Rabbit trapping

RuffinIt · 10-08-2012, 02:32 PM

Anyone do any trapping or are you just out there shooting the little varmints? I was thinking of trying trapping in order to not mar the pelts but then, I'm not certain I have the stomach for killing them close up.

Pathfinder1 · 10-08-2012, 07:26 PM

Hi...

Were you thinking of selling the fur? If so, it's worth very little. The meat would be worth a lot more in most cases...YUMM..although you might not be able to sell it legally.

Hikenhunter · 10-09-2012, 08:06 AM

Not sure where you live but are you sure that it is even legal to trap rabbits?

Cappy · 10-09-2012, 09:49 AM

As a young boy I followd my Great Grandfather through the swamps as he ran his trap lines. He paddled a 6 day circuit with 4 line camps along the way(used 1 twice) Later as a pre teen and young teenager I followed my dad as he weekend trapped for extra money. From age 16 up to about 30 I actively trapped for cash and jsut enjoying preserving the heritage. I still have 48 double jaw #8 traps in te attic and when I retire i may take it up again as a hobby. Southern fur is pretty valueless now. In the 70's I'd get 35$ for a good coon hide now ya lucky to get 5. If ya go into it for $ ya wasting ya time. There are lots of other reasons to enjoy trapping though.

Barney · 10-09-2012, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RuffinIt

Anyone do any trapping or are you just out there shooting the little varmints? I was thinking of trying trapping in order to not mar the pelts but then, I'm not certain I have the stomach for killing them close up.

That is what separates true hunters and the rest of the people. I too sometimes don't have the stomach to finish an animal in the trap but I just remember what our ancestors did and I find strength in that.

Gondor · 10-09-2012, 11:22 AM

That is why I've never been much of a hunter. I like the tools, weapons ad know how to use them but I don't want to hurt those poor little critters.

Scotty · 10-09-2012, 03:24 PM

I would rather dispatch it with a head shot. At least the beast doesn't hurt or hurts very little. Rabbits in the trap are terrified and I have a really hard time dispatching them that way. However, if it comes down to me eating or going hungry, guess which one is going to win.

mamabear · 10-10-2012, 11:09 AM

I think I would shoot it rather than see it suffer in a trap till I got the nerve to finish it off. I know a fellow who is actually raising rabbits and selling rabbit sausage. I don't know how he does it.

LunaticFringeInc · 10-11-2012, 01:55 AM

Use a conibear 110 and you wont have to worry about doing the dirty deed the trap will do it for you and not damage the pelt either.

RuffinIt · 10-13-2012, 12:26 PM

I don't want the pelts for money. I'd be using them myself. And yes, it is legal to trap rabbits - I don't know of any state where it's not, at least. You just have to do it in season, of course. I would definitely be eating the meat.

Mamabear, the rabbit wouldn't be suffering unless you used one of those vicious steel claw traps, which I believe are illegal where I am. I would never advocate letting an animal suffer.

Lunatic, how does the trap kill the rabbit without damaging the pelt? I'll have to google the Conibear.