I didn’t hit this season quite as hard as past seasons, but I had a few things going on too. I did make a trapping trip to west Texas, which was a blast.  And for the home trapline I made great use of the Onx Hunt app, https://www.onxmaps.com/.  I also changed up a few of my trapline methods after reading and watching some of Clint Locklear’s videos, here’s a link to a really good deal on a bundle pack, https://wolfernation.com/pcgstore2/index.php?route=product/product&path=64&product_id=97.   As always be sure to stock up on your bait, lure, and other supplies from our sponsors, Kaatz Bros, www.kaatzbros.com.  They’ve got quality products and get them shipped out quickly!

In this episode I discuss some of my recent thinking, in line with Clint Locklear’s Mindset of a Professional book.  While I’m working on growing a nuisance trapping business and trying to get my coyote catch numbers up, it really has hit home that you’ve got to have a different mindset than just hobby trapping.  For one, as a nuisance trapper you’ve got to look and act like a professional. Pros aren’t forgetting items and cobbling things together on the fly. They have an efficient system and all their tools and equipment lined out and in order.   Maybe next season I can show some success with this mindset, we’ll see!  As always be sure to support our sponsors Kaatz Bros Lures www.kaatzbros.com for all your trapping needs!

This is a quick episode but I think a valuable one, Kaatz Bros has a great page on their site detailing what glands they buy and how much they pay.  Of course all prices are subject to change, but this is a great resource for trappers to quickly check and get an idea of if they think it would be worth it for them to save glands for their catch.  In general I’d say if you are catching big numbers of a particular species, then it is likely worthwhile saving the glands to sell or trade with a trapping supply dealer. Here is a link the the Kaatz Bros page - https://www.kaatzbros.com/reports/glands-essence-castor-and-carcasses-wanted/ Also be sure to check out their DVDs on how to get the most out of your catches particularly where glands are concerned - https://www.kaatzbros.com/product/glands-a-trappers-commodity-dvd-with-kyle-kaatz/ And finally here is a video I did showing how to remove coyote glands - https://youtu.be/_v4dEaTcC30

In looking through my analytics for the website and podcast I noticed that one of the most searched topics has been choosing the best coyote trap.  In this podcast I discuss some of the different options and how one might go about picking the best trap.  There are multiple good options out there, but in my opinion there are a few things that a new trapper can look for that might help their overall catch, especially early on.  One of the most notable things in my opinion is a night latch, which can be invaluable for getting that pan set just right. Of course, your local law may dictate how much trap you can use and that should always be referenced, here is a link to a page on my website.  Simply click your state on the map and it will take you to your state’s trapping regulations - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/resources/

In this episode I dig into a pretty detailed question I got in from a listener who is having issues with coyotes and fox consistently working his dirtholes from the sides, appearing to avoid the trap pattern.  He lines out several ideas that he thinks may be possible causes and I address those and give my own opinions on what may be going on and some approaches to try and correct the issue.  Using game cameras at your sets is a catch 22, it gives you a lot of insight into what the critters are actually doing, but most of the time that insight isn’t what you want to see!

In this episode a post about pan covers sparks a discussion on how I think about things and how thinking from a different perspective can be beneficial.  Also looking at the source of information and determining how credible or useful it might be.  Specifically I’m talking about steel screen pan covers.  Everyone has their own opinion and they vary widely, but I’m giving them a try, not necessarily because I’m not satisfied with the polyfil pan covers I’ve been using, but the potential additional benefits the steel screen could provide.  Its going to take some time and experience to determine if there is a legitimate benefit but that is what trapping, and life, for that matter is all about.  If you’re curious about something, don’t just take someone elses word for it, try it for yourself and see.  That’s the only way you can be really sure.  To me the potential additional benefits to steel screen aside from just acting as a pan cover is 1- increased kill area inside the jaws of the trap and 2- increase trap operability in wet weather situations.  Both of these are yet to be determined but I’m anxious to try and see if either of these turns out to work as others say they do.  These heavy black steel screen pan covers can be order through O’Gorman Enterprises or Keg Creek Bait and Lure - http://stores.kegcreekbaits-lures.com/products.php?product=Heavy-Steel-Black-Coated-Screen

This is a short episode but this DVD with Randy Smith is definitely worth watching if you want to be a serious coyote trapper.  There's nothing special that Randy does, just a simple system repeated over and over.  One of the really impressive things he shows is how he skins coyotes on the trapline.  He flat snatches the hide off!  

This is an episode I recorded several months ago with Jeremiah Wood of Trappingtoday.com.  We cover a wide variety of trapping topics and discuss the current season.  Always good talking to fellow trappers!  If you haven't listened to Jeremiah's podcast be sure to subscribe to the Trapping Today Podcast too.

In today’s podcast my son “Chief” sits down with me and we talk a little about otter trapping.  Chief always keeps things interesting, and sometimes makes me lose my train of thought, but he is never at a loss for words!  This episode is a little bit shorter than usual but I hope you still get something out of it, its good entertainment if nothing else! Be sure to support our sponsors Kaatz Bros Lures – www.kaatzbros.com Use the code pope5 at checkout for $5 off your order of $20 or more! (this deal is good through December 31, 2019)

In this episode I touch on a couple of legislation items that have come up recently, a potential trap ban in Kentucky, as well as some anti-gun legislation in my home state of Georgia.  The National Trappers Association alerted my to the Kentucky legislation The Sportsmen’s Alliance the Georgia gun bill.  Odds are these bills won’t get much traction, but the fact remains, the anti’s are still active and looking for any opportunity to capitalize where they can.  That is why we need to support these organizations and contact our legislators to let them know where we stand when issues like this arise.  I also mention an article written by Christy Plott, https://shoptalk-magazine.com/, discussing the harms of banning exotic leather, which has plenty of similarities to fur.  I finally get into the meat of a few questions I’ve fielded lately concerning when to move traps, of course that all depends on your objectives and what species you are targeting.  But there are some general guidelines that can help you get started.  One of my final thoughts, I’ve been thinking of doing a fiction series, sort of an adventure trapping story.  I guess I’m missing the writing I used to do.   If that is something you would be interested in listening to please let me know! Also, be sure to check out my Trappers Academy, https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/trappers-academy-now-open/, if you’re wanting to get started trapping.  It’s a 1 stop shop resource for getting up to speed quickly so that you can get started trapping.    Be sure to support our sponsors Kaatz Bros Lures – www.kaatzbros.com Use the code pope5 at checkout for $5 off your order of $20 or more! American Tanning and Leather – Christie Plott, https://www.amtan.com/

In this episode I interview Kyle Kaatz, of Kaatz Brothers lures.  We talk about how he got started in business at 15 years old and his experience over the past 30 years in the trapping industry.  Kyle is a wealth of knowledge and I really enjoyed this interview, its always good talking to other trappers.  We discuss the future of trapping and the fur industry and why Kyle is optimistic, along with some other trapping business topics.  Be sure to support Kaatz Bros, the new sponsor of the podcast.  Use the discount code POPE5 at checkout to get $5 off your order of $20 or more through December 31, 2019.  www.kaatzbros.com To learn more about trapping visit www.coyotetrappingschool.com

In this episode I discuss my recent trapping trip to west Texas.  Man what an awesome experience just to get to travel to a different place and try your hand at catching critters in a new landscape, as well as the possibility of catching new critters you’ve never trapped!   I’d hoped to trap a mountain lion, unfortunately despite a good bit of sign, we never connected on one.  O well, there’s always next year right.  Regardless, I learned a bunch, had a great time, and experienced some awesome country.  One thing I’ve discovered, if you stick with it, you never know where trapping might take you! To learn more about trapping visit www.coyotetrappingschool.com Be sure to support our sponsors Kaatz Bros Lures – www.kaatzbros.com Use the code pope5 at checkout for $5 off your order of $20 or more!

In this episode I give some of my thoughts on trap location, things to look for and key in on, specifically for coyotes and foxes.  Intersections are a major area of interest.  Also large landscape features like rivers, powerlines, interstates, these can all help direct animals and affect their travel patterns.  I also discuss some of my thoughts on strategy and how you may be able to increase your catch by ensuring you are targeting different family groups and looking for key dispersal routes.  I recorded this on the road so hopefully there isn’t too much background noise. As always, to learn more about coyote trapping be sure to visit https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com

In this quick episode I get right down to the nitty gritty.  There is all kinds of debate about the best trap to use for coyotes and you can really get bogged down and not get started if you get too caught up in it.  If you're interested in trapping don't let that worry you, just get some traps and get started.  You can adjust your setup down the road, its more important to get the experience than it is for everything to be perfect.   Be sure to visit www.coyotetrappingschool.com to learn more about coyote trapping

In this episode I talk with Guy Groenewold of Groenewold Fur and Wool.  They are fur buyers that are expanding their purchasing area as a result of NAFA shutting down.  I reached out to Guy before the NAFA announcement because they’ve been buying fur in the south for several years now and will actually buy some furs green, particularly beavers, which is quite a big interest area as beavers are especially time consuming to put up.  As a fur buyer, one major upside to dealing with GF&W is that when they take your fur, they pay you, so there is no waiting for a check and wondering when you will get paid.  Be sure to check their website and see if they will be coming through your area, if so it may be worth taking some of your catch this season and seeing what they will pay you for it. Groenewold Fur and Wool - https://www.gfwco.com/ Coyote Trapping School – https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com

65 – NAFA No More – Coyote Trapping School Podcast  In this episode I talk about the many rumors that have been surrounding North American Fur Auctions lately.  On November 4th NAFA announced filing for creditor protection, similar to chapter 11 bankruptcy.  There are still many questions to be answered.  Many trappers still have fur at NAFA, and of course the new trapping season is upon us.  What are the options for selling your fur this season?  This season may again be tough but hopefully we are coming out of the down fur market soon! NAFA Creditor Protection letter - https://www.nafa.ca/webcenter/portal/Auction/pages_newsdetail/?contentid=NAFA_021595 International Fur Federation - https://www.wearefur.com/ Fur Harvesters Auction - https://www.furharvesters.com/ Groenewold Fur and Wool - https://www.gfwco.com/ Zander Fur - https://www.zanderfur.com/

In this episode I dive into some research papers on genetics of coyotes, wolves, and dogs, looking to answer the question that comes up at least once a year about coydogs.  In doing so I also run across an interesting paper that may explain what causes the melanistic, or black coyote.  Black coyotes are not common, but they aren’t necessarily uncommon either.  Trappers catch them on occasion and hunters usually have pictures of black coyotes on their trail cameras.   See the links to articles below. If you’re interested in getting started trapping be sure to check out my Trapper’s Academy program.  www.coyotetrappingschool.com/trappersacademy/  As a member you get access to hours of instructional trapping videos as well as forums and monthly Q&A calls to help answer questions you may have.  For researching, Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/ - is a valuable tool for finding peer reviewed research papers. Genetic Characterization of Eastern “Coyotes” in Eastern Massachussetts – Abstract only https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Genetic-Characterization-of-Eastern-%E2%80%9CCoyotes%E2%80%9D-in-Way-Rutledge/ef4114834b96137ed7c407b61300382578565e63               Using faecal DNA sampling and GIS to monitor hybridization between red wolves (Canis rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) https://redwolves.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2-Adams-et-al.-2003.pdf   Widespread occurrence of a domestic dog mitochondrial DNA haplotype in southeastern US coyotes http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.711.1321&rep=rep1&type=pdf   Molecular and Evolutionary History of Melanism in North American Gray Wolves https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2903542/   Be sure to follow on social Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pg/Coyote-Trapping-School-737119119640782/about/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coyote_trapping_school/    

In this episode I interview Ryan Dotson, a beginner trapper who just recently attended the Fur Taker’s of America – Trapper’s College.  We discuss the setup of the college and what the day to day schedule looks like.  We also talk about Ryan’s significant weight loss and the benefit it is to all of us to keep a focus on our health.  As always be sure to go to www.coyotetrappingschool.com to learn more about coyote trapping. Items discussed in the podcast Fur Takers of America – https://www.furtakersofamerica.com/ Trapper’s College - https://www.furtakersofamerica.com/college.html Stalker Fabrications - https://stalkerfabrications.webs.com/

In this episode I discuss the results of the survey I recently sent out.  

In this episode I go through an email from John Zander, Zander Fur, discussing his outlook on the fur market for the upcoming season.  Overall there doesn't look to be alot of changes.  Looks like coyotes will still be hot, and some of the glut of ranch fur that has been on the market has been worked through, so maybe we are on the verge of the market rebounding somewhat.  Only time will tell!  I can assure you that regardless of what the market is doing, I will still be stringing steel and catching critters!

I know its a little late but in this episode I talk about my thoughts on the California trapping ban, which sets a scary precedent for all of us trappers.  Trapping has been under constant attack this past year especially and this is one major foothold for the antis.  I also field an email question about mange in coyotes, and mention a couple helpful resources.