The Science of Trapping: Old-Time Lessons on Catching Animals for Fur

“Trapping in itself is an art.” —Elmer Harry Kreps

In recent years, the fur trade has experienced a rebirth as nations such as Russia and China demand more and more of these fine pelts. Answering this demand is a growing contingent of modern-day trappers, poised to reap the rewards of this economic boom. While many have the niftiest gadgets and tools at their disposal when capturing animals, others still use time-tested trapping techniques.

Such techniques originated and were perfected in the...