CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR 



TRAPPING METHODS 



TRAPPING in Louisiana is not the highly specialized pro- 

 fession, if the word may be used, it is elsewhere in 

 North America and where the fur is less plentiful. 

 The taking of the fur animals, esspecially the muskrat, is 

 almost a matter of luck, and Vernon Bailey cannot be 

 censured for claiming that the trapping methods in use 

 here are "crude and wasteful of the fur crop, as well 

 as the time and energy of the trappers." 



When Mr. Bailey first explored our muskrat marshes 

 he found the traps most generally in use where the Gibb° 

 "two-tigger traps," which catch and hold or kill the animal 

 by having the third jaw fly over and strike the body of 

 the animal after the smaller jaws had caught and held ii 

 by one foot. 



This is the Gibbs "two trigger" trap that catches the 

 animal over the body as well as holding it fast by the leg. 



The Gibbs traps have been very popular with the musk- 

 rat trappers. Many, however, still prefer the Victor traps, 

 which have done duty in the marshes for generations, and 

 the Nos. 0, 1, and 2 are preferred. 



The question of traps is sure to bring up heated argu- 

 ments on the marsh. Many of the veteran trappers claim 

 that the use of the two-trigger Gibbs trap has been the 

 cause of the present decrease in the Louisiana muskrat 

 population. Other trappers, just as experienced and adept 



