Summer School – Part 2

In the last article I talked about some of my favorite trapping dvds.  Now I would like to talk about some of my favorite books.  I am a self proclaimed bookworm, and if I am interested in a topic, I will read anything I can get my hands on about it.

Trapping books vary widely in subject matter.  One of my all time favorite predator books is Ray Milligan’s Coyote Fever.  Ray knows the coyote like few do.  The book is very much to the point and goes through the equipment and sets you need to be successful.

Other predator books worth mentioning are the ones by Charles Dobbins.  Anyone who is familiar with the late Charles Dobbins, knows that anything he has written is worth reading.  My two favorites are The Dirt Hole and its Variations, and Variations of the Flat Set.   Not only are these entertaining to read, but I also use these books as reference manuals.  When things get slow on the line, I can always find a new set to use from these books.  The print is small in these books and Dobbins packs a massive amount of content in them.

When it comes to coons and water trapping, there are also many choices.  One of my personal favorite authors on the subject is Mike “Red” O’Hern.  If you have not met Red, you owe it to yourself to do so.   He is quite a character, and very interesting to read and to listen to.  Red wrote Coon Trapping – the Untold Story and Mink Trapping – The Quest For Prime Mink.  If you want to become a better coon and mink trapper, this is a good start.

If you are looking for something a bit more modern, don’t pass up Trapline Principles, 8 Keys To Success by Kellen Kaatz.  Not only is Kellen a super helpful guy, but he is also a very knowledgeable trapper and lure maker.  Upon finishing this book, you will understand what Kellen believes is the 8 biggest things you need to work at to be a good trapper.  An excellent book for making yourself a better trapper.

Last but not least, I wanted to mention another favorite of mine.  Chronicles of a Longliner by Gary Jepson.  This isn’t a “how to make a dirthole” book, but rather a book full of Gary’s experiences on and off the trapline since the 1950’s.  Gary talks of the hardships faced on his ranch, and the good years during the fur boom.  Gary documents his travels to conventions, his lure making adventures, and battling the harsh winters in North Dakota through the years.

Go out and pick up a book or two.  You are almost guaranteed to learn something, and you will most definitely be entertained in the process!

My next article will talk about some of the youtubers I have found to be helpful in gaining some more knowledge of the craft!