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The trapper or hunter who has made a study of the habits of fur-bearing animals is the one who will succeed. He knows their habits, their run-ways, distinguishes their tracks, knows where to look for mink, marten, raccoon, wolves, foxes, otter and other animals, and naturally places the right-sized trap, the proper spring or sliding pole, the proper size clog or drag, the necessary weight for deadfalls, the last but not least, knows the right time to capture the animals.
Keep your eyes peeled, ears open, make least possible noise, be always prepared to use your rifle at a moment’s notice, keep cool, don’t get excited, examine were you go, note surroundings, act promptly but not without deliberation, provide yourself with necessary clothing and food, don’t get in too much of a hurry, and remember above all that your health is better than your wealth, and treat your brother hunter or trapper as you would have him treat you.
Be on the lookout for signs of game, ascertain cause of flight of birds, note sudden noise or disturbances, and when you follow animals do so against the wind if possible.
Ascertain where game frequents, follow tracks, as they are likely to lead to some den or watering place, and note carefully sighs of a previous struggle or feeding place. By all means convince yourself what animal you are following. This you can do in many ways; size of tracks and their nature, length of steps, object of animal, location of its travels, size and quantity of its manure, size of den, whether it can climb trees, also if dens are visited look for hairs on sides. After you have established the kind of animal and know its habits, it is an easy matter to set your traps. Keep in mind that certain animals seldom go over the same route unless something is there to attract them. Feeding places are visited tens and hundreds of times, if not by the same, by other animals possessing carnivorous habits. If many tracks are visible and you are unable to set your traps at a suitable location, make some artificial abode, or set in one of the paths, drag bait or previously captured game in various directions leading to concealed traps, and invariably leave bait close to traps. By all means leave the surroundings in a natural state and visit your traps as often as possible, and if unmolested do not approach them.
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