The question I hear most often about trapping is simple: Why?
Why spend hours in the cold, setting traps, when fur has little ecological value today? The answer is simple: I love it.
Trapping is challenging, rewarding and steeped in centuries of tradition. Continuing that tradition allows me to connect with the outdoors and, hopefully, inspire others to explore it, too.
Growing up on the coast of Maine in an outdoorsy family, trapping never drew my interest. Moving to Aroostook County opened the door to new outdoor opportunities. I wanted to explore a different way of “hunting,” and soon realized that outsmarting wild animals is no easy task.
In the fall of 2019, my journey began with an apprentice license. Observing experienced trappers for months was invaluable. Handling traps felt intimidating, and shadowing others offered lessons that no book could teach. Eventually, I was confident enough to complete a trapper education course which allowed me to venture out independently.
One experience stands out above all: my first beaver. Earlier in the season, while searching for moose sheds, a remote pond revealed an active beaver house. I made a mental note and returned once the ice was safe.
The mile-long snowshoe trek, towing a jet sled with supplies and two beagles, tested every bit of endurance. Locating a beaver run required hours of chiseling, and frustration nearly won. But discovering the run renewed determination, and after shoveling through three feet of snow to make a proper set, the effort paid off.
The next day, I was eager to check the trap — and when I did, I had successfully caught my first beaver. What made it truly special was that I had gone out on my own, tried something completely new, and it worked.
Since then, my trapping has expanded in both scope and skill. Beaver, muskrat, mink, otter, coyote, fox, marten, fisher, ermine, raccoon and even bear have all become part of the learning journey. Discovering each animal’s habits, habitats and behaviors continues to fascinate me.
Beyond learning about wildlife, trapping offers countless benefits. It has strengthened my patience, fueled my determination and boosted my confidence. It has inspired me to teach others, sharpened my outdoor skills and taught the importance of being prepared.
I’ve learned how to care for fur and meat, to be creative and independent, and, most importantly, how to make full use of all the resources an animal provides after harvesting. Above all, it gives me a reason to spend time outside in the fresh air.
The author successfully trapped (from left) a fisher, a marten and an otter. Credit: Abby Morin
Winter in Aroostook County can drag on longer than I’d like to admit, but trapping gives those months purpose. What I love most is how it leads you into some of the county’s most beautiful, remote countryside — places you might never explore otherwise. In a way, the traps do the hunting for you.
Trapping has also introduced a community of like-minded individuals and highlights the role of regulated trapping in wildlife management. Without it, populations can exceed the habitat’s carrying capacity, threatening human health, safety, crops and spreading disease.
I am grateful to help manage wildlife populations while pursuing a passion that challenges and inspires me every season.
