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How to Trap 
 
 The 
 Boy Trappers of Beaver Bend 
 
 Or 
 
 Big Money From Furs 
 
 Also secrets which professional pelt hunters use 
 in taking game. How to make baits and scents, 
 capture skunk and civet without odor, pack skins 
 for shipment, when to trap the prime hides, how 
 to mark and care for steel traps, etc., etc. 
 
 Edited By GEORGE J. THIESSEN 
 
 the well-known authority and writer on the sub- 
 ject of traps and trapping. The reading of this 
 book will bring dollars into the hands of every 
 amateur pelt hunter. 
 
How to Trap 3 
 
 European War Helps American Trappers! 
 
 Trapping has long been a favorite pin-money pastime among the boys 
 and young men of America. 
 
 Now, through changed conditions wrought by war, the center of the Fur 
 industry has been transferred from overseas to America, and trapping has 
 become an industry of prime importance. 
 
 Instead of being a pin-money proposition, it now gives American boys a 
 chance to add materially to their income to engage in a money-making 
 business. 
 
 Before the war, Russia furnished a large proportion of each year's output 
 of furs. Now the Russian source of supply is cut off. A few years ago the 
 big fur auctions were held each year in London- American furs were sent 
 there to be sold. Furs were dyed abroad— and part of them were sent back 
 to America to be sold. 
 
 Now the big fur auctions are held in America. St. Louis and New York 
 are battling for supremacy as the leading fur market of the world. Pelts are 
 dyed in America. They are sold in America. 
 
 The automobile has played its part in the gigantic transformation. Fur 
 coats by the tens of thousands are now used by automobilists, for spring, 
 fall and winter driving. 
 
 The rarer sorts of furs are becoming scarce— are often unattainable. As 
 a result, the skins of common animals - skunks, weasles, raccoons, etc.— 
 are becoming correspondingly valuable. These animals can be found and 
 trapped right around home. Their pelts not only bring the farmer and the 
 farmer boy a quick profit, but they rid the farm, in many cases, of nasty pests 
 which prey upon poultry, and, in a multitude of ways, render themselves 
 obnoxious. 
 
 The conditions above outlined have resulted in a demand for furs such 
 as was never known before in any country. 
 
 The boys and young men of America can profit by this demand. To 
 help them to do it, COMFORT has prepared this book. It is written by 
 men who know how to trap. If you do not know how it will teach you— and 
 if you do, it will show you how to trap more successfully. 
 
 We have published this book for your benefit and have given it to you 
 free, or without cost even of postage. We have done this to help you to get 
 your share of the millions that will be paid this year to American trappers; 
 and to do our part toward securing America's permanent hold on the 
 leadership of the fur business of the world. 
 
 W. H. GANNETT, Publisher of COMFORT.. 
 
How to Trap 
 
 The Boy Trappers of Beaver Bend 
 
 Getting Started 
 
 JACK Wallace and I had decided to trap ! along. Nothing more rewarded us. Yet we were 
 
 A touch of winter was in the air ; the happy, and with the help of our hired hand, we 
 
 dry leaves were heaped in piles and gave soon had the skin on a board and hanging in 
 
 forth a rustle when stirred by the wind, the barn. 
 
 Fur was beginning to prime and in the Six more pelts were captured that week. We 
 
 past few weeks my partner and I had ex- worried, however, over the traps that had been 
 
 plored the small streams in search of dens and sprung but which had nothing in them. That 
 
 signs. With tracks a-plenty there were prospects Sunda.v, however. Jack came running over with 
 
 of a good catch, but since we never had made a an article he found in a magazine, showing how 
 
 set, we were somewhat puzzled as to the best to take the various animals and market their 
 
 methods to employ. furs to advantage. "It's just what we need," he 
 
 Jack was a neighbor boy, just sixteen. I was said, "for it tells the reason why so many of our 
 
 younger. The Wallace farm adjoined ours. On traps are empty. In the first place, all muskrat 
 
 these we were going to test our skill with skunk, sets ought to be in about three inches of water so 
 
 mink, raccoon, muskrat and the various fur as to catch by the hind legs. They are stronger 
 
 bearers. find longer than the front ones. Further, it gives 
 
 "I got three traps," my companion announced, a list of baits for each animal. It sa.vs here 
 
 exhibiting them. "Could you get some?" that for muskrat decoys we ought to use apples, 
 
 "A few," was the reply. "Father found seven carrots and turnips. You can bet I am glad 
 
 In the shed. They are rusty 
 
 "Let's get some of 
 the rust off so tliey will 
 work." 
 
 With a piece of brick 
 and kerosene we soon 
 had our outfit working 
 as well as could be ex- 
 pected. Two of the traps 
 would not work, but 
 having no money, we 
 had to make the best of 
 things. In fact we felt 
 sure we would get some 
 fur and then later buy 
 what we needed. 
 
 About mid-October we 
 made our first sets. 
 They were along a creek 
 at holea in the bank 
 where signs were nu- 
 merous. 
 
 "Huh!" Jack grunted, 
 slipping from the bit of 
 sod upon which he stood 
 and landing almost to 
 his waist in water. "I'll 
 bet that scared every- 
 thing in Beaver Bend. 
 Further" — and his teeth 
 began to chatter as he 
 climbed on shore — 
 "when 1 get home " 
 
 A splash sounded 
 nearby and some ani- 
 mal swam up the 
 stream and disappeared 
 in a swirl of mud and 
 scum. 
 
 "What's that?" we 
 chorused. 
 
 Neither answered. We stood watching. Noth- 
 ing further took place. Then, without speaking, dip the pelt in water you can more readily see. 
 we started toward home, each dreaming of the You will notice," he continued, "that the fur looks 
 money he would make by selling furs. almost white and the tips black — a sort of a 
 
 The next day we were up before the sun. spotted effect. Other mink show a dark brown, 
 Soon we reached our first set. It had not been as a rule, when tested as I have explained." 
 disturbed. The next was the same. Our hopes Ice had formed on the creek, not thick, but 
 fell. Should we catch nothing at all ? strong enough to prevent the animals getting 
 
 Down the stream we went. Our third trap into our traps when set at the foot of slides, 
 held something. The animal was tugging at the Again, we obtained information from an old pelt 
 chain. A blow dispatched it. "Look," Jack hunter who said we should put a small bag of 
 yelled, "it's a big rat. What " coarse salt under each set, for this would pre- 
 
 "I know," was the interruption. "That is just vent freezing unless the weather was very cold, 
 like the muskrat father killed last summer in the When we tried it, the plan worked successfully 
 barnyard. It's valuable, too !" and we got several more skins. 
 
 "You bet," was the reply. By this time the muskrats became wary — or 
 
 Carrying the fur bearer by the tail we hurried at least they seemed that way to us. With un- 
 
 A 
 
 ';•'. 
 
 ODR THIRD TRAP HELD SOMETHING, THE ANI 
 MAL WAS TUGGING AWAY AT THE CHAIN. 
 
 Aunt Jane subscribes to 'Comfort^ and has the 
 old issues. I will look 
 them all up and then 
 we are bound to have 
 better luck." 
 
 "You're right," I 
 agreed. "If we only 
 had these sooner, we 
 would have caught more 
 fur." 
 
 We also learned that 
 a bit of white paper 
 or cloth would often 
 draw the muskrat when 
 all other lures failed. 
 This is because the ani- 
 mals are inquisitive. 
 
 The days passed. The 
 number of skins in- 
 creased rapidly. 
 
 A couple of weeks 
 after we placed our first 
 traps, we took a large 
 mink. We did not un- 
 derstand why this hap- 
 pened, since all our sets 
 were for muskrat. Later 
 we learned that mink 
 often visit the various 
 dens in search of food 
 and the one we had 
 taken simply blundered 
 into the trap. Not long 
 afterward we caught an- 
 other also which the lo- 
 cal dealer pronounced 
 as "cotton." 
 
 "What's cotton?" we 
 asked. 
 
 "That," said the buy- 
 er, "is a grade of mink 
 with the under hair white or nearly so. If you 
 
How to Trap 
 
 baitod traps wo caiiRht very few. However, hy 
 usins some small apples we suc('eede<l in lakiiiK 
 eleven. Our mclhod was to select a place not 
 too deep and where the current i>roved strong 
 enough, .so (hat the ice would not bother. 
 Then, on sticks inclined slit:!itly, we put the 
 decoy just al)ove the water. The vegetables, of 
 course, were ;.'uarded hy steel traps. 
 
 As the season a<lvanced we had to make most 
 of our sels in deep water, with the e.xception 
 of those at the mouths of the dens. So we 
 used a slanting' hoard. We shoved one end into 
 the m\id and supjiorled the other with stakes 
 so that the top of the hoard was fully si.x inches 
 above the surface. On this top, wo arr.'inKe<l 
 a parsnip. .lust beneath the w;i(er we drovt 
 some small nails to hold the trai> in idace. Com- 
 mon sense was the jiuide which tauj^ht us to 
 idace the ordinary style ti-aj) witli (lie sprinji 
 nearest the surface, ("oinpletins this, we smeared 
 mud over the board. With this arrangement we 
 took nine sl<ins, for it seemed th;it every animal 
 jiMssin^' would attempt to climb the board (o gnaw 
 the vegetable and as a result get cauf,'ht. Of 
 course the staking was in deep water and the 
 fur hearers would drown quickly. We didn't lose 
 a single hide — ;ind also learned that whenever 
 possible the chains ought to be fastened in at 
 least eighteen inches of water. Small lengths of 
 bale wire also proved handy when the chains 
 were too short. 
 
 Our collection of furs grew from day to day. 
 Then — our traps were gone. Where? Tracks in 
 the mud gave us no clue, for we had been care- 
 less in leaving signs. 
 
 "What will wo do?" I asked. 
 
 .Tack scratched his head. "Do !" he repeated. 
 "The oidy way I can see is to sell our furs and 
 buy another outfit." 
 
 "Yes," was the reply. "Only where shall wo 
 sell?" 
 
 "In the village, if we wi.sh, to Sam Wolf. He 
 buys furs, luit he doesn't pay very much. Let's 
 pick out one of the advertisers in 'Co.mi-orx' and 
 give him a tiial." 
 
 ••<ir)od." was my answer. 
 
 Accordingly, we hurried home and from the 
 publication selected a concern which from their 
 talk certainly seemed to be fair and liberal. We 
 sewed the pelts in a gunny .sack, after h.-iving put 
 our name aiid address inside the [lackage. to- 
 gether with (he number of skins and kind. Then 
 we wrote the dealer and asked him to send a 
 check. 
 
 K.x.'ictly three days aftenvards, the returns 
 came in. 
 
 With trend)ling fingers. Wallace ofiened the let- 
 ter. It containi'd several dollars more than we 
 actually e.xpected and more than we should have 
 received from our local dealer. "Now for the 
 hardware store and some traps," I shouted. 
 "Come on." 
 
 We lived about a mile and a half from town, 
 but the distance soon was covered. There we 
 .selected a dozen and a half Number Ones and 
 six "jumps" of the .same size. The merchant 
 gladly cashed our check and gave us the re- 
 mainder. This Jack and I divided before starting 
 home. The money jingling in our pockets made 
 pleasant music as we tramped across the fields. 
 
 Adventure with Skunks 
 
 COI-D weather came and muskrat trap- 
 ping began to get poor. The animals 
 were not very active and we had prac- 
 tically cleaned up our grounds. True, 
 we could have made our sets farther 
 down the stream, but if we had done 
 this we should not have had the time to look 
 after things properly, for we were going to school. 
 Hence, we pulled up our traps and looked around 
 for signs of mink, raccoon, opossum and skunk. 
 
 Our reading of all articles about trapping gave 
 us information of great value. In the first place, 
 we knew in a general way where to look for 
 fur bearers, and then signs. Through a neighbor 
 •we learned the use of a flash-light which enabled 
 us to search for tracks we should othenvise have 
 passed by. xVgain, when we were dubious about a 
 den which might be that of a skunk, all we had 
 to do was to throw the rays into the hole and 
 if we saw black, white, or black-and-white hair, 
 we knew we could arrange our traps with a 
 surety of getting fur. 
 
 Our folks gave us positive instructions not to 
 trap skunk. Yet the price lists we received 
 showed that it was well worth our time to make 
 sets for them. Accordingly, we put our traps out. 
 
 The first set we nmde was in a weed patch, 
 at the entrance to a burrow. No bait of any 
 kind was used. While we caught three animals 
 and killed them with a club, there was practi- 
 call.v no odor. AYe early learned to staide our 
 traps to some object which was too heavy for 
 the anim.ils to move or carry into the holes. A 
 long pole proved effective, as did a piece of 
 brush. As soon as we discovered this we had no 
 trouble in moving our sets. 
 
 "Try this," said Wallace. "Let's build small 
 three-.sided pens where there are skunks, and 
 use bloody meat as bait. We'll guard the lure 
 with one or more traps. I read that if we did this 
 we could take several pelts from the same den." 
 
 "It stands to reason," I agreed. "With burrow 
 sets it is impossible for us to capture more than 
 one skunk at a time from a hole. Let's get busy 
 at once and see what we can do." 
 
 The next few hours we spent looking for likely 
 
 locations. With rocks, sticks and other material, 
 we made the pens according to directions. For a 
 decoy we used pieces of r.-ibbit flesh. 
 
 When we finished, results seemed certain. 
 
 We were up bright and early. Disappointment 
 stared us in the face. Four of our trat)s were 
 not sprung, yet the bait was gone. What got 
 it? Neither of us knew. We baited again as 
 before and went home sorely puzzled. The hired 
 man on our farm — he had done some trapping — 
 gave us a clew. 
 
 "Y'ou're fine ones," he said. "Don't you know 
 that crows and hawks got the flesh? Go right 
 back at once and cover the pens with a thin 
 layer of weeds or brush." 
 
 .Tack and I did so ! 
 
 We had no trouble whatever catching skunk, 
 for we found that the animals seemed to have 
 no fear of the traps and would actually step 
 into bright, new ones. Experience taught us, 
 however, that if we hid our sets right, we could 
 expect once in a while a mink or raccoon. They 
 would not approach a bright new trap. 
 
 We learned that the proper way to conceal a 
 .set was to dig a small hole just large enough 
 for the trap, so that when it was .set the jaws 
 were slightly below the surface of the ground. 
 For a covering, the best thing was something 
 that grew nearby — that is, green grass ought 
 not to be employed when a set was made on 
 dry ground. If dust or sand were used, we had 
 to put a wad of cotton or wool under the pan 
 so no foreign substance would hinder the trap 
 from springing. Further, in di2ging the excava- 
 tion we had to locate this so that the water 
 did not drain into it and freeze. When this 
 happens the trap is useless. 
 
 Jack wanted to try prepared scents. 
 
 "It's easy," he said. ".Ml you have to do is 
 to get some small fish and cut them up fine. 
 Leave these rot in the sun and use the oil. The 
 bait is good for all flesh-eating animals." 
 
 "We'll make some," I agreed. 
 
 This we did, and the result was a lure that 
 proved reliable. 
 
How to Trap 
 
 We caught skunk almost every day, with We brought water from a schoolhouse pump m 
 
 baited and unbaited sets. In fact, we had no an old tin can, but we couldn't get the pup to 
 
 trouble whatever im getting them ready for mar- notice it. What to do we had no idea, for if 
 
 ket without odor. We were about to devote all David knew- , .^ ^ . .,„ 
 
 our time to taking this animal when the unex- "Hey ! What you kids doing? „, ^ ^ 
 
 pected happened Jones hailed us trom the road. We had not 
 
 We got a large Broad Stripe in one of our noticed him approach. Wallace and I were in- 
 
 traps near a small country school, — but how to capable of speecn until we saw the amused grin 
 
 get him out was the problem. That skunk was on his face. 
 
 a terror and the air certainly was scented. 
 
 This experience was new to us. We had han- 
 dled our first sets with ease and did not know 
 
 what to make of this last animal. Afterwards, ^ , ,^ +, ^ . ^- , 
 
 we learned that some boys had teased the fur now and don t go nearer that 'stink cat' 
 bearer— threw rocks your folks won't € 
 
 "Trappin'," I stammered. 
 Jack nodded. 
 
 "So I see — or rather smell," he remarked. 
 'And with my dog, too. Well, you hike home 
 
 and clubs at it. If 
 this had not been done, 
 most of the odor could 
 have been eliminated. 
 Thus we discovered 
 something new about 
 catching skunk. 
 
 Closer than a hundred 
 feet we dared not ven- 
 ture. The animal stared 
 at us defiantly. The 
 thing must be killed, 
 but how? 
 
 "Let's get Towser?" 
 my companion sug- 
 gested, referring to a 
 dog that David Jones, 
 another neighbor, owned. 
 
 I agreed — and yet du- 
 biously. I knew Jones 
 was particular about 
 this half-grown pup. 
 
 "You go," I suggested. 
 
 "Naw !" Jack rebelled. 
 "Anyway, you can 
 whistle louder. Just 
 sneak behind his corn 
 crib and call the dog." 
 So I started off while 
 my partner watched the 
 skunk. 
 
 Luck came my way. 
 A couple of hundred 
 yards from the Jones' 
 place the pup was in- 
 dustriously barking and 
 digging at a hole. It 
 took some persuasion 
 upon my part to get 
 Towser to leave, but 
 after I fastened a string 
 around his neck, he 
 came trotting along. 
 
 The dog needed no 
 further urging. As soon 
 as he saw the skunk he 
 gave one jerk and 
 was free. Straight 
 toward the fur bearer 
 
 
 nC'^O* 
 
 WE GOT A BROAD STRIPE IN ODE TRAPS NEAE A 
 SMALL COUNTRY SCHOOL. 
 
 even 
 
 let you sleep in the 
 barn. The dog can come 
 home when he gets 
 ready — and I hope it 
 won't be before next 
 week. He's sick all right 
 but nothing serious. 
 Glad you got that 'cat,' 
 for it will save me a lot 
 of chickens. And say — 
 ain't the pup a game 
 one?" 
 
 Once more at our ease, 
 we sauntered off, never 
 suspecting that there 
 was the slightest odor 
 on our clothes. The 
 hired man told us as 
 we walked into the barn 
 at our place. 
 
 "Suffer'n cats !" he 
 ejaculated. "You'll catch 
 it now. Whew !" 
 
 My partner and I both 
 sniffed. 
 
 We could detect no 
 smell whatever. Fur- 
 ther, we had not been 
 near the skunk, so how 
 could there be? 
 
 "You're fooling us," 
 Jack retorted hopefully. 
 "You think " 
 
 "Nothing of the sort. 
 The air has carried 
 the smell into your 
 clothes. Now you two 
 kids go out into the 
 corn crib and take 
 some gasoline. Soak 
 a cloth in it and then 
 go over your duds. 
 After that, walk down 
 to the further meadow 
 and drive up the cows. 
 The fumes will be 
 evaporated by that time 
 hope all the 
 
 and I 
 he flew. The trapped smell. And say," he added, "be sure you have 
 animal was ready — and waiting. no matches in your pocket." 
 
 Everything happened at once. The air was Wallace and I followed directions. Whem we 
 "blue." Towser sneezed ; gave the skunk a final returned, the hired man pronounced us all 
 shake ; walked a few feet and regretted it. right. 
 
 Lessons in Mink Trapping 
 
 OUR catch of furs graduallv accumu- 
 lated. With the aid of Jim Welch, 
 the man who worked for father, we 
 learned many things which were of 
 value to us on the trap line. For one 
 thing, he showed ns how to skin skunk 
 without puncturing the scent bag which lies at 
 the root of the tail. "You kids," he said, "ought 
 to cut around these glands, leaving a small patch 
 of fur. This does not affect the value of the hide 
 in the least. 
 
 We could hardly believe it — but then since 
 Jim had trapped for years, we were forced to do 
 
 so — and it was true. 
 
 Another trick — if we might call it that — ^was 
 killing these fur bearers without odor. Jim told 
 us to shoot the skunk just back of the head so 
 that the bullet cut the spine. This paralyzed 
 the asimal and kept it from throwing its fluid. 
 Welch had a long-barreled pistol which he said 
 he would let us use provided we took good care 
 of it. He told us that any short-barreled weapon 
 was dangerous. 
 
 Welch also pointed out that care must be taken 
 not to excite the animal, and he told us to have 
 the bullet come out in the neck so the skin was 
 
How to Trap 
 
 not damaged. "If you puncture the belly," he 
 Stated, "you cannot get as much for the fur as 
 it would otherwise be worth. Uenieiuber this 
 before shooting." 
 
 "Hut what about skunk oil?" I asked, knowing 
 it was prized by certain people for colds 
 can render it out and " 
 
 Jack and I, who had caught most of our furs 
 by tills method, looked foolish. "Anyway," we 
 persisted, "won't bait lure the animals?" 
 
 "Certainly, but it has to be used just right. 
 
 That lish oil you made is dandy, provided you 
 
 "We employ it as it should be. However, with the 
 
 sets 1 have descril>ed, you do not need it.' 
 
 "iJetter not waste your time," was the answer. We two sat listening, trying as best we could 
 unless you want it yourself. So far sis 1 know, to learn all about the art of trapping. Jim, it 
 
 there is no real market lor skunk oil 
 
 During tlie ne.xt tew mouths we caught a num- 
 ber of skunk and bad no trouble wliatever. But 
 as the weather got colder, tlie animals denned 
 up and did not travel much. Then we decided 
 to go after mink, of 
 which there were a few 
 signs along the streams. 
 "How will we catch 
 them?" I asked. 
 "Let's asJi Jim." 
 
 ".Ml richt." 
 
 At'cordingly wo sought 
 out the hired man. 
 
 When we told him 
 what we were after, he 
 shook his head. "I'm 
 afraid," he answered, 
 "these animals are too 
 cunning for you. In 
 fact, many professionals 
 find them very dithcuU 
 to take. However, 1 
 know some sets which 
 are bound to bring re- 
 sults, provided you make 
 them as the.v should be. 
 
 Naturally, we prom- 
 ised to do it. 
 
 "In tlie fir.sst place." 
 our teacher continued, 
 "the best locations for 
 the mink are along the 
 small, slow streams. 
 The reason for this is 
 that the banks of these 
 are usually overgrown 
 witli weeds so as to 
 hide the dens. Further, 
 the rh.iTinels are choked 
 ■with th-ift-wood. giving 
 the fur bearers a chance 
 to hunt unobserved, and 
 the sh.ll lows contain 
 small fish, crabs, etc., 
 which the animals can 
 get with little trouble. 
 
 "Von must leave no 
 and last, but not least 
 
 
 WE WATCTTED HIM ARRANGE THE TRAPS, WAD- 
 INO IN THE CREEK FOR A DISTANCE BEFORE 
 REACHING THE SPOT AND AFTER LEAVING IT. 
 
 seemed, had had considerable e.\perieuce, and we 
 were more than glad to have his help. 
 
 "Kut when do we use decoy?" Jack inquired. 
 " 'Whenever you can't catch them any other 
 way,' is a good rule to follow, (if course, once 
 in a while an at tractor 
 is necessary, and, when 
 it is, small bits of musk- 
 rat or rabbit work fine, 
 especially if your fish 
 lure is used in connec- 
 tion with it." 
 
 "Give us a sure set," 
 I pleaded, "some- 
 thing " 
 
 "There are no sure 
 sets. About as good a 
 one as I know is to dig 
 small pockets along the 
 edges of a .steep bank 
 and put the decoy in the 
 back part so the water 
 will not touch it. When 
 you place traps like 
 this, it is best to wade 
 along a stream and 
 leave no tracks in the 
 mud ; that is, as few 
 tracks or signs as pos- 
 sible. If you are able 
 to do this, you will find 
 you have advanced con- 
 siderably." 
 
 "But " 
 
 "Suffering cats !" — 
 Jim's favorite expres- 
 sion. "I see that I will 
 have to find time to 
 show you fellows how 
 to arrange your traps. 
 But if I do, you will 
 have to help me with 
 my work. I have .some 
 harnesses to oil, and 
 you kids can get busy 
 ripht now. 
 
 A0« 
 
 "It's a go !" we shouted, 
 
 signs of your presence. Accordingly, we "pot busy" and helped the 
 
 have your sets arranffe<l hired man with his work. In fact, we showed 
 
 so that tlie place looks the same after yotir visit our appreciation in every way we could, for we 
 
 as before. The male mink is a wanderer, often realized that Welch had caught furs before and 
 
 traveling miles in a nisht, while the female rarely knew just how to make the sets and prepare the 
 
 goes farther than a half mile from its den. Yon skins for market. 
 
 can tell the track of the male from the female 
 at this time of the ye.ir by the size, for the 
 former will be larger. 
 
 "You will have the best results when the 
 sets are in water. If you can find places under 
 overhanging banks where the animals travel. 
 
 That afternoon we labored with a will. The 
 Mext morning, bright and early, we started out 
 with our traps, hoping to catch a number of 
 mink on Beaver Bend. 
 
 The ice had formed a thin crust on the creek, 
 .lim took the lead and passed by places where 
 
 scoop out excavations for your sets and trust my partner and I thought we could take pelts. 
 
 to luck. Probably you will not get many furs "Don't bother with 'em," our instructor remarked. 
 
 until you have had "considerable experience, bat "Go down where the drains empty and there 
 
 then you can get that only by trying. you will get results." 
 
 "If you find places where the mink enter the There were several tiles flowing into the stream. 
 
 ■water, place traps, using no bait whatever. Stake When we came to these places we did not spend 
 
 your sets where it is deep, so the fur bearers much time except to see where there were tracks. 
 
 will drown when caught. During cold weather- — The sets were made with the Newhouse style 
 
 understand the mink will travel regardless of traps and the springs were farthest from the 
 
 the temperature — the best sets are arranged at drains. 
 
 springs and the mouths of tiles." "If there are no signs." Jim explained, "re- 
 
 "Oan we u.se bait?" verse the position. Bv this I mean have the 
 
 "Surel.v^— only don't do it if you can arrasge a jaws farthest from the tiles." 
 
 blind set." Both of us declared we understood. 
 
 "What's a 'blind set*?" "Now. there." Welch pointed, "is a dandy place 
 
 He looked at us in surprise. "You ought to to take the mink. See tliat hollow log?" 
 
 know." he replied. "It is a set with no lure We nodded. 
 
 whatever, and hidden." "Put a trap at each entrance and as© no decoy. 
 
8 
 
 How to Trap 
 
 If the water is too deep, build a base for the 
 sets ; if too shallow, scoop out an excavation. 
 The first fur bearer coming along will try to 
 enter, and get caught, provided the sets are 
 properly made." 
 
 We watched him arrange the traps, wading 
 in the creek for a distance before reaching the 
 spot and after leaving it. "You will notice," 
 he explained, "that after I touched the log I 
 splashed water over it to destroy the human 
 
 scent. Always do this when after the mink." 
 "How are we going to remember it all?" I 
 asked. 
 
 "Easy enough," Jim answered. "You will ab- 
 sorb the little details as you become more ex- 
 perienced on the trap line." 
 
 Frankly, this was not encouraging, since we 
 had listened to so much advice that we hardly 
 knew where we were at. Nevertheless, we were 
 anxious to learn and do our very best. 
 
 The Windup of The Season 
 
 THE next day it snowed. placed the sets on bags of coarse salt, which I 
 The weather became colder and had to go back and get. He said that if the 
 colder and the strong north wind drove weather did not get too cold the salt would 
 the ice-like flakes with the velocity of prevent freezing and that mink are sure to enter 
 shot. However, we did not let this the open water at every opportunity when travel- 
 deter us from visiting our traps, and ing back and forth, 
 well were we pleased whea our first set contained "Something else for us to remember," Jack 
 a medium brown mink. It was alive and at our said, 
 approach pulled the trap into the tile. "Yes," I answered. 
 
 "Be careful," the hired man warned us. "Let's Farther down the stream where we had another 
 
 see if it is caught .securely. I lost three pelts tile set, we found a small mink, frozen stiff. It 
 
 when I first began because I was in too big a was a female which, as the farm hand stated, 
 
 haste." rarely got larger than the medium size. 
 
 We exami'ned the hold of the jaws. They We hastened home, for it was almost time to 
 
 were clamped securely 
 on one of the hind legs 
 of the animal. "You got 
 him, all right," my 
 partner exclaimed. "Now 
 a shot " 
 
 "Hold on," our teach- 
 er interrupted, "you'll 
 spoil the hide." 
 
 We waited expec- 
 tantly. 
 
 "The way to do it is 
 to get the mink so you 
 can stun it with a blow 
 on the head. Then, to 
 avoid blod clots on the 
 skin, crush in the ribs 
 with your hands." 
 
 The man illustrated 
 his advice with a dem- 
 onstration, explaining 
 that while stains on the 
 leather do not really af- 
 fect the value of fur, at 
 the same time it pays 
 in dollar,? and cents to 
 have the pelts look as 
 well as possible. 
 
 "Where will we set 
 the trap?" I asked. 
 
 "Just where it was," 
 came the reply. "You 
 see, when you catch one 
 mink at a spot you are 
 almost sure to take an- 
 other. Now, Jack, show 
 us just how to make 
 this set, as I showed 
 
 ^IT'S A coon!*' jack exclaimed. 
 
 feed the horses. We, too, 
 were hungry — and even 
 more proud, for we had 
 taken two skins which 
 would bring about seven 
 dollars. Trapping had 
 not only proven a plea- 
 sure to us but a source 
 of knovi'ledge about wild 
 life. Best of all was 
 the cash — easy money, 
 so to speak, which al- 
 most any farm boy can 
 earn in his spare time. 
 
 During the next week 
 we caught three more 
 mink, and two musk- 
 rats, which were now at 
 their best. The thick, 
 glossy fur of the latter 
 was finite different from 
 the thin-pelted skins we 
 had taken in the fall. 
 It did not take much 
 comparison to see why 
 the buyers could — and 
 would — pay more for 
 the late winter "rats" 
 than for those caught 
 in the fall. 
 
 Skunk continued to 
 den up. They had lain in 
 the burrows for weeks. 
 In fact, we had almost 
 forgotten about them 
 when the hired man 
 called our attention to 
 these fur bearers by 
 saying : 
 
 you yesterday." 
 
 My partner started to scrape away the surplus "Warm spell coming." 
 
 dirt that the animal had torn up. "Don't dis- "Yes," I agreed, more from force of habit than 
 
 turb anything," was the injunction. "Always actual knowledge of the weather, 
 
 leave conditions just as you find tliem. Here, "Skunk'll be out tonight." 
 
 hide that chain and then dash water over the "Will tliey?" — surprised, 
 
 set so as to destroy the odor." "You bet." 
 
 We marveled at the skill the farm hand showed. "Will you help?" was my answer. 
 
 There was so much to learn about trapping, we 
 
 'Yes. As soon as you are finished, go get 
 
 despaired of ever mastering the art. And yet Jack and we will see what we can do. I have 
 
 with a knowledge of the habits of the fur bearers, had an eye on several places and with the pen 
 
 combined with common sense, we somehow knew sets such as you two made and an attractive bait, 
 
 that we should succeed. you ought to get a good haul." 
 
 The next traps were empty and one of them I hurried with my work as fast as possible, 
 
 was frozen so it was useless. We found there Soon I was at my partner's house and found 
 
 was little hope of getting mink in places where him just as eager to place the traps as I. In a 
 
 the water had receded, leaving the .sets high and short while we were back and waiting, 
 dry. Our instructor took up the traps, and Down the stream we walked, pulling up sets 
 
 then selecting a shallow place in the stream, which had not given results for weeks. Our 
 
How to Trap 
 
 teacher said there were chances of success with 
 them yet, luit not so koo<1 as tliose for takiiiu 
 slxUnliS. However, lie would not toiicli the tile 
 sets, for ho said that mink also i-iin "when the 
 weather is soft," and nndouhtedly wi' shonlil 
 (•••itcli several iielts that ni^,dil. To me this sei'iiicd 
 douhlful, for I had not seen si^ns for (iiiite a 
 Ion;; time, even though we had been alon}; the 
 ereek daily. 
 
 One trap was lost. It had been cone for days. 
 
 "Somethiiiii carried it away," Jim mumbled, 
 when we told him. 
 
 We said nothinfj- 
 
 "It wasn't staked good," he remarked a few 
 minutes later. 
 
 And then under some weeds near the edge of 
 the water we found the missinj; Victor with a 
 small mink in it, pale in color. 
 
 "Look !" Jack shouted. 
 
 Before I could answer, the hired man had the 
 fur bearer in his hands and was pulling the fur. 
 "Not tainted," he said presently, "and yet it is 
 a wonder that it isn't. With the freezing and 
 thawing, most of them spoil. Jlowever, if this 
 grades a number two I shall he satisfied." 
 
 "I'.ut wliy?" was my <iuestion. "It was 
 cauglit " 
 
 "That doesn't make any difference," was the re- 
 ply. "The leather will sliow blue when it is dry, 
 even though the fur is as good as the prime. 
 Nevertheless, dealers will not buy it for first 
 quality and cannot sell it as such. And" — he 
 added, as an afterthought — "this very thing 
 causes the misinformed to complain about the 
 prices they receive when it really isn't the 
 buyers' fault at all." 
 
 It was not long until we had what traps we 
 needed and w(>re on our way to the pasture 
 where the skunk dens were located. We made 
 our sets so carefully that they met with the ap- 
 proval of the man who had tauglit us so many 
 things about making money with steel traps. 
 
 The next days wore busy ones for us. We took 
 eight skunk before the we.-itlier got colder anrl 
 the animals stopped running. However, at a 
 tile \\v. discovered a trap missing and strange 
 tracks, somewhat resembling tlie iniprint of a 
 baliv's foot. 
 
 "What is it?" Jack asked. 
 
 "I don't know." 
 
 W(» were undecided what to do when some- 
 thing stirred in the brush a few yards distant, 
 lioth of us started on the run to investigate. 
 
 "It's a 'coon !" Jack e.\<-laimed. "I saw one 
 once that the Duncan boys caught with their 
 hounds. (Jce, it's a whopjier I" 
 
 \Vith ii club we killed the fur bearer. It was 
 not until that time w<> notice<l tluit the soft pine 
 stiike had been gnawed in two. "We've learned 
 something el.se," I remarked, "even tliough the 
 animal wandered into the set. While there are 
 not many around h(>re, at tin- same tinn- we will 
 know when we put out traps for them to use a 
 strong fastening." 
 
 School started again and we did not have much 
 time to devote to anything else. However, we 
 managed to look at our .sets each morning and 
 we took a few skins. Later, when it thawed, we 
 had better luck, but as soon as the freshet came 
 booming down, we jiulled uji our sets and sold 
 our catch. The hired man told us that skunk 
 get springy first and of poor quality, followed by 
 the raccoon and mink. I'.y "springy"he meant the 
 fur was conunencing to shed — in fact, the hide 
 had deteriorated so they were nearly worthless. 
 Muskrat are good longer but ought not to be 
 taken after they begin to mate. 
 
 Ja<'k and I received sixty-eiglit dollars for our 
 last lot, and were well pleased. The season had 
 been i)rotitable and hail paid us generously for 
 our spare time. 
 
 The traps were washed carefully, then greased 
 with tallow. After this, we hung them in the 
 shed where it was dry, and next October we 
 shall find them ready to be set again. 
 
 Where to Look For 
 
 Signs of Animals 
 
 THE young trapper is handicapped for 
 the reason that he does not know where 
 to look for signs of the animals. Un- 
 like the professional, he is not trained 
 to see this mark — that track — which 
 indicates where a fur bearer can be 
 caught. In fact, the novice trusts largely to 
 luck in the location of his sets, and to reme- 
 dy this he must become a close observer 
 of conditions. Time spent in doing this pays big. 
 In order that the young trapper may know 
 .iust where to look for tracks and signs of fur 
 bearers. I will briefly point tliem out : 
 
 Skunk and Civet Cat. — Around weed patches, 
 along old hedges, in dried-up creek bottoms, un- 
 der abandoned houses and barns. As a riile, both 
 animals prefer to locate their dens where it is 
 rough and stony. 
 
 Mink. — Small streams are best suited to this 
 fur bearer. They offer concealment for the bur- 
 rows, also an abundance of small fish, mussels, 
 and similar foods that are easy to obtain. Do 
 not neglect flowing tiles, half-submerged hollow 
 logs and slides around roots which overhang the 
 water. 
 
 Weasel (Kumine). — No definite places can be 
 given except where there is an abundance of food 
 and game to he killed. (The weasel will kill 
 purely for the sake of killing, even when it has 
 all it can eat.) Around stone and post piles, 
 good catches have been made. Often weed patches 
 yield several skins, especially if the ground is 
 rough and somewhat rocky. 
 
 Mi'SKRAT. — Always near or on water. Shallow 
 lakes, marshes and streams offer the best places 
 to look for them. 
 
 Haccodn and Orossi'M. — The former is usually 
 close to water. Swamps are good trapping 
 grounds, particularly in the South. The 'possum 
 likes woods, and it is an old saying that the 
 deejter the thicket, the more opossum. Small 
 ditches often supply the trapper with excellent 
 l)laces for sets. 
 
 The use of a small tubular flashlight, made 
 especially for pelt hunters, will i>ro\e a great aid 
 to the yomig pelt hunter. For inst.-mce. lie can 
 examine places under shelving banks for mink 
 without disturbing the roots. With the rays he 
 can .see tracks and signs which otherwi.se would 
 be never noticed. 
 
 Again, the flashlight ma.v be employed in dis- 
 tinguishing between dens used by the skunk and 
 civet cat and other animals. If black, white, 
 or black and white hairs, are observed along the 
 sides of the burrows, one may make his sets 
 with chances of setting fur instead of rabbits. 
 In many jtlaces rabbits use holes ver.v similar 
 to the dens of the skunk and civet. Of course 
 the experienced trapiier generall.v has but little 
 trouble in telling the difference, but the t\To 
 needs a light. In selecting this, it is best to 
 set one that can be carried handily in the coat 
 pocket. Be sure a good one is purchased so 
 that it can be depended upon when needed. I'se 
 the flashliffht every day and see how soon you 
 will be able to get used to the various tracks 
 and signs the furbearers leave. 
 
10 How to Trap 
 
 Baits and Scents 
 
 to Use Trapping 
 
 THERE are many patent baits and a few clays and the attractor is ready for use. 
 scents upon the market todav, some of Beaver castors may be obtained from almost 
 
 which are pood, others fairly good— any large fur house, drug store, etc Only a 
 
 and some absoutely worthless. The very little is necessary to produce results, 
 
 competition for furs makes a lure al- hoivTnto rmixture'T-ilcohof'^lni'^e oTand 
 
 fn,..» th."""'^ a necessity, but it should not Sfu.i^to^a^ m^ixtme^^of akoh^^^^ 
 
 force the novice to buy a bait simply because excellent also. When after the opossum, few 
 
 the manufacturer recommends it highly. On the jj^its are better than ordinary sardines put up 
 
 other hand, the beginner in most cases does not j,j ^il 
 
 need bait to catch fur bearers as much as he Never put the bait on the trap. This has 
 needs a knowledge of where and how to place a tendency to scare away the fur bearers by 
 his traps. calling their attention to the sets. While I say 
 We admit, however, that attractors are almost never to do this, there is one exception I should 
 a necessity. While there are several I should mention perhaps and that is this : A bright ob- 
 not hesitate to recommend among those offered .iect such as tin or piece of looking glass fixed 
 for sale, space does not permit me to enumerate to the pan. provided the laws are hidden, will 
 .iust which they are. Nevertheless, in order not cause the raccoon to investigate. This it does 
 to disappoint my reader, I will show him how with a paw. trying to scoop the bright object 
 to make his own decoy, as effective as much out of the water. If the set haj! been made 
 of it is sold at fancy prices. Even if this lure is properly, of course the animal is caught, 
 not the best, at the same time it will attract Fresh, bloody meat is good, as a rule, for all 
 the animals into sets, and that is what we want, small fur bearers with the exception of the musk- 
 Most beginners are located in rural districts rat. During cold weather, frozen flesh loses some 
 where the houses are not far apart. It is evi- of its power to attract. On the other hand, when 
 dent that manv of the fur bearers get an abun- it is warm, meat does not always give the best 
 dance of food from the farms. For this reason, results either. To use bait successfully, the pelt 
 our bait must be something different from meat hunter must keep constantly ex))erimenting. What 
 or vegetables such as the animals get, as a rule, is excellent one place may prove worthless, or 
 in abundance. nearlv so. in another. Again, a lure that cives 
 Generally speaking, the smaller fur bearers results for an animal one place does not always 
 may be divided into two classes — those that eat a short distance away. That is why one trapper 
 flesh and those that do not. Of course, the will state that muskrat flesh is best for mink 
 raccoon will eat both, -so we will discuss it while some other, just as successful perhaps, 
 separately later. prefers rabbit, fish or small birds. 
 
 The skunk, civet cat. mink, opossum and weasel Most beginners use too much bait and in 
 
 eat meat. For bait make an oil by chopping places where it is unnecessary. As a rule, I 
 
 up fish fine and letting it rot in an open-mouthed should not advise the employment of a decoy 
 
 jar. A few drops of this will invariably draw unless the .set could not be made in any other 
 
 the fur bearers mentioned. way. If meat is used for any of the smaller 
 
 For muskrats — and most professionals do not animals, a little will go a great ways. And so 
 
 use much attractor for catching them, since it it is with the scent. A few drops is enough, 
 
 it unnecessary — beaver castors and alcohol are Too much often causes the fur bearers to become 
 
 good. Chop up the castor fine and pour on the suspicious and leave when otherwise they would 
 
 liquid until covered. Let it stand tightly corked have been taken. 
 
 How to Prepare for 
 
 The Fur Season 
 
 MILLIONS will be paid in the next As to the number of traps to set, one must de- 
 few months for raw furs. A large cide largely for himself. No more sets ought to 
 per cent of this money will go di- be made than can be attended to properly. For 
 rectly into the hands of those who the beginner who has but a limited time at his 
 take the smaller animals. These trap- disposal each day, probably a dozen or two traps 
 pers for the most part are farmer will be enough. " Of course' if the trapper is after 
 boys and those who live in the rural communities, muskrats. a greater number of sets can generally 
 The first thing the pelt hunter should do IS to ^e looked after than if the pelt hunter must 
 locate his grounds pis ought to be done ^^.^ ; .^j ^^ ,„i^ ^ ^ j raccoon. 
 
 By p annfng'the 'S "%nf can ^locnte 'the ''vt The fact that the "line" is near or far from 
 
 riL.s dens and runwayk and know aw^^^ home must alw.ays be taken into consideration 
 
 how many traps to employ. along with the character of the ground ; whether 
 
 Pelt hunters do not realize how great their hard to travel or easy. ...... 
 
 loss by taking the skins before thev are of good ^ The genuine Newhouse is the best trap manu- 
 
 quality. Some states have laws prohibiting trap- factured. However, there are some cheaper 
 
 ping until after the first of October — and some brands on the market which will answer every 
 
 even later. Generally speaking, pelts secured purpose for smaller animals. Among these are 
 
 before the first of November any place in the the Victor, a choice of an army of pelt hunters ; 
 
 United States are not of good quality. the High Grip, so built that it catches high on 
 
 Just before the first cold weather is probably the legs and lessens the chances of the fur bearers 
 
 the best time to study the actions of the fur bear- to pull out, etc., etc. All of these are of the 
 
 ers. for at this time they are especially bus.y Newhouse style. Then there are the popular 
 
 storing up food and preparing their winter quar- Jump, Leap and Kangaroo traps. These actually 
 
 ters. leap when sprung, insuring a good hold on the 
 
How to Trap 
 
 11 
 
 animal. While the styles mentioned will he found 
 sufficient, lot ino add that such as the Stop Thief, 
 Tree Trap and olliers also merit attention. 
 
 In fliscussiiij; size in trai>s, (he novice had hest 
 use that whicii the makers recommend for th<' 
 particular animals. lOven professional pelt hun- 
 ters disauree often as to size. l''or instance. I 
 I)refer tlie Xo. for nuisUrats, as it is strong 
 enoujjrh to hold the animals if ju'operly set anil 
 does not hreal< the le;; hones so easily as the 
 larger sizes. I'nlcss the pelt hunter is e.xperi- 
 enced, I shotdd not advi.se him to e.xperiment 
 with the small-sized trap when after muskrats, 
 for it may cost him quite a few skins durint; tlie 
 season. 
 
 Traps ouRht never to be set when new. Rust 
 them tirst. Personally, I prefer to wire my bunch 
 together and Iniry for a week or so in slimy mud 
 whicli will give them a dead black color. " Some 
 rust their traps slightly, then stain with a 
 "paint" made hy l)iiilin>r walnut husks and water. 
 Test all traps before setting. If they spring' too 
 hard, bend the tri^Ker slightly or use a tile. If 
 they work too easily, bend the tri^Ker rest suf- 
 ficiently in the proper direction. Search for de- 
 fective chains. Should a trap not be in good work- 
 ing order, don't run the chance of losing a skin hy 
 employing it. 
 
 The amateur, no doubt, will want some infor- 
 
 mation on where to locate the dens of the dif- 
 ferent fur bearers. 
 
 The skunk ;ind civet cat — the latter, generally 
 speaking, is conlined principally to thr> territory 
 west of the .Mississipi)i river — it is fond of rough 
 stony ground, especially if covered with wi-edH 
 and brush. These animals se<'m to have no fear 
 of man nor nearness of human habitation. It is 
 not unusual to find them under houses, in barns, 
 umler hay and straw i)ilcs and similar places. 
 Along old hedges seems a favorite place for the 
 animals also. 
 
 The mink generally prefers to have its den 
 along a small stream ratlier than a large, open 
 one. The reason is that the small stream olTers 
 it better opportunities for remaining concealed, 
 as there is usually plenty of driftwood and weeds, 
 along the bank. 
 
 The raccoon is never found very far from 
 woods and water. The opossum prefers the deep, 
 dark forest. 
 
 The weasel (known also as the ermine) is found 
 almost any j)Iiice where there is food or some- 
 thing to be killed which it is large enough to 
 handle. In sod fields, along dried-up creek bot- 
 toms, stone piles, etc., it may be trapped. 
 
 The muskrat is always near water. The.se 
 aninuils are most numerous in swamps, shallow 
 lakes and streams. 
 
 How to Trap The Fox 
 
 THE fo xis one of the hardest of all fur- 
 bearing animals to trap. Its sense of 
 smell is so keen — its animal instinct so 
 well developed — that even the profes- 
 sional has ditticulty in getting the furs. 
 In fact, the wolf is no more wary than 
 the fox. 
 
 Traps should be perfectly clean and never 
 handled with the naked hands. It is best to 
 smoke tliem over a fire of green boughs or 
 feathers. Gloves ought to be used in making 
 .sets, the palms of which are thickly coated with 
 beeswax. Rubbing them in earth or dipping in 
 blood is effective also to remove the odor. 
 
 After traps are placd for the fox, it is best 
 not to go closer than fifty or a hundred feet 
 to see if they have been disturbed. Never take 
 a dog over the line, for this will surely scare 
 the game. 
 
 For snow sets, traps may be whitened hy im- 
 mersing in lime and water. Care must be used 
 in handling, otherwise the "paint" will rub off. 
 
 A good scent for foxes is desirable. Some of 
 the patent mixtures are fine. However, a home- 
 made attractor can be compounded by letting 
 small fish rot in an open-mouthed jar and adding 
 to the oil thus secured (1) the scent bags of a 
 skunk, (2) scent hag of a mink, (3) some alco- 
 hol. Of course the best draw is made from the 
 ■generative glands of the fox during mating 
 season. Add a small quantity of alcohol. A 
 few drops of this will seldom fail to bring 
 results. 
 
 As I said before, the fox is hard to capture. 
 With skill one can arrange traps well conceale<l 
 in brush, using some of the decoy mentioned or a 
 chicken for lure. In the latter case it is best 
 to wait until the fowl is rotten. At this time 
 it draws better. 
 
 Rotten eggs are used in some localities with 
 success when after the fox. Of course the bait 
 should never be on the trap but nearby in such 
 a position that tlie animal in investigating will 
 get caught. 
 
 One of the best methods of trapping the fox, 
 especially for beginners, is : Wade down a stream 
 w'here there are signs of fox and make the set 
 where the animals come nearest to the edge of 
 the water. About two feet from shore put the 
 
 trap in shallow water, concealing the jaws with 
 moss, leaves, etc. Heyond this, place some of 
 the scent mentioned and also a bait, preferably 
 a chicken or rabbit. On the pan of the trap 
 near the surface of the water, put a small piece 
 of sod so it stands up and resembles a solid 
 footing. The fox in locating such a set will 
 endeavor, in case it is made correctly, to get 
 the decoy without wetting its feet. As a result 
 it will step on the sod-covered pan and get 
 caught. 
 
 One should not enter the water nor leave in 
 the vicinity of a trap placed in the manner I 
 have described. To do so would render the 
 chances of success small. 
 
 Similar sets may also be made at sjirings or 
 other places where there are pools of water. 
 Particularly are these valuable if they do not 
 freeze. 
 
 Old trappers often "bait a place" for these 
 animals and get them in the habit of feeding 
 there before the season opens. When this is 
 done the animals seem to lose some of their 
 cunning and can be captured easier than other- 
 wise. Frecpiently sets may be made near car- 
 cas.ses of cattle. The powdered manure from 
 the stomach is generally used as a covering for 
 the traps. One must make every effort to have 
 his sets carefully hidden, otherwise they will 
 prove of little value in getting fur. 
 
 Where foxes are run by dogs thej' seem more 
 shy than when not molested, and cannot be 
 captured so easily. In fact traps concealed in 
 jiaths which the animals use, often get the fur 
 bearers. 
 
 Other methods will suggest themselves to the 
 pelt hunter when after the fox. Almost any of 
 them u.sed for the skunk may be employed to 
 good pdvantage. provided they are made carefully 
 The great thing to avoid is human odoi'. Re- 
 member, it requires great practice to get results, 
 so do not be discouraged if the first few at- 
 tempts fail. 
 
12 
 
 How to Trap 
 
 How to Trap Skunk, Civet, 
 
 Raccoon and Opossum 
 
 THE skunk and civet cat are easy to When shooting fur bearers, remember that 
 
 take. They seem to have no fear of holes in the pelt — back or belly — affect the values 
 
 springing a bright new trap that is of the skins. If possible, shoot so the bullets 
 
 not concealed. While, therefore, it is range from the back of the head downward, out 
 
 not necessary to conceal traps for this the neck. 
 
 animal, I would advise doing so, as Should a skin be "stunk up" or some of the 
 
 one can thus often take a wandering minJi or odor get on the clothes, it may be removed by 
 
 raccoon. thoroughly washing, one or more times, in gasd- 
 
 To conceal land sets, one should scoop out a line. Do this outdoors and be sure to let the 
 
 hole large enough so that the jaws are just below vapor evaporate thoroughly before taking it in- 
 
 the surface. If fine material is employed, such doors, otherwise there is danger from fire. 
 
 as dirt and rotten wood, it is best to place a 
 wad of cotton or wool under the pan so nothing 
 
 The raccoon and opossum are much harder to 
 take than either the skunk or civet cat, as their 
 
 can get under it and interfere with the action animal instinct is better developed. Unless the 
 
 when sprung. Always use a covering natural novice makes his sets in water, he is liable to 
 
 to the place. — that is, dead leaves when sets are have some difficulty in taking many pelts, 
 
 made in dead leaves ; green grass when sets are The raccoon is very strong, considering its 
 
 made on green grass, etc. In cold weather, line size. I should recommend nothing smaller than a 
 
 the excavation with dry material such as leaves, Number 1% trap. Further, fasten all traps in 
 
 etc., before arranging the set, to prevent the trap deep water when able to do it and avoid the use 
 
 from freezing to the ground. Traps so placed of small stakes also. The 'coon frequently when 
 
 must he examined from time to time and the caught will gnaw its way loose. My method of 
 
 bed of dry material changed. fastening traps for this fur bearer is to wire 
 
 There are usually several skunks or civet cats them to rocks, etc., weighing from twenty to 
 
 in each den. While sets may be arranged at twenty-five pounds each, which cannot be dragged 
 
 the mouths of burrows, I prefer to use baited off. For the opossum, however, it is optional 
 
 whether one employs 
 
 traps placed in the im 
 mediate vicinity of the 
 burrows. One may thus 
 take several skunks and 
 civets in a single night 
 from a single burrow. 
 
 Built small V-shaped 
 pens in the vicinity of 
 the burrows. Use bloody 
 meat for a decoy, cov- 
 ered with a small quan- 
 tity of grass so that 
 it is hidden from crows 
 and hawks. Guard the 
 lure with one or more 
 traps. 
 
 I have found that 
 good results may be ob- 
 tained when small exca- 
 vations are dug and a 
 Kangaroo or Jump trap 
 is concealed on top of a 
 piece of meat. The 
 animals in digging 
 for the decoy will be 
 caught. 
 
 LAND SET. CONCEALS THE TRAP WITH A COVER- 
 ING NATURAL TO THE PLACE. 
 
 the Number 1 or !%• 
 When tracks of the 
 'coon are found — even 
 the beginner cannot mis- 
 take them, for they re- 
 sem))le very closely the 
 imprint of a baby's foot 
 — build a small three- 
 sided pen of rocks or 
 sticks in shallow water 
 not too far from shore. 
 In the back part of this 
 place a bait, guarding 
 it with one or more 
 concealed traps. When 
 making sets of this 
 kind it is best to 
 leave as few signs as 
 possible. 
 
 The raccoon is the on- 
 ly one of the smaller fur 
 bearers which will eat 
 both flesh and vegetables 
 seemingly with little 
 preference. Like its lar- 
 
 W'arm, moonlight nights are best for taking the ger brother, the bear, it always appears hungry, so 
 
 two fur bearers mentioned. They are more active a good bait is almost a necessity. Among those 
 
 at this time, and den up, generally speaking, which I have employed successfully are : corn, 
 
 when the weather gets real cold. fresh fish, clams, honey and canned salmon. I 
 
 Some who are starting to trap for the first might also add that a patent lure will often 
 
 time will have trouble in locating occupied dens: prove of value. 
 
 you can learn to tell them by the general appear- If a large hollow log is found partly sub- 
 ance — if the entrance seems used, if there are merged along a stream, place traps at each en- 
 tracks about and droppings, — but a surer method trance-way. If the water is too deep, scoop out an 
 is to reach into the den as far as possible and excavation for the traps ; if too shallow, generally 
 take up a handful or two of dirt. In this dirt, a foundation for the sets mav be made of rocks, 
 if the den is used by the skunk or civet, will sticks, mud, etc. I aim to have my sets covered 
 genprall.Y be found long black, black and white, or with from three to four inches of water and con- 
 white hair. cealed with soaked grass, leaves or moss. Em- 
 
 When employing meat for bait, remember it ploy no lure of anv kind with the set I have just 
 
 will attract dogs and cats also. Baited sets, given, for the first 'coon passing either up or 
 
 therefore, ought not to be made too close to down the stream will attempt to enter the log 
 
 human habitation. and. if the traps are placed properlv, get caught. 
 
 The beginner, no doubt, will hesitate to trap The log set is emploved quite extensivelv for tak- 
 
 both the skunk and civet because of the odor, ing the mink also. Onlv those logs having large 
 
 AVith care, however, they may be taken with hollows can be expected to furnish ideal' places 
 
 little inconvenience. When an animal is taken for taking the raccoon. 
 
 in a trap and is alive, do not excite it more than Often natural places mav be discovered along 
 is necessary. A small caliber rifle or pistol is the edae of a stream or lake where there are 
 best to employ for killing. Shoot the animals signs of the fur bearers. When you find such a 
 just back of the head so that the bullets cut the place, simply conceal traps there. Sets in run- 
 spine and paralyze it. ways are effective also, provided, of course, the 
 
How to Trap 
 
 13 
 
 pelt hunter is skillful enough to place his traps 
 properly. They must he coiuvaled thoroughly ; 
 there should be little human scent, which means 
 clean traps ; and last, hut not least, after the 
 sets have l)een made tlie ground should look the 
 same as l)efore the traps were arranged. 
 
 I have found that conili honey smeared on 
 rocks which protrude above the water not too 
 far from shore, is very effective in attracting the 
 raccoon. 
 
 The opossum in the past has been known to 
 
 the trade as a "cheap fur." During the last two 
 years, however, f'elts have been in excellent de- 
 mand and they are almost sure to be this coni- 
 inj; winter and spring. 
 
 iioth the opossum and raccoon are considere<l 
 a delicacy by many and often a market may be 
 found for the carcass. When this is true, trap- 
 pin^i thes(> fur bearers is prolit.-ibli- indeed. 
 
 I'ractically every method in<'ntione<l for taking 
 the raccoon may be emidoyed in catchin;,' the 
 'possum. 
 
 How to Trap the Mink, 
 
 Weasel, and Muskrat 
 
 T 
 
 HE mink is one of the hardest of all with leaves or urass to j,'ive it a natural ap- 
 small fur-bcariii}; animals to take in 
 steel traps. It has a keen sen.se of 
 smell and is very suspicious, so I ad- 
 vise the bet,'inner to contine his efforts two openinf.'s a few inches wide. When the cur- 
 
 pearance, it will [irove more effective. 
 
 In very small, shallow ci-eeks make a dam with 
 small stakes a few inches apart, leaving one or 
 
 to traps i)laced in water. 
 The weasel (ermine) has not as keen animal 
 instinct. It may be trapi)ed by the befjinner. 
 
 rent is swift, brush, etc., will probably collect. 
 This must be taken away. In the openin;rs 
 are Kood places for traps. Further, when the ice 
 
 provided he uses an attractive lure and knows freezes and the animals tnnel beneath it, tliese 
 
 how to conceal his sets fairly well. 
 
 Inder ol<l bridges — especially if the sides are 
 
 .sets will often produce wonderful results 
 
 In sprin^rs or flowinj; tides which do not freeze, 
 
 made of rock — are good places to make sets for good sets may often be arran;.'ed for the mink, 
 mink. If there are "slides" leading into the When streams are frozen and the weather Is 
 water, all one needs to do is to place his traps at not too cold, chop a hole in the ice where the 
 the bottom, in two or three inches of water, water is not deep and the current not too swift. 
 Whenever possible, I should advise the fastening Lower into the hole a bag of coarse salt, jdac- 
 
 to be made where 
 it is deep, for in this 
 case the animal will 
 d i V e w h e n caught, 
 tangle the chain, and 
 drown. 
 
 If two streams come 
 together at a sharp an- 
 gle, tunnel from one to 
 the other so that the 
 water will flow through 
 the excavation. Place a 
 trap at each entrance. 
 This tunnel will furnish 
 an ideal place for trap- 
 ping the mink as long as 
 the water does not freeze, 
 for every fur bearer pass- 
 ing will attempt to en- 
 ter in search of food. I 
 should advise that all 
 mud, etc., from the exca- 
 vation be disposed of 
 and that each entrance 
 be concealed, or partl.v 
 concealed, with weeds or 
 grass, giving the place 
 a natural appearance. 
 Dash water over the 
 sets after completed 
 
 WATER SET. BUILD SJfALL V-SHAPED PEN'S IX 
 
 SHALLOW WATER WHERE THERE ARE SIGNS OF 
 
 THE MINK. 
 
 ing the trap on toj) of 
 it. The .sail will have a 
 tendency to prevent 
 freezing, and the first 
 mink passing will at- 
 atempt to enter the wa- 
 ter. If the set has been 
 made properly, the ani- 
 mal will be caught. The 
 best timeto iimke a set of 
 this kind is late in the 
 evening, so there will be 
 less chance of the trap 
 being covered with ice. 
 Land sets may also 
 be employed. Success 
 with these depends large- 
 ly upon one's ability to 
 conceal his traps. Be 
 very sure your traps are 
 Iierfectly clean and have 
 no odor. Wear gloves 
 the palms of which 
 have been thickl.v coated 
 with beeswax, in mak- 
 ing the sets. Have the 
 place look as natural 
 after as before the trap 
 was placed. Rubbing 
 the gloves with fresh 
 
 Flowing tiles are good places to take the mink, earth or dipping them in blood before handling 
 
 If there are no tracks about, place the trap the traps often will help also. 
 
 with the spring near the drain. If there are Warm, rainy nights are best for trapping the 
 
 sigHS, reverse the trap. Should the tile be stopped mink. It is more active at this time than when 
 
 up, dig it out. extremely cold. 
 
 Along the edges of the water, dig shallow The first thing one should do in trapping the 
 
 pockets. In the back part, place a small piece weasel is to find its hunting grounds. Almost 
 
 of muskrat flesh. (Juard this with one or more any kind of a meat bait will prove effective. A 
 
 traps. Remember, if water is dashed over places concealed trap, with the head of a rabbit for 
 
 where sets are made, all human odor will be de- lure. i)laced under an upturned sod, should be 
 
 stroved. effective. 
 
 Fish and small frogs are good bait. A reliable The muskrat is able to adapt it.self to "en- 
 patent lure will invariably prove a wise invest- croaching civilization" and does not seem to 
 ment when trapping the mink.-4 mind whether human habitation is near or not, 
 
 IJuild small V-shaped pens in shallow water so long as food can be obtained. Generally speak- 
 where there are signs of the mink. In the back ing. the muskrat i.s found all over America, 
 part place a meat bait. Guard with one or more The muskrat is the only one of the smaller 
 traps. If one can arrange this set and drape it animals that eats vegetables exclusively. The 
 
14 
 
 How to Trap 
 
 best baits — of the natural kind — are apples, corn, 
 parsnips, potatoes, carrots, or in fact almost any 
 vegetable that the niuskrats could not get easily 
 for themselves. If the animals have an abun- 
 dance of corn near them, use apples. The idea 
 is to offer them something that they cannot easily 
 get in nearby fields. 
 
 Most muskrats are taken early in the season, 
 notwithstandins the fact that they get their 
 best pelts late in winter and spring. The reason 
 for this is obvious when one considers that dur- 
 ing the codl weather the muskrat is not very 
 active. 
 
 Most pelt hunters prefer the Number One trap 
 for taking this fur bearer. This will be found 
 very effective, especially if the fastening may be 
 made in deep water so the animals will drown 
 when caught. 
 
 The easiest way to catch the muskrat is to 
 arrange traps at the foot of slides — usually not 
 too close together — in about three inches of wa- 
 ter. I mention this depth for the reason that 
 traps placed in shallower water invariably catch 
 the fur bearers by the short and weak front 
 legs, rather than by the longer and stronger 
 hind ones. Employ no bait of any kind. If the 
 water is too deep, build a foundation of mud, 
 stones or other material ; if too shallow, scoop 
 out an excavation. 
 
 In shallow water, build small mound.s, the tops 
 of which are just above the surface. Scoop out 
 
 excavations and conceal with water-soaked leaves 
 or grass, traps. The excavations ought to be 
 deep enough so that when the traps are in posi- 
 tion they will be covered with water. It is not 
 necessary to employ a lure. Muskrats travel- 
 ing up or down the stream will climb the mounds 
 and may get caught. 
 
 Often runways may be found leading from one 
 shallow pond to another. These are water trails, 
 probably a foot or so wide and a few inches deep. 
 
 Traps set at the entrances almost invariably 
 ai"e successful. 
 
 Another good plan is to place small pieces of 
 bait on a small, inclined stick. The parsnip is 
 very good because of its pungent odor. Under 
 the decoys set one or more traps. 
 
 I have taken the skins in the following man- 
 ner : First, I arrange a pumpkin in shallow wa- 
 ter, build a sort of fence around the pumpkin 
 with sticks, leaving three or four openings 
 guarded with traps. 
 
 In shallow water, incline a board at a sharp 
 angle, one end firmly wedged in the mud and the 
 other a few inches above the surface of the 
 water. This board ought to be about six inches 
 wide, supported at one end with two stakes hold- 
 ing it firmly. Arrange two nails at a suitable 
 depth below the water to catch and hold the 
 trap .securely. On the board, above the water, 
 place the bait. A muskrat in climbing the board 
 will get caught. 
 
 Spring Trappini 
 
 THE coming of spring means the end of 
 the trapper's work. All winter he has 
 followed the trap line, sometimes 
 pleased, and again suffering disappoint- 
 ment, yet, after all, the occupation has 
 been a healthful one, and profitable 
 as well, if the trapper has been industrious and 
 willing to work. 
 
 As winter breaks up in the northern latitudes, 
 animals start to "shed," that is. lose their heavy, 
 fine fur. and as the weatlier becomes warmer, 
 soon nothing but coarse hair remains. 
 
 The muskrat, a water animal, is at its best 
 durinc the spring months. Trappers turn their 
 attention to trapping this rodent, and some years 
 find that it pays. 
 
 The muskrat is found in all parts of the Ignited 
 States. Alaska and Canada. Its home is around 
 the lakes, ponds, marshes, creeks and rivers, or 
 any swamp. They live in dens in the banks of 
 the stream, with tlie entrance under water or 
 close to the edge. In the ponds and marshes 
 they build houses out in the water, where it is 
 shallow, and ofttimes quite a number occupy the 
 same house. 
 
 The musk of the female muskrat makes a very 
 good scent to catch the male. Vegetable foods 
 are best bait for muskrat. Corn, beets, parsnips, 
 apples and the like, prove luring. 
 
 It is in the sprinc when meat bait fails. The 
 trariper should be sure to purchase a prepared 
 scent. If you try one firm's witliout success, 
 keep trying until you run onto the right bait. 
 As soon as you have found a scent that will de- 
 coy the muskrat to your trap, the battle is won. 
 
 A good way to fix a trap in a water-set so as 
 to drown the muskrat is to take a piece of No. 
 9 wire five or six feet long. Wire a small stone 
 to one end, slin the ring of tlie trap over the 
 other end so it will slide down to the rock, 
 which should be nlaced in deep water, the otiier 
 end being fastened to the bank by a stake. Wlien 
 the muskrat is caught, he will make a plunge 
 for deen water, sliding the ring to the rock. Have 
 a small loop in the wire close to the rocl{ so 
 the ring will go into it. This prevents him from 
 pulling back to the bank. 
 
 In the South and Southwest, furs become very 
 poor early in the spring. March furs show signs 
 
 of shedding, and are as poor as April-caught fur 
 in the North. 
 
 The mink is the first animal to show effects 
 of spring. In February, the mink loses the dark, 
 long, silky fur, and becomes faded and coarse. 
 
 Fur-bearing animals start to run in the early 
 spring. Skunks show up very poorly as soon as 
 warm weather starts and snow is gone. 
 
 As soon as the trapper sees he is getting poor 
 fur. that is tlie time to stop. Do not continue to 
 slay the animals, because it is only killing off 
 the fur bearer that another winter may get in 
 your own trap and make good money for you. 
 
 INIany a trapper, who has kept on when he 
 knew it was too late, felt very badly when he 
 found a female in his trap, be it mink, otter or 
 any other animal, and found she was carrying 
 her young, and he had not only slain the mother 
 but had also taken the lives of the little ones. 
 
 The raccoon in the North retains its heavy 
 coat of fur until far into the spring, and in those 
 states where the law permits can be hunted and 
 trapped with profit until very warm, spring 
 weather. 
 
 in the far North, fur remains good until far 
 into the sprine. 
 
 Furs should all he shipped before warm 
 weather comes. Some trappers hold back their 
 furs until May and .lune. All fur exporters buy 
 raw furs at any time of year, but prefer to get 
 them before the weather gets warm, as moths 
 and flies get into them very quickly. 
 
 The trapper in the far South is up against 
 the hardest part of the business. He has only a 
 short month or two for trapping. Furs do not 
 get prime in Florida, southern Alabama and 
 southern Mississippi until the middle of Decem- 
 ber, and by February they are very poor again, 
 due to warm weather. 
 
 Do not forget that in spring trapping, meat 
 bait is virtually worthless without a good scent. 
 
 In trapping, should you get hold of an animal, 
 still alive, not injured by the trap, you may be able 
 to dispose of the animal alive at a high price. 
 
 A great many people are starting farms for the 
 raising of foxes, skunks and other animals. In- 
 deed, in Canada, breeders of the black and silver 
 gray foxes are receiving thousands of dollars for 
 sucii live animals. 
 
How to Trap 
 
 15 
 
 How Fur Dealers Try to Please 
 
 rU dealers try to please their .sliipi)er.s reliable houses and only sufh are permitted to 
 in every way possible. Those whe ad- advertise in C'omfoijt. If he wishes, he can have 
 
 IP 
 
 ^ra vertise in the 
 
 J^^ ni a i; azines — 
 
 and Comfort 
 is one of the mediums 
 they seek, since it 
 reaches so great a num- 
 ber of trappers — linow 
 that they must pay the 
 highest price for skins, 
 otherwise the ywill lose 
 business. In fact I 
 know of many instances 
 where the check is real- 
 ly larger than it should 
 be, simply to encourage 
 beginners. 
 
 The beginner does not, 
 as a rule, have his furs 
 in the best possible con- 
 dition. As a result, the 
 highest prices cannot be 
 paid. I might say — 
 and I base my knowledge 
 upon facts gleaned 
 from years with buyers 
 — that most of the com- 
 plaints come from those 
 who send in their goods 
 and e.xpect for every hide 
 the best price quoted. 
 In looking over a list, re- 
 member that there is a 
 low and high value ; 
 the latter only for the 
 best pelts from the section mentioned 
 
 PULL TnK HIDE DOWN OVER THE BODY UNTIL 
 
 THE FRONT LEGS ARE RE.\CHED. WORK THESE 
 
 OUT. 
 
 valuation. 
 One does not take much risk in shipping to quested. 
 
 Most do 
 
 his shii)ments held sep- 
 arate and in i-iso tlie 
 valuation does not meet 
 w i t h the owner's ap- 
 proval, all he nee<ls to 
 do is to re(|uest it sent 
 back. On such lots as 
 these the shipper must 
 riMiuest the buyer to 
 give him tlie valuation. 
 Write a letter asking 
 this special service 
 as soon as the goods 
 are shipped. Unless 
 one does this, his furs 
 cannot be sent back, 
 for they are mixed 
 with thousands of 
 others and cannot be 
 picked out. 
 
 Green furs, or those 
 tainted, will not beheld. 
 The former will spoil, 
 and the latter to l)e of 
 value at all. must have 
 attention.' I»o not, 
 therefore, ask ship- 
 ments to be valued be- 
 fore selling if they are 
 not in good condition. 
 Unreasonable requests 
 cannot be granted. 
 
 There are a few con- 
 cerns that will hold all 
 shipments in good condi- 
 tion, and will submit the 
 not, however, unless re- 
 
 Suggestions for Trappers 
 
 A small hand axe will he found handy for the 
 pelt hunter. With it he can chop stakes, make 
 excavations for sets, etc. 
 
 A bit of white paper or cloth will sometimes 
 attract the muskrat. It is well to try this when 
 all other baits fail. 
 
 Never take a dog over the trap line. It will 
 have a tendency to scare the fur bearers. 
 
 Sets around the carcas.ses of cattle and sheep 
 often bring good results, especially when after 
 skunk and civet cat. 
 
 Short pieces of flexible wire will be found 
 handy in staking sets for muskrat. 'coon and 
 mink in deep water. If possible, have the fur 
 bearers drown as soon as they are caught so no 
 skins are lost. 
 
 Skunk grease is hard to sell. Oo to your local 
 druggist and see if he cannot find you a market 
 for it. 
 
 The flesh of the raccoon and opossum may be 
 sold in many places. If you live near a large 
 city, a market may be had with restaurants, ho- 
 
 Do not approach sets for mink closer than 
 necessary to see if they are disturbed. How- 
 ever, baits ought to be changed every ten days 
 at least so that they do not get stale. 
 
 Parcel Post shipments go best insured. If they 
 are lost or damaged, the owner will not suffer 
 a loss. 
 
 Do not tise meat too close to houses. It will 
 attract dogs and cats as well as fur bearers, 
 tels, etc. Often muskrats can be disposed of 
 also. 
 
 A flashlight for trappers will be found handy 
 for the beginner in locating tracks and signs. 
 Always carry one on the line. 
 
 Never shoot small animals alive in the traps 
 with the exception of the skunk and civet. Others 
 may best be killed with a club. 
 
 Always ship skins flesh side out — at least the 
 small fiir bearers mentioned in this booklet, with 
 the exception of the weasel. Graders prefer them 
 that way. 
 
 Be sure your name and address, with the 
 number and kind of hides, are in each lot. Write 
 your dealer any other instructions you deem 
 necessary. 
 
 ■Most of the muskrats are taken in the fall 
 for the reason that the fur bearers are most 
 active then. I^ater when their pelts get better 
 thev do not run much. 
 
 Crows, blue.1ays and hawks are worthless as 
 decoys. Do not use them. 
 
 Be sure all superfluous flesh and fat are 
 scraped from the skin before it is stretched. 
 Unless this is done, the fur is liable to taint, 
 especially in warm weather. 
 
 Continued on Page 16. 
 
16 
 
 How to Trap 
 
 How to Prepare Furs for Market 
 
 THE preparation of furs for market is avoid spoiled furs is to ship them as soon as 
 almost as important as catching them, they are cured. The one who does this generally 
 Even the most valuable skins may be has more to show for his labor than one who lets 
 ruined through ignorance or lack of two or three hides spoil while waiting for an 
 attention to details. advance which may never come. 
 
 Dealers generally prefer the pelts Hang your catch in a cool, shady place where 
 skinned as follows : Skunk, civet, opossum, mink there is plenty of air. Never dry them in the 
 and muskrat "cased" — that is, not cut down the sun or over a fire. 
 
 belly — and raccoon "open." With the possible Traps for the smaller animals ought to be at- 
 exception of the finer Northern and Northeastern tended to every morning and the skins removed 
 mink, all hides ought to be shipped flesh side as soon as possible. 
 
 out and dried that way. Some buyers recom- When animals are frozen stiff, they ought to be 
 mend the weasel dried and sent fur side out, so thawed before the pelt is removed. It is best to 
 it will not he necessary to turn the pelt to as- place them in a pail of cold water or in a 
 certain if it is prime. When weasels are sent spring. When this is done, no damage can re- 
 fur side out, along with other skins, it is best to suit. I have known of furs being ruined be- 
 wrap them separately so they will not be soiled cause they were singed over a blaze in thawing, 
 by grease and dirt. While grease and dirt on When shipping, it is best to pack securely in 
 tile fur does not affect the value, it has been burlap and ship by express, especially if the lot 
 my experience that appearance in skins offered weighs more than five or six pounds and the dis- 
 for sale is frequently paid for in real money. tance is greater than a hundred miles. In the in- 
 
 I'se a sharp knife for skinning. Take long side of your shipment, i)lace your name and ad- 
 strokes so that the edges of the skin are not dress, together with the count and kind of furs, 
 ragged. In "cased" pelts, start at the hind legs It is advisable to notify your dealer just what 
 and work toward the crotch, loosening the hide, you send and give him your instructions by letter 
 Next, split open the tail as far as possible, and just as soon as the package leaves your hands, 
 pull out the bone. After this, pull the hide Some agents will not accept skunk except when 
 
 down over the body un- 
 til the front legs are 
 reached. Work these out. 
 Next slip the skin 
 down to the ears, cut 
 beneath and also around 
 the eyes, then over the 
 nose. The tails of the 
 muskrat and opossum 
 have no value, so it is 
 not necessary to skin 
 them. 
 
 In giving these in- 
 structions, remember I 
 am treating only the 
 smaller animals. The 
 lynx. bear, etc., must, if 
 used for mounting pur- 
 poses, be perfect as to 
 feet and claws. 
 
 With "cased" skins, 
 employ steel stretchers 
 or boards fashioned to 
 fit. These should, prefer- 
 ably, be mad eof soft 
 wood, the edges tapering 
 and not sharp. If boards 
 are employed, the hides 
 may be held in place 
 with tacks or small nails. 
 Be sure to remove all 
 fat and flesh. Unless 
 this is done, the fure 
 are liable to become 
 "grease burned" or 
 "taint." In this condi- 
 tion they are worth very 
 little, often nothing. 
 
 START AT THE HIND LEGS AND WORK TOWARD 
 THE CROTCH, LOOSENING THE HIDE. 
 
 boxed. In this case, one 
 must follow the instruc- 
 tions and prepare his 
 package accordingly. 
 When shipping by Parcel 
 Post it is best to insure 
 the package. It is per- 
 missible to place your 
 name and address inside 
 the parcel post package, 
 together with the num- 
 ber of asking, but the reg- 
 ulations prohibit any let- 
 ter of instructions. This, 
 however, when placed in 
 a sealed envelope carr.v- 
 ing first-class postage, 
 may be attached to the 
 shipment. 
 
 It is absolutely neces- 
 sary that you write your 
 name and address plain- 
 ly when sending in your 
 furs. Every year large 
 buyers have many ship- 
 ments they cannot pay 
 for, because they do not 
 know who sent them. If 
 you do not hear from 
 your lot within a reason- 
 able length of time, write 
 the one to whom they 
 were consigned, asking 
 the reason. Generally re- 
 turns are made same day 
 packages are received. 
 
 If you desire your 
 goods "held separate" 
 
 Use no preparation of any kind on furs, unless so that you can know the buyer's offer before they 
 
 of course at the beginning of the fur season, when are sold — request this by letter as soon as the 
 
 they are liable to spoil. In this case, salt the shipment is made. If the bid is too low, in vour 
 
 skins. Salted pelts do not bring as much as estimation, you may ask the return of your" lot. 
 
 those cured in a natural way, yet more than Remember, if good."? are not ordered "held sepa- 
 
 tainted and "grease burned" skins. One way to rate," it is impossible to have them sent back. 
 
 {Suggestions for Trappers. Cont.) 
 
 Warm, rainy nights are best for taking the 
 mink. However, the animal travels in the coldest 
 weather, and, unlike the skunk and civet, does 
 not den up. 
 
 Go over your proposed trapping grounds early 
 in the season. It will pay you in locating the 
 signs and runways. Dens are easy to locate also. 
 
 In the spring, sets for skunk must be watched 
 closely. If a male is captured and another dis- 
 covers it, they are sure to fight. The caught 
 animal is certain to get the worst of it. Guard 
 hairs are cut out and the hide is not pleasant 
 to handle due to the odor. 
 
 When once an animal is captured, do not pull 
 up the set. Soon another undoubtedly will be 
 captured. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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