The '14 - '15 line has begun...

Well, well.  Here we are again.  The waiting now underway, the clock ticking as slowly as it possibly can...traps are set, and anticipation is high.  Sleepless nights sure to come for the next 3-4 months.  Did we take off all the safety catches?...Did I remember to lure that beaver dam set?...Is this the week the wolverine comes back through his range?....   Ohhhh, baby....gotta love it.

This past weekend, my new partner and I (his nickname is 'Uppa') got out to a place we have been talking about setting up for over a year now.  Trees were cut, trails have been made, and the fun meter is rising.  The line thus far is only a 35-40 mile loop, most of which is travel time to and from. Our maiden voyage produced only around 20 sets - 1 for wolverine, 3 for lynx, and the rest for marten.  On the first check, we will hopefully expand the line to at least double that.  Primarily the line will focus on the lynx and the wolverine, with the marten sets thrown in to keep us in gas money. :)  That, of course, is just the plan.  I haven't set a trapline yet that didn't evolve and change in goals, purpose, and results.  So we'll see.

Heading out towards the line, into a burning sun.  Uppa is actually one of those 'trees' out there, just below the left edge of the sun.

As this is just the 'opener' post, I'll keep it relatively short.  These pics also have been featured in the daily pics, too, if you are reading those... The highlight of the trip was this natural cubby (unbelievable) that we found on the edge of where the timber meets the old 'burn'.  It is a DREAM spot for a wolverine set.  Virtually weather proof, and in an ideal location.  This one will be keeping us up at night for a long time to come.

Here's a pic of the edge of where the burn meets the timber:

We set up the moose head with a #4 double longspring and an MB750.  Uppa chose to put his close to the bait (he's bedding ti in the pic), and I put mine in that snow covered spot at center right, so that when they step over, or jump down from, that log, it goes SNAP!  The trap is bedded in this pic.  I added the fencing at left to create a better opening for them to come in over the log. We shall see.  It can be a looooong time til a wolverine comes back.

The first check is going to be Saturday, so I am chomping at the bit.....  All posts from this year will have the Trapping '14-'15 season tag, for family and friends wanting to follow along...Here's to tight chains!!