Lost a legend today

[orcatdog]

For anyone in Oregon or northern Nevada or California who knows anything about bobcat trapping/catching, I'm very sad to say we lost a legend today.
Deward "Woody" Merrill passed away here in Lakeview, OR of natural causes. Woody and his brother Elbert (who preceeded Woody in death years ago) were some of the best trappers and overall men to walk this high desert country.
Years ahead of most with bobcat catching methods and a lure recipe that is second to anything I have ever tried. Woody was a teacher, and would stop everything to help out a kid (Like myself 20 years ago). I am honored to be able to say that I got to go on his trapline with him and learn even a little about his methods.
I'll never forget the stories of the 1970's and how many new pickups he could have bought with his cat money. Or tricks to hide sets and access to your sets from competitors, outlaws and the fuzz, etc. And most of all the excitement anyone could see in his eyes when talking about trapping the high desert country of Lake Co. Oregon.
I'll miss you Woody.

[RdFx]

orcatdog, you were lucky to have a great teacher and to be able to go on his trapline. Before you pass on to be with your great teacher , pass on what he taught you to another who you think is appreciative and worthwhile.

[trappnman]

my sympathy.

[mudflap]

Orcatdog, sorry to hear of Woody's passing, but thank you for passing that information along. I met Woody over a cup of coffee at a small cafe in SilverLake, OR back in 1985 (I think) when I was sent there for temp. duty, trapping coyotes for ADC. Woody and I did get a chance to ride together one day as he showed me some of the desert & transition country and we set a few coyote traps together, quite west of the Fort Rock country. Sorry that I cannot remember many of our details today, but now will have to look at my field notes for specifics, just where/what band of sheep/sheepman we were working that day. Anyway, as always, I was impressed to learn he was a trapper from our first hand-shake, and he certainly took time to help and show me a little portion of that big country. I do not remember talking bobcats, only coyotes, but sure wish now we had. If I remember correctly the full-time gov't trapper from Lakeview last name was Bill Frye, as I spent a day or two with him also. Anyway, it was beautiful country and glad to know you got to spend time with one of the legends of trapping. My regards to Woody and family!