Coyote Trapping School Podcast
113 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 194 ratingsKris Pope, from Coyote Trapping School, provides instruction and educational content for people interested in getting started, or getting better, at trapping furbearers and predators. Many people consider trapping a dying art, but there is still plenty of interest whether from outdoorsmen and women who are looking to further their outdoor skills, wildlife managers looking to enhance game populations through predator control, or survivalists interesting in knowing how to obtain food and fur in a survival situation. Follow along as Kris gives trapping industry updates, instructional information, and updates on his wintertime trapline. With a wide array of experience, from trapping artic foxes in Alaska to alligators in Florida, and a degree in wildlife biology, Kris’ passion lies in wildlife management and matching wits with wild critters near and far.
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Episodes
109 - Coyote Trapping Tactics
November 21, 2020 15:33 - 41 minutes - 25.4 MBIn this episode I review the different types of sets for coyotes and go over some coyote trapping basics, mainly sets, dirthole, flat, and scent post. Hopefully providing good information for beginner and experienced trappers alike. I also touch on an update to think mink cull we talked about last episode in Denmark. To get a Shortliner Trapping Bag, Fur Stocking, or beavertail wallet be sure to visit my shop https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/shop/ Trapping season is here for some...
108 - Coyote Biology and Behavior
November 12, 2020 12:05 - 41 minutes - 25.2 MBIn this episode I touch quickly on what could be a major impact on the fur market, related to COVID. Then I go through a general overview of coyote biology and behavior. As trappers, we should be experts on the game that we pursue, so I thought it might be helpful to review some data regarding coyotes, hopefully to improve our effectiveness as trappers. Coyotes are a pretty interesting critter anyway, especially looking at their expansion throughout North American, and possibly soon South...
107 - Meat Trapping
October 30, 2020 05:00 - 26 minutes - 15.8 MBIn this episode I talk about eating furbearer meat. If you’re a trapper or hunter, odds are that you’ve at least considered eating various wild game. I think eating some of the meat we catch is a great opportunity to introduce others to wild game as well as give us some additional arguments to those who don’t approve of trapping. The fact is, when handled properly it is quality tablefare, and a great talking point! To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https://www.coyo...
106 - Q&A and Rambling
October 27, 2020 03:37 - 33 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode I answer some listener questions. I also talk a little about fur tanning (I just got my Texas furs back from the tannery!) and just some general trapper rambling. I hope you enjoy, I’ve got some interviews in the lineup that I’m pretty excited about so stay tuned and if your season has already come in, good luck! To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https://www.coyotetrappingschool.com/product/shortliner-trapping-bag/ Trapping season is coming quic...
105 - Trapping Harvest and Historical Data
October 19, 2020 14:03 - 54 minutes - 33.2 MBIn this week’s episode I dig into some trapper survey data and find some historical data of trapper harvest from several different states, some dating back to the 1930s. It is very interesting data and highlights how important it is for trappers to accurately respond to those surveys. Our game agencies rely on us for good data, and if we don’t provide it to them then they don’t have good data to manage the resource with. To get your hands on a Shortliner Trapping Bag visit - https:/...
104 - Kyle Waltz - Conserv Wildlife Services
October 02, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 70.5 MBIn this episode I have a deep discussion with Kyle Waltz of Conserv Wildlife Services. We talk in depth about Kyle’s business model and specifically the opportunity to partner with Conserv if you have or are wanting to start a wildlife control business. It is a very interesting conversation and certainly gives a wildlife control operator some things to think about. To learn more email Kyle at [email protected] or visit https://conservwildlifeservices.com/grow-with-us. To get your...
103 - Ryan Carpenter - R and R Trading Post
September 29, 2020 01:59 - 57 minutes - 43.2 MBIn this episode I interview Ryan Carpenter, one of the R’s of R and R Trading Post. Ryan and his wife, Renee, have a fur sewing business in Pennsylvania. We talk about a wide range of topics including how Ryan got started trapping and how they got started in the fur sewing business. I love seeing our fur get used here locally instead of being shipped off and never getting to see the final product. To follow along with Ryan and Renee, or to order something you can visit their website - ht...
102 - In it FUR the Money
September 25, 2020 02:55 - 30 minutes - 18.2 MBThere are a lot more benefits to trapping than a fur check, which is a good thing in times like these when fur checks are slim to non existant! There are plenty of things that trapping teaches you, and the network and connections you make as a trapper can unlock opportunities that you may have never otherwise been able to take advantage of. As we approach trapping season, I hope there are plenty of us out there chasing fur, regardless of whether it has a high value or not. It's good for t...
101 - Glands with Kyle Kaatz
September 11, 2020 02:51 - 57 minutes - 44.7 MBThis is an interview with Kyle Kaatz about gland removal. Depending on the species the value of glands can really add up and by adding an extra couple minutes we can increase the yield from the trapline. To see the latest prices Kaatz Bros is paying for glands visit https://www.kaatzbros.com/reports/glands-essence-castor-and-carcasses-wanted/ We also talk about a couple of their DVDs that show the specific glands and how to remove them, Glands a Trappers Commodity, and Skunks the Best...
100 - Faith and the First Longliner
September 03, 2020 03:03 - 34 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this episode I talk about one of the most important things in my life, my faith. I believe that we were put on this earth by our Heavenly Father, and that through His son, Jesus Christ, our sins have been forgiven and we can have a personal relationship with God. And one of the most important things in that relationship is spreading the Gospel and letting others know about the Good News of Jesus Christ. If you have any questions or thoughts I would love to discuss more! Please email m...
99 - Leatherwork
September 01, 2020 00:58 - 47 minutes - 29.6 MBIn this episode I share some of my findings and hopefully some helpful tips and tricks that I’ve picked up since I started doing leatherwork, particularly making beavertail items. I’ve had a good bit of success with the small effort I’ve put into it and have no doubt that it can be replicated. There are plenty of good resources on YouTube and other online locations. Here are a few I mentioned in the show: Don Gonzales Saddlery - https://dgsaddlery.com/, YouTube - https://www.youtube.co...
98 - Bobby Dale Boyles - Kentucky Trapper Interview
August 18, 2020 12:07 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBToday I interview Bobby Dale Boyles, a Kentucky trapper. We cover a wide range of topics, one of the most interesting may be his tanning process. After talking with him I may have to try tanning again. You’re sure to enjoy this episode, non stop trapping talk! You can follow him on Instagram @bobbydaleboyles Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas [email protected]
97 - Linda White Interview
August 10, 2020 02:23 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBIn this episode I talk with NY trapper Linda White, to get a different perspective on trapping. We talk about how Linda and her husband run their trapline and bait and lure business, Sawmill Creek Bait and Lures, https://www.sawmillcreekbaitandlures.com/, which also lead to Linda starting Trapping Girl Inc, https://www.trappinggirlinc.com/. We discuss some of the challenges women face on the line as well as how there may be more women trappers out there than us guys realize. Trapping se...
96 - Bill Smith Interview
August 04, 2020 02:39 - 38 minutes - 29.5 MBIn this episode I interview South Carolina trapper Bill Smith. We talk about beach trapping, another example of how trapping is conservation, along with gator trapping, and crawfish trapping, just to name a few things. Bill is a down to earth guy and you will enjoy this interview. You can follow him on instagram @coastal_land_and_wildlife. Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas ...
95 - Gator Tales
July 27, 2020 02:34 - 52 minutes - 31.9 MBIn this episode I talk about some of my gator hunting and trapping stories from years past. Man I wish I had a video camera along back then, that would have made some great videos, but the least I can do is share some of these stories and hope that you get as much enjoyment out of them as I do reliving them. Trapping season is coming quickly, be sure to get your supplies from Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas [email protected]
94 - Trapping Resources
July 22, 2020 01:59 - 28 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this episode I talk about some of the trapping resources that are available, and beneficial, for beginner and seasoned trappers alike. In today’s age there is more access to information than ever, some good, some just so-so. Here are a few of the good resources out there! As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas [email protected]
93 - Alaska Trapping - A Conservation Story
July 11, 2020 11:33 - 43 minutes - 20.1 MBIn this episode I talk about my experience trapping invasive foxes on an Aleutian island in Alaska. It was quite the adventure and also quite the conservation success story. Since the 1940s there has been an initiative to remove the nonnative foxes from islands and restore them to seabird nesting grounds. Not just helping all seabirds populations but bringing the Aleutian cackling goose (a subspecies of the Canada goose) from the brink of extinction to a population of over 150,000! Thes...
92 - Frank Cisa - Wildman Wildlife Exclusion & Removal
June 29, 2020 13:07 - 43 minutes - 20.9 MBIn this episode I talk with Frank Cisa, of Wildman Wildlife Removal & Exclusion, https://www.wildmantrapping.com/. We discuss a variety of items from tools to trapping tactics, and how Frank has grown his business. Frank is still a relatively new Wildlife Control Operator, but he is definitely doing something right as his business is growing and he is getting word of mouth referrals, which is a great thing! As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com...
92 - Frank Cisa - Wildman Wildlife Exclusion & Removal
June 29, 2020 13:07In this episode I talk with Frank Cisa, of Wildman Wildlife Removal & Exclusion, https://www.wildmantrapping.com/. We discuss a variety of items from tools to trapping tactics, and how Frank has grown his business. Frank is still a relatively new Wildlife Control Operator, but he is definitely doing something right as his business is growing and he is getting word of mouth referrals, which is a great thing! As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com...
91 - Sales in Your WCO Business
June 19, 2020 03:46 - 57 minutes - 27.9 MBIn this episode I discuss some of the aspects of sales and selling in a wildlife control business. I explain how I’ve encountered and experienced that it is really more of a wildlife exclusion business, from a cash flow and efficiency standpoint. And several different approaches when selling to a customer. Ultimately it boils down to how well you sell yourself. The customer is buying you and how you present your proposal, if they “buy” that you know what you are talking about and can rea...
90 - Ideas on Lead Generation
June 05, 2020 02:25 - 38 minutes - 17.7 MBIn this episode I discuss a few different options for generating leads or calls for your wildlife control business. One key in my opinion is that you must be online, so you need a website. Then it boils down to whether you want to buy leads or generate them organically. Both options work but organic leads take more time to grow. I think its a good idea to utilize both options, at least until your organic leads are generating enough business that you don’t need additional leads. If you’...
89 - NWCOA Wildlife Control Operator Training
June 01, 2020 16:00 - 25 minutes - 12.9 MBIn this episode I review the recent NWCOA training I took. Their Wildlife Control Operator course is a basic course that covers a wide range of topics geared toward new Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs). If you are new to, or thinking about starting as a WCO I highly recommend this course. The best part was this session was taught online, so travel wasn't involved. It is a full 2 day course covering techniques and equipment, safety, and the most common wildlife issues that people tend to...
88 - Daniel Dekeyzer Interview
May 28, 2020 03:30 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBIn this episode I talk with Daniel Dekeyzer, a Georgia trapper who also runs a successful nuisance trapping business on the side. We talk about how he got started, where he gets business from, and in general how he runs his jobs. Gives a little more insight into how different trappers run their businesses. As always, be sure to support our sponsors, Kaatz Bros Lures, www.kaatzbros.com and email me with questions or podcast ideas [email protected]
87 - How to price your trapping services
May 07, 2020 03:03 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBIn this episode I talk through a spreadsheet I put together that outlines, and allows you to consider all the overhead costs that should be factored when you are pricing jobs. This sheet breaks your rate down into monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly rates or targets. This is something that you can use as a starting point when you are considering what your rates should be. I’d be happy to share this spreadsheet with anyone that is interested, just shoot me an email at kris@coyotetrappingsch...
86 - The Cost of Predator Control
May 03, 2020 03:12 - 42 minutes - 38.1 MBIn this episode I review an article from the Wildlife Trends Journal, https://www.wildlifetrends.com/. A friend of mine actually sent me the article because of the cover picture, which was a photo of me when I worked for the USDA doing some predator trapping. This was a very informative article delving into alot of specifics around large scale quail plantations and how they handle and pay for predator control programs. This gives some good pricing insight which was a main reason why I wan...
85 - Stephen Vantassel - Wildlife Control Consultant - Part 2
April 23, 2020 10:00 - 58 minutes - 43 MBIn this episode I interview Stephen Vantassel, the Wildlife Control Consultant. Stephen hosts the “Living the Wild Life” segment of the Pest Geek Podcast. We talk all sorts of topics related to starting and running a wildlife control business, including the importance of contracts, proper messaging, and the National Wildlife Control Operators Association, to name a few. Stephen is a wealth of knowledge and this is definitely an episode you’ll want to take notes on. Stephen can be reach...
84 - Stephen Vantassel - Pest Geek Podcast - Part 1
April 21, 2020 03:32 - 1 hour - 46.3 MBIn this episode I interview Stephen Vantassel, the Wildlife Control Consultant. Stephen hosts the “Living the Wild Life” segment of the Pest Geek Podcast. We talk all sorts of topics related to starting and running a wildlife control business, including the importance of contracts, proper messaging, and the National Wildlife Control Operators Association, to name a few. Stephen is a wealth of knowledge and this is definitely an episode you’ll want to take notes on. Stephen can be reach...
83 - Kyle Waltz Interview - Wildlife Control Podcast - Part 2
April 10, 2020 03:32 - 47 minutes - 56.6 MBIn this episode I sit down with Kyle Waltz, host of the Wildlife Control Podcast. Kyle is a very successful wildlife control entrepreneur, having build and sold two successful businesses in Florida, First Coast Wildlife Services and Expel Pest Services. Kyle is still currently running, and growing Conserv Wildlife Services. I discovered Kyle through his podcast where he gives very tactical information on running and growing a business. If you are interested in growing a wildlife control b...
82 - Kyle Waltz Interview - Wildlife Control Podcast - Part 1
April 04, 2020 15:00 - 57 minutes - 68.2 MBIn this episode I sit down with Kyle Waltz, host of the Wildlife Control Podcast. Kyle is a very successful wildlife control entrepreneur, having build and sold two successful businesses in Florida, First Coast Wildlife Services and Expel Pest Services. Kyle is still currently running, and growing Conserv Wildlife Services. I discovered Kyle through his podcast where he gives very tactical information on running and growing a business. If you are interested in growing a wildlife control b...
81 - So You Want To Be A Nuisance Trapper - Part 1
March 31, 2020 00:00 - 42 minutes - 51 MBThis is the first episode in a multi episode series on starting and growing a nuisance trapping business. In this episode I give an introduction on starting and growing my nuisance business, and some of my learnings thus far. In the coming episodes I will have interviews with some professionals in the wildlife control industry as well as some of my findings and thoughts on pricing and things to consider if you are interested in starting a nuisance trapping or wildlife control business. ...
80 - Fur Market Update...Kinda
March 17, 2020 04:14 - 27 minutes - 34.3 MBIn this episode I review some of the recent state fur auctions and discuss how the dreaded Coronavirus is or may affect the market, its having global impacts that will likely go on for several months it looks like. Overall the fur market looks about the same as it has the last few years. I touch on several somewhat southern sales and the coyote prices compared to what we hear about the high coyote prices. In general though, I’m not worried about what the market is doing, I’m a trapper and I...
79 - 2019/2020 Trapping Season Review
March 11, 2020 04:42 - 41 minutes - 52.6 MBIn this episode I look back over this past trapping season, they seem to take forever to get here yet pass by so quickly. Overall I didn’t hit this season quite as hard as past seasons, but I had a few things going on too. I did make a trapping trip to west Texas, which was a blast. And for the home trapline I made great use of the Onx Hunt app, https://www.onxmaps.com/. I also changed up a few of my trapline methods after reading and watching some of Clint Locklear’s videos, here’s a lin...
78 - Get Your Mind Right
February 24, 2020 02:53 - 27 minutes - 35 MBIn this episode I discuss some of my recent thinking, in line with Clint Locklear’s Mindset of a Professional book. While I’m working on growing a nuisance trapping business and trying to get my coyote catch numbers up, it really has hit home that you’ve got to have a different mindset than just hobby trapping. For one, as a nuisance trapper you’ve got to look and act like a professional. Pros aren’t forgetting items and cobbling things together on the fly. They have an efficient system an...
77 - Where to Sell Glands
February 21, 2020 06:07 - 8 minutes - 10.7 MBThis is a quick episode but I think a valuable one, Kaatz Bros has a great page on their site detailing what glands they buy and how much they pay. Of course all prices are subject to change, but this is a great resource for trappers to quickly check and get an idea of if they think it would be worth it for them to save glands for their catch. In general I’d say if you are catching big numbers of a particular species, then it is likely worthwhile saving the glands to sell or trade with a t...
76 - Coyote/Predator Trap Selection
February 10, 2020 05:28 - 34 minutes - 43.1 MBIn looking through my analytics for the website and podcast I noticed that one of the most searched topics has been choosing the best coyote trap. In this podcast I discuss some of the different options and how one might go about picking the best trap. There are multiple good options out there, but in my opinion there are a few things that a new trapper can look for that might help their overall catch, especially early on. One of the most notable things in my opinion is a night latch, whi...
75 – Canines Avoiding Sets Question
January 31, 2020 02:12 - 36 minutes - 44.8 MBIn this episode I dig into a pretty detailed question I got in from a listener who is having issues with coyotes and fox consistently working his dirtholes from the sides, appearing to avoid the trap pattern. He lines out several ideas that he thinks may be possible causes and I address those and give my own opinions on what may be going on and some approaches to try and correct the issue. Using game cameras at your sets is a catch 22, it gives you a lot of insight into what the critters a...
74 - Pan Covers and Open Minds
January 20, 2020 01:43 - 33 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this episode a post about pan covers sparks a discussion on how I think about things and how thinking from a different perspective can be beneficial. Also looking at the source of information and determining how credible or useful it might be. Specifically I’m talking about steel screen pan covers. Everyone has their own opinion and they vary widely, but I’m giving them a try, not necessarily because I’m not satisfied with the polyfil pan covers I’ve been using, but the potential addit...
73 - Combines and Coyotes DVD Review
January 14, 2020 05:24 - 10 minutes - 12.7 MBThis is a short episode but this DVD with Randy Smith is definitely worth watching if you want to be a serious coyote trapper. There's nothing special that Randy does, just a simple system repeated over and over. One of the really impressive things he shows is how he skins coyotes on the trapline. He flat snatches the hide off!
72 - Trapping Today Interview
January 06, 2020 12:01 - 59 minutes - 79.4 MBThis is an episode I recorded several months ago with Jeremiah Wood of Trappingtoday.com. We cover a wide variety of trapping topics and discuss the current season. Always good talking to fellow trappers! If you haven't listened to Jeremiah's podcast be sure to subscribe to the Trapping Today Podcast too.
71 – Otter Trapping with Chief
December 29, 2019 04:16 - 22 minutes - 27.8 MBIn today’s podcast my son “Chief” sits down with me and we talk a little about otter trapping. Chief always keeps things interesting, and sometimes makes me lose my train of thought, but he is never at a loss for words! This episode is a little bit shorter than usual but I hope you still get something out of it, its good entertainment if nothing else! Be sure to support our sponsors Kaatz Bros Lures – www.kaatzbros.com Use the code pope5 at checkout for $5 off your order of $20 or more! ...
70 – Moving traps and legislation
December 18, 2019 03:22 - 36 minutes - 46.4 MBIn this episode I touch on a couple of legislation items that have come up recently, a potential trap ban in Kentucky, as well as some anti-gun legislation in my home state of Georgia. The National Trappers Association alerted my to the Kentucky legislation The Sportsmen’s Alliance the Georgia gun bill. Odds are these bills won’t get much traction, but the fact remains, the anti’s are still active and looking for any opportunity to capitalize where they can. That is why we need to suppo...
69 - Kyle Kaatz Interview - Kaatz Bros Lures
December 10, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBIn this episode I interview Kyle Kaatz, of Kaatz Brothers lures. We talk about how he got started in business at 15 years old and his experience over the past 30 years in the trapping industry. Kyle is a wealth of knowledge and I really enjoyed this interview, its always good talking to other trappers. We discuss the future of trapping and the fur industry and why Kyle is optimistic, along with some other trapping business topics. Be sure to support Kaatz Bros, the new sponsor of the p...
68 – Texas Trapline Summary
December 06, 2019 02:36 - 53 minutes - 66.4 MBIn this episode I discuss my recent trapping trip to west Texas. Man what an awesome experience just to get to travel to a different place and try your hand at catching critters in a new landscape, as well as the possibility of catching new critters you’ve never trapped! I’d hoped to trap a mountain lion, unfortunately despite a good bit of sign, we never connected on one. O well, there’s always next year right. Regardless, I learned a bunch, had a great time, and experienced some aweso...
67 – Trapline Location and Strategy
November 23, 2019 04:58 - 31 minutes - 40.9 MBIn this episode I give some of my thoughts on trap location, things to look for and key in on, specifically for coyotes and foxes. Intersections are a major area of interest. Also large landscape features like rivers, powerlines, interstates, these can all help direct animals and affect their travel patterns. I also discuss some of my thoughts on strategy and how you may be able to increase your catch by ensuring you are targeting different family groups and looking for key dispersal rout...
No excuses - Just Trap
November 15, 2019 17:00 - 15 minutes - 19.1 MBIn this quick episode I get right down to the nitty gritty. There is all kinds of debate about the best trap to use for coyotes and you can really get bogged down and not get started if you get too caught up in it. If you're interested in trapping don't let that worry you, just get some traps and get started. You can adjust your setup down the road, its more important to get the experience than it is for everything to be perfect. Be sure to visit www.coyotetrappingschool.com to learn ...
66 – Guy Groenewold – Groenewold Fur and Wool
November 13, 2019 04:16 - 43 minutes - 58.1 MBIn this episode I talk with Guy Groenewold of Groenewold Fur and Wool. They are fur buyers that are expanding their purchasing area as a result of NAFA shutting down. I reached out to Guy before the NAFA announcement because they’ve been buying fur in the south for several years now and will actually buy some furs green, particularly beavers, which is quite a big interest area as beavers are especially time consuming to put up. As a fur buyer, one major upside to dealing with GF&W is that...
65 - NAFA No More
November 06, 2019 03:28 - 36 minutes - 46.1 MB65 – NAFA No More – Coyote Trapping School Podcast In this episode I talk about the many rumors that have been surrounding North American Fur Auctions lately. On November 4th NAFA announced filing for creditor protection, similar to chapter 11 bankruptcy. There are still many questions to be answered. Many trappers still have fur at NAFA, and of course the new trapping season is upon us. What are the options for selling your fur this season? This season may again be tough but hopeful...
64 – Black Coyotes and Coydogs
October 30, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 50.5 MBIn this episode I dive into some research papers on genetics of coyotes, wolves, and dogs, looking to answer the question that comes up at least once a year about coydogs. In doing so I also run across an interesting paper that may explain what causes the melanistic, or black coyote. Black coyotes are not common, but they aren’t necessarily uncommon either. Trappers catch them on occasion and hunters usually have pictures of black coyotes on their trail cameras. See the links to article...
63 - New Trapper Interview Ryan Dotson
October 25, 2019 02:57 - 48 minutes - 58.4 MBIn this episode I interview Ryan Dotson, a beginner trapper who just recently attended the Fur Taker’s of America – Trapper’s College. We discuss the setup of the college and what the day to day schedule looks like. We also talk about Ryan’s significant weight loss and the benefit it is to all of us to keep a focus on our health. As always be sure to go to www.coyotetrappingschool.com to learn more about coyote trapping. Items discussed in the podcast Fur Takers of America – https://w...
62 - Survey Results
October 16, 2019 10:48 - 25 minutes - 32.2 MBIn this episode I discuss the results of the survey I recently sent out.