Mink Trapping

Reproduction of the original: Mink Trapping by A.R Harding

Reproduction of the original: Mink Trapping by A.R Harding

This book explores several methods of trapping mink. The methods published are from all parts of the country, and many experienced trappers tell of their best methods so that it makes no difference in what part of America you live in, something will be found on how to trap in your section. Most of the articles are taken from those published in the H-T-T with slight corrections.

• Complete guide to trapping raccoon, muskrat, mink, otter, beaver, and a variety of other species • Authoritative advice on matching the right trap--whether leg-hold, body gripper, or snare--to each furbearer • Species-specific instructions for making sets that deliver and tips for preparing and marketing pelts to maximize profits Trapping has become somewhat of a lost art, but interest in the sport is as strong as ever thanks to a stable fur market and a growing need to control mammal populations or remove nuisance animals. In Guide to Trapping, Jim Spencer covers strategies for successfully harvesting popular species such as raccoon, muskrat, mink, otter, beaver, coyote, gray fox, red fox, bobcat, skunk, and opossum. His entertaining and informative writing will appeal to trappers of all levels. Spencer discusses trap styles and the basics of establishing and working a trapline, including techniques for fastening and adjusting traps and a species-by-species review of trapping tactics for the country's most pursued furbearers. The field-tested techniques, carefully explained and illustrated, will help trappers make sets that deliver maximum results.

Mink are famous worldwide for their luxurious coat of fur, and yet most people know very little about them beyond their use as clothing. Even trappers, naturalists, and fur farmers, those who should know mink best, typically know only one side of the mink... their bad side. Those who do "know mink" will tell you how extremely aggressive and blood thirsty the mink is, and truth be told, they aren't that far off. But there is a different side to mink that very few have seen. This book not only tells how the art of Minkenry began, but more importantly, it is a step by step guide to those wanting to train a hunting mink. In this book I share how to tame, train, and properly care for this very intense little predator, the North American mink. Though still in its infancy, the sport of minkenry has been spreading thanks to the information sharing power of the Internet. First started in the western state of Utah, there are now minkeners springing up across the United States, and even as far away as the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries! As there is a growing need for a "how to" manual on the art of minkenry, this book was written specifically to fill that need. Minkenry is a very challenging sport, and is definitely not for everyone! Though highly intelligent, and surprisingly affectionate, mink are also very high-strung and stubborn creatures. They typically use their intelligence to work against you, far more than they do to work with you. Though not an adventure for the faint of heart; falconers, hunters, trappers, and other sportsmen worldwide, are being drawn to the art of minkenry with a pioneer's spirit. They have the desire to become part of something that has never been done before! If you yearn to experience the challenge of hunting with an aggressive, high strung, truly wild animal; then join us and become one of the pioneers in the new sport of minkenry!

Mink are found in nearly all parts of America living along creeks, rivers, lakes and ponds. While strictly speaking they are not a water animal, yet their traveling for food and otherwise is mainly near the water, so that the trapper finds this the best place to set his traps. The mink is fond of fish, rabbit, squirrel, birds, mice, etc. In some sections they eat muskrat, but we believe they prefer other animals, only eating muskrat when very hungry and other game is scarce. At certain seasons scent seems to attract them while at other times the flesh of the rabbit, bird or fish will attract them. The trapper who makes mink trapping a business should have various kinds of traps and sets for them, such as steel traps, both bait and blind sets, as well as deadfalls. Mink, while small, are quite strong for their size and very active. While a No. 0 Newhouse will hold them, the No. 1 is usually considered the proper trap. As already mentioned, mink travel a great deal near water, so that the place to catch them is close to the water or in the water. If you notice mink tracks near the water, in some narrow place where the bank comes nearly to the water or a rock or log projects nearly to the water, carefully dig a hole the size of your trap and an inch or more deep, covering with a large leaf or a piece of paper first. Then place a thin layer of earth removed over leaf or paper, making the set look as natural as before. The dirt from the hole for trap as taken out should be thrown in the water or to one side. One of the great secrets in mink trapping, especially blind sets, is to leave things as near as possible as they were before the set was made.

The book tells in a plain everyday way what you want to know, that is if you WANT TO CATCH MINK. Perhaps THAT TRAPPER you know who is catching a great many mink has a copy of this book. Now is the time to get a copy for yourself and read up on mink trapping. The methods as published are those of experienced trappers from all parts of the country. There is money made in catching mink if you know how. After reading this instructive book you will surely know. If you only catch one more prime mink, it will pay for this book several times over. I. General Information II. Mink and Their Habits III. Size and Care of Skins IV. Good and Lasting Baits V. Bait and Scent VI. Places to Set VII. Indian Methods VIII. Mink Trapping on the Prairie IX. Southern Methods X. Northern Methods XI. Unusual Ways XII. Illinois Trapper's Method XIII. Experienced Trapper's Ways XIV. Many Good Methods XV. Salt Set XVI. Log and Other Sets XVII. Points for the Young Trapper XVIII. Proper Size Traps XIX. Deadfalls XX. Steel Traps

Mink Trapping A Book of Instruction Giving Many Methods of Trapping - A Valuable Book for Trappers.One of Harding's Pleasure & Profit Books. A collection of mink trapping instructions and tips from the author and other trappers in the United States and Canada, including photographs and illustrations. The book gives information on where and how to set for mink, including land, water, blind sets, baits and scent to use, methods in Northern and Southern states, size and care of skins.The mink is very cunning and hard to catch in a steel trap unless you know how and where to set, which is about the only secret there is in catching mink. I have had people write to know what scent I used and how I set traps. A man can learn better methods as long as he traps-experience is the best teacher and unless he is willing to work hard he will never make a successful trapper of any kind of game. - Moses Bone