Randall Martin, 11, Pennsylvania
A young Pennsylvania trapper enjoys trapping
and going to conventions with his dad
My name is Randall Martin. I am 11 years old, and last year was my first year trapping on my own.
I started trapping with my dad. We did water trapping and canine trapping. I would often tell my dad I wanted to trap. Then one day, we were walking our dogs, Candy and Molly, and we saw a lot of fox tracks. Then Dad said I could trap next year.
When it was close to the season, we punched dirtholes and baited them. In a few days, the bait was gone. I couldn’t wait until the season to put a trap in to get ’em.
Then the day finally came. I got up early before school and set my two traps. I waited and had some snapped traps.
Then, finally, it happened. I got up early and took Mom’s phone along so I could call Dad if I got something. I shined my light across the field and saw eyes in the area where my traps were set. I quickly ran through the field almost tripping on a tobacco stub. I called Dad to tell him I got a fox. He came down and took care of it. It was very exciting!
I got one skunk and three foxes. Dad skinned the foxes for me, but as I get older, I would like to try it myself.
I also helped Dad trap red foxes, muskrats and raccoons on his trapline. We had a blast together. We would get up early in the morning, take snacks and buy coffee and doughnuts. I would also take a snooze once in a while.
We also had fun at the conventions. We slept in the back of the pickup one year, and I got a lure and a trap. I can’t wait until next season when I can trap foxes and maybe raccoons.
“School Days” is sponsored by Duke Traps and the Wisconsin Trappers Association. Winners receive six traps, a Wisconsin Cooperative Trapper Education video, an NTA handbook and a membership to their state’s trappers association. To be considered, send a 300- to 500-word story and photo of the trapper to School Days, Trapper & Predator Caller, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990; or email the story and photo to jared.blohm@fwmedia.com. Please make sure to include the trapper’s name, age and address.
This column appeared in the March 2014 Trapper & Predator Caller issue.
You can pick up a copy of the digital issue on www.ShopDeerHunting.com. Or if you’d like to subscribe to Trapper & Predator Caller, please visit the subscription page on our website.
