AboutMongo Expertise I can answer most basic questions concerning predator trapping and some water trapping. Questions about lures, baits, sets, traps, trap treatment, modification, sizes, equipment, usage, etc. I have been certified by the Okla. Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, First Okla. Trapper`s Assoc., and the Okla. State Univ. Extension Service as a trapping instructor, and in years past have given classes to people wishing to learn the sport...I also have a number of years experience in predator calling and can provide some basic answers to these questions as well.
Experience
Past/Present clients As far as teaching what I know to others. I take this to be what you mean here... I have helped my son, and son in law, as well as a number of others in this area, to get started in trapping and predator calling... I have had personal instruction from professional government ADC specialists, and I have 30 years experience running my own traplines, and over a half century of experience in the outdoors...... I have a friend who is a troop leader with the Boy Scouts. In the past I have done several demonstrations on trapping and predator calling for the boys, and on a number of occasions have helped the troop to set up and run a trapline during the winter, with proceeds going to the troop.
Question i just moved into adair county and i haven't found any public land to trap on do you have any suggestions on a place to trap.i moved here from central arkansas and didn't have a problem there finding a place.
Answer Hello Don,
While I do live in Oklahoma, I have never trapped on any of the public land here... I have fished, hunted, and called predators on public land, but never trapped it. Let me make a few suggestions first, then I will get to the subject of the public land/Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) here... To begin, I would suggest that you go and talk to the ranchers, farmers, and land owners in your area. Ask them about obtaining permission to trap their land. Tell them that you will be targeting coyotes and beaver (they like to hear that), among other animals, and that you will respect their land, you will close every gate you open, NOT leave any trash, let them know if you see any fences down or any problems of any kind, and the only way they would even be able to tell you had been there, unless they see you, would be the tracks you may leave in the dirt...and if they give you permission ask them for descriptions of their dogs and cats so that you can be sure to release them if you accidently catch them, and ask what they want you to do with other dogs you may catch.......... You could also contact the local game ranger and the local state ADC (animal damage control) person in that area. Both of these people may be able to help you with suggestions of places to trap or people to talk to... Another suggestion is to join the state trapping association and attend the meetings, or even give one of the officers a call, explain your situation, and ask if they could make any suggestions.... Any or all of these places and people could be in a position to help you find a place to trap.
Now, as to the public land (WMA).... I would suggest you check out the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation websight... http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/ ..... then click on "Hunting", then "Public Hunting Information", then in the description paragraph click on "Wildlife Management Areas", then "Management Area Descriptions and User Information".... This will take you to a map showing all the WMA locations in the state. There is also a listing below the map with information on each of the WMA's... This link may work for you...... http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wmastate.htm
Also, be sure to check the trapping regulations for not only the state of Oklahoma, but also for each WMA you plan to check out. A few of the WMA's may vary in some of their specific rules or regulations. The Okla. Department of Wildlife Conservation websight will also have all of the trapping regulations and laws for the state, along with people to contact for information... If you have any problems with any specific rules or regulations, just give the local game ranger a call, and he can help you with them.
