PREFACE. 1 1 



boasting like many a man who has followed the Trail and 

 Trap Line. Every word that he says or writes can be put 

 down as truthful beyond a doubt. 



At this time, (May, 1912) he was afraid he would 

 never be able to get out on the trap line again, as he was 

 suffering from rheumatism and heart trouble. Towards 

 fall he became better, and enjoyed the sport, which for 

 more than fifty years has been his may he be spared to 

 enjoy many more. 



By noting the dates as given in connection with various 

 articles published, it will be seen that Mr. Woodcock 

 shortly after 1900 began to point out the need of protec- 

 tion to game and fur animals. After a life on the trap 

 and trail of more than fifty years, such advice should be 

 far reaching. Mr. Woodcock is a man of unusual foresight 

 and knowing that he is nearing the end of the trail, wishes 

 to forcibly impress the needs of protection. 



By referring to a good map, you will be able to see the 

 location of many of Mr. Woodcock's hunting, camping and 

 trapping trips, as he generally mentions State, County and 

 Streams. 



Very few men have had wider experience than Mr. 

 Woodcock. He knows from more than a half century 

 much of the habits and characteristics of animals. He 

 gives his reasons why marten are plentiful in one section 

 and are gone in a few days. His reason too, looks plausible. 

 He describes trapping wolves in Upper Michigan about 

 1880, also beaver. Tells how he caught the "shadow of 

 the forests" as wolves are often called by trappers they 

 are so hard to trap. By reading of his many experiences 

 you will not only enjoy what he says, but will get facts 



