TRAPPING PARTNERS

[conibear]

Just was thinking the other day about past trapping seasons and I thought about the one and only trapping partner I ever had, It was a bad experiance he was new to the area a real nice guy, went to conventions together, and became good familey friends. We trapped together for just one season, and not the next. The next season my oldest son and I were setting traps in places for animals, and ever place I went to set old spots, my old trapping partners sets were there were I showed him last year when we trapped together. So I talked to him about this because alot of it is on private land and he told me it's a free country! So i asked the land owners whom i've had permission on there land for years what was up with him trapping there also, he had lied to them and said we were trapping together agian so they told him ok.Nowdays I have the best trapping partners my family. Just woundering if anybody else has had good or bad partners.

[Snareman]

My parents were my trapping partners. When I was a little kid, I would get up early in the morning to check sets before school on my bike, then when I got home, either my father or mother took me to check my traps. I'd never had a partner like some describe... someone to help compliment the situation and add something to it. I never saw the real advantage to a partner. The first thing that comes to mind against the idea is exactly what you spoke of. I know so much of the area and I know many spots that I would have never even thought of setting, but because through some experience, I learned there are animals there. Much of the spots I trap year after year and I do have some hotspots. I worked hard to find some of these spots too and to share those spots with a partner sounds fun, but then if the partnership doesn't go on, the one who did the most sharing of the spots, is the one who created himself competition.

There's also an X factor one could consider that is a benefit that may not be so much about a monetary value, but something more... the memories and fun sharing on-the-line experiences with someone who's company you enjoy. That is worth something that would be hard to quantify.

I don't forsee ever having a partner in the short future, but I'll never say never!

Snareman

[17kiss]

Have had many partners. Only 2 I would like to trap with again in all honesty. 1 is my current partner and we live several states apart.Biggest things about partners is to make sure you are both on same page before starting to set traps.Have heard every excuse made as to why a partner cant make it that day.And a real need is to be about the same caliber trapper with the same drive.If one is pushing and the other is slacking makes for a real bad partnership.have guidelines up front as to the what ifs. Like what if the truck breaks? 50/50 split , traps stolen 50/50 split. And fur that is 50/50 split is only on days when partner goes along. had 1 that would set a day or 2 a week. I paid all gas and checked and set 5-6 days a week. when selling he demanded 50% of fur check. That was ugly.
Equipment should be about equal too , cause this can cause resentment.

[blakcoyote]

Well said 17kiss,I've had a few partners in the past,although most were enjoyable,there was one I'd do it again with.One thing for sure is,you need to know what the other guys definition of a trapline is.I've burned some guys out in a week,they didnt realize I was running a working trapline,they were under the impression,you set traps and then just drive around checking for an hour a day.But if thats what you agree to then your ok.Just like 17 says,make sure your on the same page,and both are ready for the demands that inevitably come unexpected on any line.

[Furhandler]

Make sure they are single, or at least have a supportive wife like mine.

Had two good partners over the last 25 years, and women ruined them both.