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Nebraska Trapper Featured In Local Newspaper

Nebraska’s own Joe Jack was featured in an article that appeared in the Grand Island Independent by author Jeff Bahr.  Here is a link to the story.  I have also reprinted the story below (with permission).  Jeff Bahr can be reached at Jeff.Bahr@theindependent.com.  Joe is a lifetime member of The Nebraska Fur Harvesters.

Wood River man has enjoyed trapping for 70 years

WOOD RIVER — When Joe Jack was 12, his brother-in-law got him started trapping muskrat and mink. Seventy years later, Jack is still trapping.

Jack, who lives in Wood River, worked in education for 40 years. Twenty-seven of those years were at Wood River Rural Schools, where he was a guidance counselor.

Although he spent his education years inside, Jack loves to be outdoors. While he’s out trapping, he enjoys seeing small birds, rabbits, squirrels and wild turkeys.

Through the years of rising and falling fur prices, Jack has never missed a year of trapping.

He has learned a lot about the tendencies of animals. But the education continues. He learns something new about wildlife every year.

A native of Loup City, he graduated from Kearney State College in 1958. While there, he participated in football and track.

When he was in college, he ran mink lines on the Loup and Platte rivers. With the money he earned, he paid almost all of his college expenses.

After he entered the working world, Jack checked his traps before going to school in the morning.

“All my trapping for all those years till I retired was by flashlight in the morning before school,” he said.

On the weekends, he could tend to his traps during daylight hours.

“But otherwise it was getting up at 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning and running traps before school.”

Jack, 82, traps beaver, muskrat, badgers, fox, coyotes and raccoons.

He sells the pelts through North American Fur Auctions, which is based in Toronto.

“It’s a sport and it’s a challenge,” he said. “A lot of people say that it’s brutal and the animals don’t have a chance. And boy, that’s not true. Coyotes are really smart, and so are fox. You have to be able to fool them to be able to trap them or snare them.”

The toughest animal to trap is the coyote.

“You have to do a number of things right in order to be able to catch foxes.” But to trap a coyote, “you’ve got to do everything right.”

“Coyotes will kill a fox because they’re in competition for food,” he said.

A coyote “usually can’t flat outrun a fox.” But coyotes can often bring down a fox when two of them team up. One coyote will start out chasing a fox, and a second coyote — fresh and ready to run — will take over when the fox tires.

To catch a coyote, you’ve got to dye and wax the trap first, so that the animal won’t detect any human odor.

In addition to trapping, Jack likes to hunt for pheasants, grouse, quail, deer and turtle dove.

Until 1996, he also bought fur from other people.

“I do a lot of snaring nowadays, because it’s very hard for me to get up and down at 82. I don’t just get down on my knees and just pop back up. I’ve got to have something to get ahold of to lean against and get up.”

Before coming to Wood River in the fall of 1971, he taught in Spencer, Farragut, Iowa, and Elm Creek.

Along the way, he got a master’ degree in guidance and counseling.

For 13 years, he was a head football coach. He also coached track and taught driver’s training. In his last five years at Wood River, he coached cross country. He retired in 1998.

Nancy, his wife of 59 years, died in September of 2017.

They had four kids, three of whom are still alive. A son in Omaha, Greg, often comes to hunt and trap with him.

Jack also receives plenty of assistance from his yellow lab, Lady Hunter.

Jack obviously loves trapping.

“A lot of it’s for fun,” he said. “But some years when we had four little kids and one teaching income, trapping money bought all of our Christmas presents and stuff like that.”

Right now, coyotes fetch the best prices.

Some years, when prices are high, Jack makes money at it. But last year and this year won’t be profitable.

Critics thinks trappers “just go out and slaughter” animals, Jack said.

But they don’t know the whole story. Traps have evolved, he said. So much research has been done that traps are more humane than ever.

In addition, regulation is strict. Most traps have to be checked every 24 hours. Trappers have to put their nametags on each device.

Snares, Jack said, have two kinds of locks. There are kill locks and there are relaxing locks.

Jack usually uses relaxing locks because he inadvertently catches a dog once in a while. A relaxing lock makes sure those dogs get out OK. Dogs are accustomed to wearing collars and leashes, so they won’t fight the snare. When the dog stops applying pressure, the snare relaxes, and the dog survives.

Jack does use a kill lock when he’s trapping in remote parts of the Sandhills, where dogs are less likely to turn up.

There are more raccoons, coyotes and fox around now than ever, said Jack, who’s a lifetime member of Nebraska Fur Harvesters, the National Trappers Association and Fur Takers of America.

Most trappers, he said, are upstanding people. They are great conservationists and they love animals, he said.

Money from taxes and licenses goes toward the conservation of wildlife, he said.

Jack loves watching baby foxes and raccoons at play. “I’ve even raised a few baby raccoons.” Eventually, he turned them loose where there was no chance he would trap them.

If certain types of animals become too abundant, their numbers will be curbed by the forces of nature.

When there are too many coyotes around, mange appears. Raccoons might get distemper. The effect on those animals can be brutal. In other words, the overpopulation problem is left up to Mother Nature.

“And what Mother Nature does to them is not pretty — ever,” Jack said.

Why We Need To Be Responsible, Now More Than Ever

I just read a sad article.  This story in the Sudbury (Ontario) Star reports on a coyote who had to be euthanized because it was “missing both back legs” from being caught in a trap that was “set improperly and not checked”.

Before you go accusing me of caving in and being a softie, the part I am sad about is not what happened to the wild canine, but rather the way this incident was reported upon and the reaction it garnered.  You have more than likely encountered anti’s in your dealings, across facebook, in real life, wherever.  One thing consistent about them is the absence of facts and the tendency to judge on emotion rather than fact.  This is clearly the case in the article.

You can read it if you want by clicking the link above, but here is the synopsis.  A coyote was allegedly caught in a snare or foothold trap just above both back feet and somehow escaped the confinement by chewing out, evidenced in the fact that it had a foot bone wedged in its mouth.  It was not, as reported, “missing both back legs”, rather it had been missing its feet.  They combed the area looking for this canine and found it huddled under a trailer, gave it a shot to sedate it, took it to the vet where they determined the best course of action was to euthanize it.

There are other things that could have caused this animal to become entrapped other than a snare or trap.  Likely it was a snare or trap but no one knows this for fact.  And if it were a snare or trap this animal had been caught in, who is to say that it was “set improperly and not checked” as reported?  I do not know what the laws in Ontario govern as far as the use of traps or check times.  But it is possible that if it were a snare or trap, it was properly set and properly checked, but the animal had freed itself from it before the time to re-check.

Yet the reaction in the comments section set the anti fire ablaze.  It sounds like they are about ready to form a mob and string up the person that supposedly set this trap.  Comments such as

  • “So disgusting ! Ban trap and snare for good ! Ban this cruelty !”

  • “why is snaring not banned.”

  • “Post the name and address of the p***y cowards who use these traps. Let Karma run it’s course. They would be begging for the chance to chew off their leg”

  • “trapping and snaring have no place in todays world. What a disgusting horror that poor animal had to live through, No excuse. This should not be legal”

This is why, fellow trappers, that now more than ever is a time to teach responsibility and act responsible in the field.  It has been harped on a lot, but in order to minimize these occurrences such as the one in Ontario we have to act responsibly.  Follow your check laws, set responsibly, remove your equipment when finished.  The people that write these articles and read these articles are voters like us, and incidents like these fuel the fires of ignorance.

Educate, educate, educate…

-Mark Hajny, Nebraska Fur Harvesters member and NTA Representative

Member Profile: Jessica Power

Name
Jessica Power

Occupation
College Student – Land Surveying/Civil Engineering, Waitress, and Mother of three teenage boys 😁

Hometown
Born and raised in North Platte, NE. I currently reside in Seward, NE

How did you get started in trapping?
I started trapping all on my own in 2014 on the South Platte River. The reason I started was to see if I could decrease the predator population of turkeys within the area. I had been trying to hunt the same “Dirty Dozen” for years, and never could get them called in under forty yards. I thought surely there has to be more than twelve birds over a mile of ground! I was well aware that the South Platte River receives the snowmelt off the Rocky Mountains annually, causing flooding. Many of the early clutches, laid in the cover of the dry river beds, are washed away. And with flood waters up, means that there are less places for the adults to hide. With further investigation, I discovered the land owner had not done any type of predator control on his land in over seven years! So I gave trapping a go and discovered that I enjoyed not only the challenges but the research of each animal and the ground that I covered. I think I caught maybe ten raccoons and three opossums that first year. The most rewarding feeling, after two seasons of trapping, was seeing trail camera photos of, my “Dirty Dozen”, the rafter of turkeys had tripled!!!

What is your favorite animal to target?
Badger and Bobcat

What do you enjoy most about the sport of trapping?
The thing I enjoy most about trapping is the memories I get to make with my children. I get to teach them the moral ethics and the benefits of managing the predator population. Trapping connects us with the environment and as a family.

What is one of your most memorable trapping moments?
My most memorable moment was descending from the top of a canyon road and being able to see the dirt mound of a trapped badger over a half mile away.

What would you like to see changed as far as trapping regulations in Nebraska?
The regulations are acceptable and honorable to the sport of trapping. What I would like to see is more trap thieves caught, with steeper fines and more community service, given to offenders. Rural community service they could partake in to help farmers and ranchers within our state.

What other hobbies do you have?
Currently:
– Public Relations Representative of the Nebraska Fur Harvesters Association
– Student Senate Secretary at Southeast Community College
– Leisure time with my children
– Scouting
– Hunting
– Fishing
– Trapping
– Binary Explosives
– “Do It Youself” projects
AND
– Shopping at Cabela’s

Anything else you want the Nebraska Fur Harvesters to know about you?
I am the first civilian female in the state of Nebraska to obtain a permit for the legal use of binary explosives.
You never know what you are capable of if you hesitate and make excuses. So, never hesitate to teach yourself, about anything in life. Be willing to learn something new everyday. And share your passion with the world!

Member Profile: Josh Kushen

Name
Josh Kushen

Occupation
Active Guard (Army National Guard), Hastings, NE

Hometown
Campbell, NE

How did you get started in trapping?
When I was about 12 years old I would go check trap lines with my Uncle Todd and was always fascinated with his ability to track animals, lure, and trap. In high school I tried my hand at calling and primarily stalking and shining for critters. Now nearly 15 years later I realize how much I missed this part of the outdoors and have spent the last two years stocking up my traps, snares, etc. for a hopeful season this year and to share the experience with my children.

What is your favorite animal to target?
Right now I like them all but foot-holds are exciting to say the least.

What do you enjoy most about the sport of trapping?
Being outdoors and in the element of the wild knowing that I can track an animal, pattern their movement and set a trap to capture them and knowing that I could potentially have it all wrong when I do but at the same time still learn something.

What is one of your most memorable trapping moments?
With my Uncle Todd and we came upon a trapped Coyote. It was a really cold winter and their was snow on the ground. She had a beautiful color and coat on her and I was awestruck as a child being that close to animal of that nature.

What would you like to see changed as far as trapping regulations in Nebraska?
I am still learning but, I do dabble in other hobbies like bird hunting/trials and the biggest thing that I see not just in trapping but all outdoor activities is that the communities seem to be dwindling down.

What other hobbies do you have?
Bow hunting, bird hunting, raise pigeons, competitive shooting.

Anything else you want the Nebraska Fur Harvesters to know about you?
I am here to learn and want to learn from the best of them. When I commit to something I am all in. I am happy to be a part of this community and thank you for having me.

Why a NFH Membership?

There are various reasons why people do not “join up” for organizations.  Most of these reasons I understand and some I do not.  Some organizations will blast you with email constantly.  Now that they got you, they try to get you to the next level or to purchase additional products or services.  They collect your information such as address and phone number and sell it off to whoever pays money for it.  Soon you have junk mail from every conceivable related business and robo-calls that we all hate.

I would like to think the Nebraska Fur Harvesters is different.  In fact, I know they are different.

Most of your membership money goes to your subscription of The Trapper’s Post.  If you have never seen the ‘Post, then you are missing out on a really good read for trappers.  The post is always full of good information, how to articles and lots of knowledge.

The remaining money from your membership goes into our treasury.  This money is used to rent buildings and facilities for our annual convention and our annual banquet.  Lots of other things come up for our organization, such as printing costs, repair on our trailer, and other numerous things an organization encounters.

Of course you can attend the convention and its festivities without being a member of the NFH.  But only current members can attend the business meeting that takes place at noon on Saturday of the convention.

It is during this meeting where the organization decides where our money will get spent, among many other things.   It is always interesting.  Sometimes we all agree, sometimes we do not,  but there is always laughing and the camaraderie that goes with having a group of like minded people  “talking shop”.

The NFH annual convention is just around the corner.  It has fast become one of those things I look forward to every year.  Kinda like Christmas when I was a little kid.

The membership desk is located as you walk in the convention.  No one will twist your arm or look down on you if you are not a member, but your dollars (our dollars) are appreciated and are always put to good use.  Come out and have some fun, see some good demos, look at some new equipment and sniff some new baits and lures.  Above all, have a good time and enjoy yourself, and remember, we are all on the same team.

-Mark Hajny
NFH Web guy and NTA Representative

 

 

Obituary: Ray Trompke

If you have been going to the conventions for a while you know Donna and Ray Trompke.  Donna handles all the membership info, whether it comes from online, mail, or at the conventions.  Her husband was Ray.  He worked the registration booth with Donna.  Ray passed away this week.  Read his obituary here:

https://www.kearneyhub.com/obituaries/raymond-trompke/article_90ea8ebb-ba15-539a-8177-e6b628ca1afe.html

 

Obituary: Roger Belohlavy

Trapping in Nebraska lost a good friend recently.  Roger Belohlavy operated Turkey Creek Furs in Crete for many years.  Roger bought furs and sold trapping and hunting supplies as well as bait and tackle.  You can read the full obituary here:

http://www.kunclfh.com/obituary/roger-belohlavy

 

Opening Day

It’s opening day for trapping most furbearers in Nebraska.  We at the Nebraska Fur Harvesters Association wish you a season filled with success, pride, enjoyment and education.  We also hope you end up making a little money on top of it, although with prices the way they are, do not set your expectations out of reach.

We would like to to keep the following things in mind this season as you set out to trap:

  • You are setting an example for all trappers, everywhere.  Be the trapper you would want kids to learn from.
  • Take someone with you who has never trapped before.  Show them a few sets, harvest a few animals and show them how it’s done.
  • Be humane.
  • Be respectful of landowner’s property and do not trespass.  Ask permission on private ground.
  • If trapping on public ground, please be aware of the fact that other people (and their dogs) will be using the property as well, and place your sets accordingly.
  • Work hard.
  • Don’t be afraid to release animals that look too small or do not look primed up.  There is no shame in releasing a sub-par animal.
  • Help another trapper/outdoorsman if he needs it.
  • Share advice with a beginner.  We were all there at one time.
  • Take time to learn something new.
  • Stop and take in all that the outdoors has to offer.
  • Obey all your state laws.

Thank you and have a good season!
-The Nebraska Fur Harvesters

The Urban Coyote – Coming To A Town Near You

If you follow wildlife in the news, you can’t escape the stories.   Cities in California are struggling trying to manage the problem of cohabitating with wild canines.  Coyotes spotted in the park, coyote grabs dog, coyote bites Hastings, Nebraska boy…wait…what?

In a recent story in The Hastings Tribune talks about a 1 year old boy being bitten by a coyote at a fireworks celebration in Hastings, Nebraska.  Shay Burke, writer for the Hastings Tribune writes:

 “According to the report, the family was lighting fireworks and the coyote came walking up the sidewalk from the south. The coyote allegedly bit the child then ran off to the east between some houses.

“The witnesses, the child’s family, said they are positive it was a small coyote,” Hessler said. “They have hunted them in the past and know what they look like. It was mangy looking, hair was falling out.”

Sgt. Brian Hessler with the Hastings Police Department confirmed Wednesday morning that there was a report filed of a coyote allegedly biting a child in the 500 block of South Boston Avenue about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Coyotes aren’t the only wild canines that take up residence in our urban environments.  All too often, red fox get pushed out of their

Another common resident in our urban areas is the red fox.

natural habitat into town.  Once there, they find abundant food sources such as rabbits, stray cats and garbage.  Soon they take up permanent residence.  The sight of these creatures makes neighborly conversation and the cute and cuddly pups often earn offerings of table scraps and other food.  This is where urban wildlife problems begin.  This benevolency of citizens starts the wheels in motion for problem wildlife.  A situation that will not end well for the animal or the citizen.

I asked Dave Hastings for his opinion on the matter.  Dave is the editor of The Fur Taker Magazine, official magazine of the Fur Takers of America, and a long time fur harvester.  ” Well obviously we need to come to our senses and prioritize human and pet safety and health above wild predators. We are not “equal partners in the happy ship earth.” A coyote will eat a child in a heartbeat; not because the coyote is inherently evil, but because the coyote is a wild carnivore, and in his amoral eyes, meat is meat.”

When I asked Dave about what people need to understand about wildlife in urban areas, he had this to say:  “First, wildlife is beautiful, admirable, and morally important. But un-threatened populations become dangerous. Raccoons seem cute until a homeowner finds roundworm-infested scat everywhere. Disease, direct threats to people and pets, and ultimately the degenerated health of the animal populations themselves are the result of poor management. People die from this. Children are attacked. Beloved pets are killed and eaten. This is not Disney; this is real.”

For us fur harvesters, this opens up opportunities.  Check your plat maps and see who owns the cornfields at the edge of town.  Urban areas are usually the hunting grounds, not the residence, so they are coming from somewhere.  Check with your local authorities before taking any action against urban wildlife.  Above all, be a good example for trappers and hunters everywhere.  Practice common sense and obey all regulations.

-Mark Hajny
Nebraska Fur Harvesters Association