Benefits of Trapping Exceed The Obvious

Trapping provides many more benefits than simply the thrill of the catch. Sure, it is great to go and check your traps and find a beaver, muskrat or whatever type of animal you are trying to trap, however there are other advantages to keep in mind when your traps are coming up empty.

First off is simply enjoying the outdoor atmosphere. Getting out in the woods itself provides not only a time to relax and unwind but also a time to enjoy the surroundings. While walking to your traps, take notice of other wildlife like turkeys, partridges and other birds. For example, I trap in northern Wisconsin and until this season did not realize how far north the turkey population has traveled. I also never realized how many partridges there really are in that area.

Secondly, if you trap where you also deer hunt you can also do a great deal of scouting while running your trap lines. When hiking to your traps, watch for signs of deer and wildlife. With snow you can easily see major runways for deer, that way come fall when deer season begins you already have a head start on locating an ideal place to put your stand. Along these runaways be sure to also keep an eye out for antler sheds to provide insight on what to expect with next years bucks.

If you are also a fisherman, you may find streams or lakes that you may not have been aware of. By trapping these bodies of water you become more familiar with the lake / stream thus giving you a new opportunity for the upcoming fishing season.

Lastly, the obvious yet most overlooked benefit to running your own trap lines lies in your health. Many times trapping requires you to hike longer distances thus helping your heart and body stay in shape. Plus, as my mother always told me, fresh air does a body good.

So, the next time you are out checking your traps and they are coming up empty, keep in mind it's not such a bad day after all.