Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 23

Thread: Why would someone buy a trapline?

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Posts
    563

    Why would someone buy a trapline?

    Let me start by saying I have absolutely no desire to get into trapping or purchasing a trapline. Also - clearly - no experience on the subject.

    That said: I came across a few "trapline for sale" ads recently where traplines are being sold for 13K and more. The question I am asking: Why would someone - nowadays - purchase one of those? Nostalgia? Seems like expensive nostalgia....

    As I understand it, you only buy the rights to trap. From some 10min googling, I see you have to uphold a min quota (I read 50 pelts/year), which seems "steep"?) or the gov can take it away. Obviously, you have to have a trapping license, etc.

    Also, it appears that you need a lot of pelts to just cover 13K worth of cost

    So, I can't see anyone being in it for the money (unless I am missing anything?). So what would be the point?

    Thoughts?

  2. Site Sponsor

  3. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    In the bush near a lake
    Posts
    7,198

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    50 pelts is not hard to accomplish( 50 pelts would be a really bad season for many trappers) at all over a trapping season. Have not been watching fur prices lately but yes you can make $ but not a living

    Think of trapping as a hobby/small business if you’re smart you can make some extra $ and have fun doing it

    As for traplines a guy really needs to do research before putting up $ and prices are all over the map

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Posts
    563

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    Interesting...

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Free Falling
    Posts
    2,119

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    The advantage of buying an established trap line is just that. Miles of trails are cut, sets are made, possibly overnight cabins, some history of game taken. There could be years of work done.
    "Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits"
    Thomas A. Edison

    "Sometimes ya gotta let your dog find you"

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Posts
    955

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    Quote Originally Posted by Phil View Post
    The advantage of buying an established trap line is just that. Miles of trails are cut, sets are made, possibly overnight cabins, some history of game taken. There could be years of work done.
    Is that how traps lines are valued or does the price rely on the number of pelts/economics it produces? I guess you wouldn't put all that effort in to trails, structures etc if it was not productive. Just curious as I have seen a wide range of prices.
    Last edited by Beachcomber; 06-04-2019 at 08:06 PM. Reason: clarity

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    100 Mile House area
    Posts
    389

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    Yes that's how trap lines are valued; equipment and facilities included along with potential annual fur value production.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    In the bush near a lake
    Posts
    7,198

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    Just don’t think it’s easy because it’s far from it. Hide prep is huge and involves skill to get top value out of a hide. When it comes to the trapping it’s a lot more complicated than bait and traps. It’s a combination of physical and mental to do well in my opinion

    Trapping gives you a whole new outlook on the bush and animal movement for sure

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    100 Mile House area
    Posts
    389

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ as well "consider it a small business", if you’re smart you can write off expenses and make some extra $ while have fun doing it.
    Last edited by tomcat; 06-03-2019 at 02:14 PM.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Langley
    Posts
    6,032

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    Some have pretty sweet cabins on them... so you buy the trap line and suddenly you own your own cabin.

    And they pretty much have to give you the guys to any gates anywhere

    Seems like a fun hobby / small business for anybody who enjoys the outdoors... particularly in the winter.

    And you get the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you are helping reduce any overpopulation of predators in your areas, thus helping the ungulates.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    6-04
    Posts
    1,820

    Re: Why would someone buy a trapline?

    Although I inherited my trapline, it’s a pure hobby/lifestyle, it’s not something a person buys with the expectations of getting rich. A lot of people buy lines just for the retreat, build a cabin, on a nice fishing lake, it’s an easy process to apply to build, and probably a lot cheaper then buying land.

    My line is small, after paying for my fuel, I generally break about even. It’s not much different then buying a guiding area, except outfitters can make their own prices.

    On that note, even tho my line would be worth $15’000 tops, I don’t think I’d sell it for 10x that. If for whatever reason, I wouldn’t have inherited my line, after growing up trapping with my grandad and dad, buying a line would have been a must at some point in my life.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •