Trapping Techniques: A Beginner's Guide

With trapping season just around the corner here in North Central British Columbia, now’s the time to gear up and get organized. This year, I’m planning to go all-in on trapping, targeting beaver, muskrat, marten, lynx, wolves, and maybe even a wolverine if luck’s on my side. A big season means big prep, so here’s what I’m doing this September to set myself up for success.

Take Inventory of Traps and Snares: First things first, I’m gathering all my traps and snares to do a full inventory. I’ll check each one for damage—rusted springs, bent frames, or worn cables—and decide what needs repairing or replacing. A solid trap is the foundation of a good season, so nothing gets overlooked.

• Clean and Prep Equipment: Once inventoried, I’ll boil my traps to remove any lingering scents that could spook wary animals. This step is crucial for species like marten and lynx, which have sharp noses. I’m also inspecting my lures, knives, and other gear, like my pack baskets and skinning tools, to ensure everything’s ready to roll.

• Plan the Trapline: I’m studying maps of my trapline as i plan on opening up new areas this year. Weather plays a huge role—early snow or ice can change access to beaver ponds or marten haunts—so I’m keeping an eye on forecasts to prioritize targets. Beavers and muskrats will likely come first, with marten and lynx following as the season cools.

• Gear Up for Filming: This year, I’m filming the trapping season for Lyman’s Wild Ways to share the journey with you all. That means extra prep—checking cameras, batteries, and tripods, and planning shots to capture the action without slowing down the work. With shorter daylight hours in fall, I’ll need to be strategic to get good footage while keeping the trapline running smoothly.

• Stay Flexible and Prepared: Trapping is unpredictable, especially when targeting elusive critters like wolves or wolverines. I’m setting aside time this year while hunting to scout key areas for beaver and animal travel corridors.

Preseason prep is all about setting yourself up for a smooth, productive season. The more work I put in now, the less I’ll be scrambling when the snow flies.