ON THE TRAPLINE WITH ARNIE GROEHLER
Editor Note: Look for “On the Trapline with Arnie Groehler” each week under the OWO Trapping section beginning today.
EARLY RACCOON SEASON: OCT 20-26th
PRE-SEASON PREPARATION
There was a time when I really looked forward to the opening day of trapping season. It was greatly anticipated just like the opening day of duck or deer hunting. The previous season would have ended many months before and we would count down the days until the next one opened up.
Now with the longer trapping seasons and additional summer time animal damage control (ADC) work, it seems as though the trapping season really never does end. It just goes on from one phase to another. As a result, I am never ready for opening day. Trap preparation, permission gathering and pre-season scouting that should have been done months before, just does not get done. Many of my traps are still in a pile where I left them at the end of last year. So the day before the opener I am frantically trying to get everything ready.
This year, I finally did get the truck loaded and enough equipment ready to complete the day sometime around midnight; so much for getting a good night's rest. Next year I am going to start earlier and actually be ready for opening day. I will probably have to start around May 1st in order to get everything done in time.
SETTING TRAPS IN THE DARK
The trapping season began at 4 am. I am not fond of doing things in the dark. I remember the days when the trapping hours were from dawn to dusk. Everything seemed simpler back then; you could see what you were doing and you did not get lost or lose equipment. The hours were changed to accommodate the "hobby" trappers who worked during the day. Expanding the hours from 4am through 8pm gave these trappers more opportunities, which I support, but do not enjoy. My body was not designed to do things in the dark. I get tree branches in the face, fall over rocks and holes and lose my bearing. Add in the problems of losing equipment, even when wrapped in orange duct tape, having the sets take three times as long to make, and I wonder if getting up early is actually saving me any time. Perhaps it would be best to sleep in and get out there at dawn.
ENCLOSED TRIGGER TRAPS FOR RACCOONS
Trappers are always looking for better ways to target specific animal species, and do it in a way that restrains them in the most humane way possible. There have been many improvements to the basic trap design over the years.
One of the latest improvements is the development of the enclosed trigger traps for raccoons. The earliest models, like the "egg trap," worked fine but required special tools and more maintenance to keep operational. A real breakthrough came with the "Little Griz" trap. It was one of the first "species specific" traps designed to target a certain species of fur bearers. The Little Griz also allowed trappers to set traps in areas where they previously would not, to avoid the possibility of catching non-target animals, like dogs. Only animals like raccoons, skunks and 'possums had paws that would fit into the trap cylinder and grasp and pull the activating lever, setting off the trap. They are virtually dog proof, and when baited with marshmallows (a raccoon favorite) also greatly reduce the chance of catching feral cats.
Enclosed trigger trap set next to a raccoon trail
I first locate an area that has good raccoon activity, like the intersection of corn fields, water (creek, river or ditch line) and den trees (especially large oaks). This combination of habitat always seems to have plenty of raccoons present. I am sure to find trails leading from the den trees to the corn fields and water source. Just place a Little Griz, Duke DP or any one of the other style of enclosed trigger traps nearby, and you are likely to catch lots of raccoons.
Raccoon caught in a Duke DP enclosed trigger trap.
THE SPECIAL MOMENTS
There are many reasons why trappers (or hunters) pursue their passion each and every year. For some trappers the main drive is supplementary income, for others just getting out into the woods is sufficient, and for a select few catching a trophy species like otters, bobcats or wolves drives them. For me it is the memories. Sure, I like to receive a larger fur check, and enjoy the great outdoors (more so when the weather is nice) and take much pride in outsmarting Wiley-e-coyote, just as much as the other trappers. But it is those special sights and moments which really motivates me. Virtually every week I experience some unusual events. This past week there were two.
Find where corn fields intersect with a water source and large oak trees and there will be plenty of raccoons nearby
The first occurred on Saturday afternoon. I was making a raccoon set with a Duke DP, when I looked up and saw a pheasant hop up on a stump three feet from me and start cooing. Evidently I looked just like the guy who fed him at Poynette, and I was now his best friend. I tried to shoo him away but he just followed me. In short order there were four other pheasants following me about ten feet back. I walked all the way back to my truck with these five pheasants in tow right behind me. There were pheasant hunters everywhere; not a shot was fired the whole time. At the parking lot I met a hunter, with his two dogs, who claimed to have hunted every inch of the entire area without seeing a single bird. He was not happy, and was blaming the DNR for lying about releasing pheasants in the area. It probably was not a good time to mention that there were five birds about 20 feet away looking at him.
The second event came mid-week while checking traps along a ditch line. As I crossed a cut corn field I kicked up a covey of about 30 Hungarian partridges. True to their habits they glided about 150 yards away and landed. I kicked them up two more times, just to look at them, in disbelief. It has been over twenty years since I had last seen "Huns" in my trapping area (covering four counties). I was overjoyed, as they were my favorite game birds to pursue as a youth. Now, not only do we have wolves, cougars and black bears roaming about in Southern Wisconsin, we have Hungarian partridges: things are getting better out there.