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Post by seldom on Jan 26, 2008 12:48:18 GMT -6
Fur Takers Is pretty much a news letter with really no how to articles and for the most part no stories. I guess I must be the odd man out here because I feel the same as Spencer does about urine on the trap bed. I don't want any attention drawn to where that trap lies period. I think OG Is just a super sales men several others are just making It because of who their fathers were. Most of us have are own style of trapping and It works for us. But to say someones else's way Is wrong just doesn't cut It for me. When I posted on dip sticks forum I was called a radical and I was In most cases out In left field. Well I thought out of the box that's just the way Iam. And I feel most of us are that way. I get a kick out of the guy that tells me I'm all wet when In his posting he says he's caught 1 skunk 2 grinners 5 coon 2 rats. Give me break. There are lots of way's to put fur on the boards If It works for you then It's the right way but to say It's wrong because you don't use that method, well you get my drift. Sage wisdom and advice! A "tip of the hood" to you Beav!
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Griz
Demoman...
Posts: 240
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Post by Griz on Jan 26, 2008 14:04:30 GMT -6
I agree with TheBeav on the following "I really don't think their are any great secrets out there but there are small tips that will make things easier and more efficient. Some of us do these things with out even thinking about It."
Magazine articles may be mostly for new trappers or a review of basics and the way we all trade tips is through discussions on threads like this. I don't mind taking a tip for what it is worth from a 2 grinner, 1 coon, and a skunk trapper. Those not steeped in the traditions sometimes see obvious flaws in traditions that are not based on facts or are based on bad memory. This new look provides a fresh perspective that can be very enlightening. I do however reserve the right ignore comments when that same trapper tells me that things that work for me are not only wrong but do not work.
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Post by Possum on Jan 27, 2008 8:56:27 GMT -6
Geez, some people really get miffed when faced with a differing opinion! I'm one of the regular writers for TPC as well as writing for dozens of other papers and magazines. I belong to state, regional and national outdoor writers groups and I personally know probably 90% of the people who write 90% of the stories in magazines and newspapers across the country. They all love the outdoors, but most of them don't hunt, fish or trap any more than the average business man from downtown Chicago. I can say this -- compared to any of the other publications, there are way more "doers" writing for TPC and other trapping mags than any other outdoor publication. Pick any magazine. There will be a where to go article -- written by some guy from Pennsylvania about a fishing trip in Minnesota. There will be a couple of gear articles -- written by a guy who got one free from a manufacturer and used it once. There will be a couple of how-to articles -- written by some guy from Illinois after interviewing a professional bass fisherman. The travel guy got a free vacation, the gear guy got a free toy to use or sell on Ebay, the how-to guy got to hob-nob with a pro-basser. None of them actually walk the walk and talk the talk. Can't say that about the TPC writers in general. They really do trap. They really do shoot at coyotes. They really do ADC work.
As some of the posts suggested, if you want to pass on your knowledge, send a note to Paul at TPC (waitp@krause.com) and tell him you have a tale to tell. He'll work with you. So will Kaatz at The Trapper or Mitch at FFG.
Make a post on here about what's the best trap, lure, disposable stake, marketing strategy or whatever and you will start an argument that won't quit. Just goes to show, opinions are like butt-holes. Everyone has one. Us writers just get paid to express them.
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Post by CoonDuke on Jan 27, 2008 8:59:01 GMT -6
Good post Possum!
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Post by jdp4202007 on Jan 27, 2008 14:43:47 GMT -6
well i trap and call both and i get fur fish and game and the trapper and predator caller i like to read the articles too but when it comes down to it i trap and call however i want to that way when i don't get anything it is all my fault lol
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Post by thorsmightyhammer on Jan 27, 2008 17:41:52 GMT -6
When I posted on dip sticks forum I was called a radical and I was In most cases out In left field.
If said dipstick is who I'm thinking it is he is the only reason I dont subscribe to a certain magazine.
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Post by thebeav2 on Jan 27, 2008 19:08:21 GMT -6
Most likley It's the same dip stick LOL
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Post by dabrock on Jan 27, 2008 19:57:06 GMT -6
I try never to stop learning. Every article I read about my interest, I look for something I might use, or for something that supports what I'm already doing. somethings may work for the writter of the article in his location and or circumstance that may not work for me, still I store the info, maybe some other time I can use it. I pay little attention to statements that suggest there is only one way.
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Post by foxcatcher1 on Jan 27, 2008 23:21:55 GMT -6
Hi Mike. I'm fishin for query ideas here don't interupt. ;D Hows the writing thing going. Hope your doing well. Sent you an email. Don
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Post by mink900 on Jan 28, 2008 9:31:59 GMT -6
Have'nt seen Jim Spencer write anything on snaring.Almost always mink.I just by passed the article thinking to myself what does a mink trapper know about K-9 sets and urine.Looks like I was right.
I remember he wrote quite afew good water articles years ago for FFG.But most of his articles I've read lately have been lacking.More about elementary preseason stuff rather than actually on the trapline.
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Post by rk660 on Jan 28, 2008 10:41:49 GMT -6
One thing I will give TPC credit for is they still print trapping associations news for free. It serves as a good reference source for finding and communicating with officers as it usually lists everyones phone numbers.
As far as quality of articles, yes they seem pretty lacking for the most part, but still something good here and there. I do like Parker's fur report. Realize after 20 years of articles, the pocket set, the dirt hole, flat set have been pretty well covered for the umptheenth time. There just isnt a huge amount of stuff out there to write about any more to a certain degree. Most of us on this board have advanced to the skill level thats its hard to find something we dont know already.
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Post by musher on Jan 28, 2008 14:21:07 GMT -6
I dabbled a little in writing for FFG. I'm guessing that I might have 10 articles or so written for them over the past few decades.
They really want the trapping articles because they say that they don't get many. But any how-to article is a really tough sell. I've gotten enough rejected to know. Sometimes you're asked for a re-write and you do it just to get rejected again.
If you think trapping doesn't pay you should try writing. Per hour it doesn't add up very quickly. Then you have the cost of the stamps, printer ink, paper, envelopes (this is all for Bob!) and the gas to go to the post office.
It's like working your butt off to set and check empty traps.
It'll take severe boredom or inspiration for me to write another.
The stuff they like is stories. I know they like my wolf stuff but not every wolf is a story. Some of them just get caught and skinned! Same for running sled dogs. There's only a few ways to shovel poop and feed them.After that you are rehashing the same stuff.
I really like FFG, though. There's so much variety in the material. I'll never noodle for catfish, hunt 'seng, run gaze hounds, or snare bobcats. But with FFG I get a taste of it.
And a taste is better than zilch.
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Post by garman on Jan 28, 2008 14:43:18 GMT -6
Well, I agree I wrote an article for a bear magazine and got rejected, it appears to me (I am probably wrong here) if Big Name Joe Blow turned in the same article it would have been published. People like me, want information, some articles are great T&PC articles by Serge are great and packed full of information. Also I believe it could be useful to have publishings by "commoners" that have great ideas. Those guys that work full time and still catch 200-300 coon at least a year. But I hear this all the time, Hey send in an article they need more articles, heck most would not even want paid. Well I guess I will try again to a few of the magazines and see the outcome.
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Post by charlesks on Jan 28, 2008 14:58:20 GMT -6
Tp&C, as well as FFG, are geared more twords inexperianced trappers. perhaps we as a group dont reap as much information as a newer person, as we have all made it over the learning curve.
We strive for more in-depth and more analytical information, and would probably go over the heads of alo of thier subscribers.
I did read the article, and heres my thoughts.
. urine application and the excat whys and to's shouldnt be in your top 5 of things to priorotize.
keep in mind, theres only "SO MUCH" info that can be written, and theses guys are getting paid to write articles.
take it for what is worth. IMO
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Post by Wright Brothers on Jan 28, 2008 16:11:47 GMT -6
I get it with state TA membership and am glad. I agree it was better years ago, it has to be tough writing 50 ways to leave your dirt hole. Do you really think there is anything that has not been in print in books or internet. I like it way better than many things that come out of my mail box.
I swear you guys would complain if they hung you with a new rope. ;D
I agree that stories about trapping by people that do not trap are empty. How can someone tell you how to adjust a trap, having never touched one. But the well educated, degree carrying people many times, (not always) get the job.
Classic case of society out smarting themselves. I know there are professors that trap, and also know there are a lot more working guys that trap.
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Post by musher on Jan 28, 2008 17:39:23 GMT -6
I swear you guys would complain if they hung you with a new rope. ;D Good one!
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Post by garman on Jan 28, 2008 19:02:32 GMT -6
I swear you guys would complain if they hung you with a new rope. ;D Good one! The only complaint I would have is they are hanging me!! I believe what our complaint here is we pay for a service and they (T & PC) are not following through on there end, by giving us a magazine of lower quality than it used to be. I do not believe that anyone can argue the fact that it is not as good of magazine as it was 20 years ago. My question is, is it the fact there is nothing new to talk about, or is it the fact that the trappers with the knowledge are unwilling to share, because of memories of perhaps fur booms and people using information and knowledge against them. (Ex: knowing where writer lives and stealing land etc.) Just some thoughts I guess
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Post by thorsmightyhammer on Jan 28, 2008 20:56:43 GMT -6
If you think trapping doesn't pay you should try writing. Per hour it doesn't add up very quickly. Then you have the cost of the stamps, printer ink, paper, envelopes (this is all for Bob!) and the gas to go to the post office.
What? You cant do that stuff by internet?
Seriously, I like stories more than how to articles.
Was way more interesting reading wiley's ramblings, gerry blair, dobbins et al.
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Post by thebeav2 on Jan 28, 2008 21:47:38 GMT -6
Man I just love reading Lew and Charlie's adventures.
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Post by foxcatcher1 on Jan 28, 2008 22:57:25 GMT -6
I tell you who does a bang up job on EVERY piece he writes is....... Bob Gilsvick. I hang on every word that man writes. I think it's because he TEACHES with his STORIES. Is he doing O.K. I have not read a piece from him in a while. He still kicking???
Don
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