Nope. We're not talking about knowing any particular material. We're not talking about knowing techniques. We're talking about CONFIDENCE (see our confident faces above).

To be a successful trapper you need confidence. And I prefer a lot of it. 

You need to have confidence in what you know, your plan, your execution, and your ability. Everything you do, every set you make, should have purpose. I don't set a single trap with low expectations. If you do, you're wasting time. Every trap I put in the ground, cover, and blend, I walk back to the truck telling myself, "oh, that's gonna catch a dog". 

If you're doubting the effectiveness of confidence, let's fix your thinking. When you're confident in what you know, even if you lack experience, your movements, decisions, and speed are all sharpened. You move with purpose. Even if you're making a mistake, or don't follow protocol to the "T", confident action will help to get you in and out of the set faster. 

If you get...

The best defense is a good offense! So we want to share with you the top 10 things you MUST DO before you start trapping this season! 

RPA's Top 10 Pre-Season Must-Do's! (click this link for a free download of our checklist)

When something is worth doing, it's worth doing well. And there is no better way to be ready for your trapping season than to make sure your ducks are in a row well before your season opener! The easiest way to let the predators on your property slip away is to not be prepared. 

The NUMBER ONE task we strongly recommend you complete prior to the trapping opener in your state is: GET LEGAL. This consists of acquiring all appropriate licenses and tags as well as diligently reviewing all current rules and regulations in your area. Confidently staying in good legal standing is the best way to make sure your season is a positive one. This will also help keep this pursuit alive and well for generations to come - and that's what it's all about! 

For...

These days there are infinite ways to learn how to perform any number of new skills. But when it comes to predator trapping the methods have been the same for decades. In years past many people could point to or name the person who taught them how to trap but today this encounter looks a little bit different - especially when it comes to the next generation of trappers. 

Last month the RPA team had the opportunity to present at the World Deer Expo and the National Trappers Association's annual conventions. At these shows we got to know a wide range of folks who love the outdoors and after a while we started to notice a trend. The vast majority of people, both young and old, who have attempted to learn how to predator trap have used the same tool: YouTube. 

We were also shocked by the number of young men we met who dragged their parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles to these shows. I guess "dragged" isn't the right word here...It's more like, the kids developed an...