trapping

Fur Market Struggles During Uncertain World Events

Fur Market Struggles During Uncertain World Events By Troy Hoepker Covid 19 shutdowns in China, Russia’s savage invasion of Ukraine, oversupply and limited demand have all created the perfect storm to leave the fur market struggling to see an optimistic future this year. Uncertainty is the best word to describe current conditions on the global […]

Getting Started Trapping

Getting Started Trapping By Troy Hoepker The coyote traps went in the ground last year about ten days into November. After seeing lots of sign, and capturing pictures on the trail camera of multiple coyotes traveling through, I had a spot that looked promising. A flat set and two dirt hole sets scattered about 40 […]

Iowa Trapping 2022 ITA Convention

The History of the Fur Trade in Iowa: Part Two

The History of the Fur Trade in Iowa: Part Two By Troy Hoepker Last month we chronicled the early beginnings of the first fur traders to enter Iowa lands in the late 1600’s and the development of the fur trade from then until after the Revolutionary War. In this month’s edition we move forward from […]

The History of the Fur Trade in Iowa: Part One

The History of the Fur Trade in Iowa: Part One By Troy Hoepker Picture it in your imagination if you possibly can? The year is 1685 and after painstakingly securing supplies and food your trek began in Montreal. Once ready, you managed to navigate the waters of the Ottawa River until it opened wide into […]

Colder Weather Coon Trapping

Colder Weather Coon Trapping By Joshua Jones Picture this scenario as a trapper: It is Friday night before the opening day of the trapping season in Iowa and you are loading the truck with all equipment you may need for the next day. Hammers, trowels, wire, bait, gloves, etc. Everything that is on your list […]

Plan an Entire Trapping Season for Success

Plan an Entire Trapping Season for Success Trapping like most other outdoor endeavors takes planning, effort, and yes money. However, it is one of the few outdoor endeavors if done correctly a person can actually absorb expenses such as fuel cost, trapping supplies, and with hard work can even leave the trapper with some spending […]

Short Line vs Long Line Trapping

Short Line vs Long Line Trapping By J.D. Rogge When i was growing up in the late 70’s and early 80’s during a time of high fur prices known as the “Fur Boom,” it seemed that everyone was a trapper, with varying levels of participation. Coons were worth $20-$30, mink would bring you $40, and […]

2021-22 Fur Market Report

2021-22 Fur Market Report By Troy Hoepker As my pickup rolled to a stop I detected movement a quarter-mile away near the creek crossing in my pasture. A quick glance through the binoculars confirmed a fox desperately engaged in a tug-of-war with the chain attached to the trap gripping his leg at one of my […]

Setting Yourself up for Trapline Success

Setting Yourself up for Trapline Success By JD Rogge One factor most successful trappers have in common is their dedication to pre-season preparation and scouting. Pre-season prep can be the difference between meeting your season’s goals and falling woefully short of your expectations. I’ve known many trappers who prior to season claim to be ready […]