~Trapping- experience a bit of Alaska history~

Beluga is a fur trapping paradise! With the open of the season November 10th of each year, lodge owner and guide Joe Caraway begins the traditional Alaska winter activity of trapping. Seasons vary for each species, and often vary from year to year based on wildlife management practices.

A day on the trapline begins at daybreak. That could be as late as 9 or 10 am on the shortest winter days. You will load up the snowmachines, or snowmachine directly from the lodge, depending on what trapline needs to be run. As you check each trap, enjoying the Alaska winter scenery, the possibilities for what you might run across are as endless as the miles between you and another human being. Browsing moose dot the willow thickets. You might catch a glimpse of a fox darting into the woods, or you can watch ravens scavenging, or you can explore a run down trappers cabin from years past. Always on the lookout for tracks from various animals, stop and enjoy a trailside lunch beneath ice waterfalls or on top of Little Susitna mountain with a view of Cook Inlet.

With a sled full of the day's catch (hopefully), head home near sunset, which could be as early as 4 or 5 pm. Walk into a warm cabin and have a hearty meal, after which you could curl up by the fire and reminisce about the day, plan for the next, skin the day's catch, read a book... whatever you feel like doing! 

The target species for the trapline are the traditional animals of Alaska. Beaver trapping is easiest to do in early winter, when snowfall hasn't hindered the process too severely, yet the lakes and streams have frozen over. Finding active beaver lodges is a practice in observation, and locating the place to chop the ice and set a 330 Conibear is an art, but is easily left up to Joe as you partake in the process to whatever degree you wish. Beaver hides are a tough, popular fur for Alaska outdoor wear, and Beluga Beaver have a dark chestnut color with reddish highlights.

Marten, or sable, are another species that is prolific in the area. These members of the weasel family are trapped taking advantage of their natural curiosity. A leaning pole is put against a tree, with the leghold trap at the meeting point, or a bucket is attached to a tree with a 110 Conibear inside. On each method, a bit of bait is hung, a dab of lure is added, and you're off to scout for the next trap site. The soft, fine, reddish fur is commonly used for luxurious fur coats.

Wolves are also prolific around T.C. Lewis Lodge, as their population has skyrocketed in recent years. These majestic canines are a challenge to trap, with snaring and legholds the two best methods. Well-packed trails they follow lace through the woods, follow rivers, and will ultimately lead to their latest kill, where the trappers work begins. Extreme care must be taken with wolves, using only clean gloves to artfully set snares into place over a trail, and caution not to let one's nose drip. One thing out of place sets their senses off, and you'll miss the catch. Occasionally, while working a kill site, the pack has hung nearby, and their songs fill the woods.

Other species found in the area are wolverine, coyote, fox, and lynx. Each presents its own unique set of challenges and rewards. We invite you to come experience the rustic reality of the wilderness with trapping partner that knows not only the laws, but also the fine-tune details to the art of trapping. All traplines are run by snowmachine, with some snowshoeing sporadically required. 

T.C. Lewis Lodge also runs Trapping Schools, typically in the month of March. The pictures above with groups of people were taken during the 2002 trapping school. These educational outdoor excursions are completely hands-on. Ages of participants can range from as young as you feel your daughter or son will benefit, even as young as 5 or 6 years old, through high school. We feel that trapping education is essential to the understanding and survival of this tradition, and the necessity of sound wildlife management can be learned best by witnessing it.  

Click Here to View Trapping School Curriculum