Tman,
For starters ,I will tell ya what I started out when I got into this biz many moons ago,And all I handled at that time was snakes,coon,rats,squirrells,possum,skunk.
Basically to start out ,you need about 10 coon size cage traps,I started with Havahearts ,but hate them now.There are plenty of good custom cage trap makers out there,and usally can get a great deal at any of the larger conventions and it saves you alot of money on shipping.
Then ,You you want atleast 12 rabbitt/squirrell size cage traps.
Skunks....I use and have always used the no spray type from the Snare shop,Great trap.
Also pick up some rat size glue boards,and a cuople dozen snap traps.
Snakes....I could go on all day on this one....lol
A good catch pole,Good bait,Many great baits and lures out there,I make all mine....One thing on baits and lures,Alot of people make a BIG mistake when doing adc work near homes ,and use trapping baits and lures,I my opinion Most (not all) are to strong for this ,as they will draw every darn cat in the area.
Think sweet,when using or making any baits,almost everything you lisited above will and can be caught on any sweet smelling bait,But DONT use a LOUD bait or lure.
Also get yourself a couple types of gloves,A good pair of work gloves ( I use the ones that have velcro wrist straps on them from Mechanics supply,These are similiar to the type the football players use)
Then you need a GOOD pair of Kevlar gloves for handling animals.
Many of the above,Baits,lures,catch poles,and if you got the resourses cage traps can be made yourself,to save money.
If going to do work on homes/structures....deffinatly a ladder ( I carry a 24',a 28 ',and a 6 foot a frame ladder on my truck.
But if someone really wanted to get into this field,and YES there is great money in it...You have to do a few things besides checking laws and regs in your state first.
First thing is to remember this is NOT fur trapping,yes some instances are the same,But this biz,requires you to be a business person,able to speak to public,a book keeper,a salesperson,and basically being able to deal with some of the lowest in life,cheapest people you will ever meet.You have to know housing /structural contruction and all laws pertaining to that.
And on and on !!!!!!!!!!
Education and never stop learning is key,WCT magazine is a great mag for this industry,along with joining you state ADC association and a national association.Not to put in a plug here,But NWCOA,National Wildlife Control Operators Association
www.nwcoa.comOnce a member,NWCOA offers Low cost insurance plans for members only,And also has a online Forum,Which amazingly everyone who is a member can get on and learn from others,Even competitors share info.Things have changed alot in NWCOA in the past year,for the better,No more AR people allowed,and the members only forum is GREAT.
Also Myself and Bill Knapp have formed the first ever Wildlife Damage Management Academy
www.wildlifeacademy.comThis is a great place to learn ,Somewhat like the trappers college,but it is for ADC work exclusivly.
All in all,If someone wanted to start out in this biz or better yourself,Check to see your demogaphics of your potential service area,If it is small ,you may have no luck.
To get a really good starter package of supplies and such,I can hook you up with all you need,except for truck and ladders for about 5 gran.
Buzzard or Bill,add on here..........
Like I said it is a FAST GROWING field ,that will never go under,It is just starting as an industry.
Feel free to check out links I gave everyone,and by all means ask any questions you may have,Myself and others like Buzzard,Bill Knapp and some other full time ADC/fur guys can help ya out.
Now I have to stop,My fingers are tired...lol
