Trapping Season 2016-2017

It has been a pretty slow season for me here in Wisconsin, as I just had a baby two months ago, and started my trapping season just two weeks later.  So having a little one made trapping a bit more difficult but I did manage to get some sets out, 12 in total, and as usual, only targeting coyotes.

Here are some of the highlights of my season thus far and I'll keep adding more as the season progresses:

Caught my first beaver in an otter set!

I also had an unusual number of nuisance skunk calls this late in the season; I think the warm weather kept the skunks more active than on a usual year when they would already be hibernating.

I dispatch skunks using the recommended method by the American Veterinary Association: 12 cc of Acetone injected into the heart with a surgical syringe.  Due to the fine sharpness of the syringe, the skunk cannot feel the injection, and when the acetone is pushed into the heart, the skunk's heart immediately stops.  The skunk feels no pain, proven by it never spraying, and it allows me to also harvest the essence from the glands.

Male Red Fox caught in a Bridger 2 dogless on a drag.

"Smiley :)"

If you've been following my blog from last season, you might remember that I caught and released 5 bobcats.  So far this season, I've only caught and released this one, a huge male.  The population is still VERY high but I haven't been catching them because I am purposely avoiding trapping anywhere that I have found bobcat sign.  It dramatically reduces the areas where I can coyote trap, but catching and releasing bobcats is very time consuming and a waste of your time since you cannot harvest the fur.

Caught in a Bridger 2 Dogless on a drag, released unharmed.  I use very expensive traps that come with modifications such as offset jaws and laminations, shock springs, and extra swivels so that I can ensure that the welfare of the animal is never compromised, that blood circulation is never cut off, and that there is no paw damage whatsoever.

Here is the highlight of my season thus far: I caught a 150 pound black bear.  Usually, bears are hibernating this time of year, but due to the strange warm weather we have had (70 degrees in November), bears are still out and about.  I caught this little male in a coyote set, Bridger 2 dogless on a drag.  Of course he was released unharmed due to Wisconsin not having a bear trapping season but also because he is little.  There is no paw damage whatsoever due to my choice to use traps that I can put my own hand in.  Bridger 2 dogless traps come with laminations and offset jaws so circulation is never compromised, the shock springs ensure that he cannot "yank" and hurt himself, the laminations and offset jaws ensure that the trap never cuts into his fur or toes.  Upon opening the trap, the bear ran off unharmed.

Released this female badger unharmed because Wisconsin doesn't allow trapping them since it's the state animal.  Caught in a Bridger 2 dogless coyote set on Southern Snares and Supply's CAPITAL PUNISHMENT predator bait and BOBCAT JELLY URINE.

Bearfoot Furs

Here are some examples of the hats that I handstitch from either my own tanned furs or from yours!  Please email me at skyeskyegoode@gmail.com if interested or have any questions!  Please note that this is a hobby that I do in my "spare time", therefore my turnaround times can vary depending on hunting/trapping seasons and my work schedule!

I do not have an official website to order from, but rather you can visit my facebook page:  Bearfoot Furs

Update 01/09/2024: I was recently made aware that I haven't updated this page in a while.  Below is the copy and pasted summary that I have on my facebook page:

FAQ's and Price List: PLEASE READ BEFORE MESSAGING, as your question might be answered below:

-We DO NOT do any tanning ourselves and WILL NOT accept your green/frozen furs.

-At this time, we DO NOT make vests, mittens, scarves, dresses, or any other type of clothing other than headwear.

-I have plenty of tanned pelts in stock myself, but if you would like to buy your own pelts to be made into hats, I recommend www.fntpost.com or www.glacierwear.com for larger companies, but encourage you to buy from a local trapper during this low market period.

-I will NOT accept any pelts that are poorly tanned at home unless they are exceptionally done, which is rare. I will not accept any pelts that have been tanned using the "orange bottle" or if they are greasy, stiff, or have a wet dog smell.

-Turnaround time from when I receive your fur to when I ship your finished hat is currently 12 weeks.

-No we don't have a website; just Facebook. I do not accept phone calls, email/messages only please.

-I DO NOT do any type of head taxidermy or soft mounts.

-Depending on the condition, we may be able to take older pelts, such as vintage fur coats or shawls, and turn them into hats if you so desire.

-Prices vary so greatly depending on each style and species. Some species of fur, for example fox, are so thin that they require me to take a couple extra steps prior to sewing that are very time consuming. In the same respect, thicker species, like beaver, also have a couple extra steps prior to sewing, therefore the price of labor could be higher.

-Down payments are non-refundable. If you do not pay in full when your hat is finished, it will be sold to the public.

-The “universal fit” for trapper style hats is for adults with a head circumference of 22-24”, so be sure to mention sizes outside that range for a better custom sizing. All other styles will require a head size prior to making.

Generally speaking, here is a basic price list that is VERY subject to change, again, depending on your wants/needs. Prices do not include shipping. Pelts must be professionally soft/garment tanned to be acceptable for sewing.

**Using YOUR fur***

•Trapper (full, leather, two-tone) hats: $250

•Russian hats: $300 (this style discontinued as of 7/22/2022)

•Headbands: $125

•Pillbox Hats and Coon Skin Caps: $150

•Mountain Man Hats: $300

•Adding fur to jacket hood: $150

Add $35 to any hat for “fur balls” on the ends of braided ties.

Anything not listed is $15/hour of sewing/labor plus materials and shipping.

Add $100 for any hat made from bear, Buffalo, ox, or similar hide due to extensive prep work required.

Fake Fur Hood Replacements: