OBSTINATE ORNERY OTTERS
Otters can be frustrating targets, and even with good numbers catching them is never a sure thing, mostly because they have all of the good cards in their hand. They cover a hundred miles or more in a single circuit — not including long side trips. Add the fact that rustling grub is never a problem for them, and you have one tough trapline target.
Are otters consistent?
Is the weather consistent? Otters can suddenly appear then just as quickly vanish for a year or more. My personal catch records indicate that family groups or loners might suddenly show up once, then quit for new digs. Like a veteran otter man once told me: “About all you can be certain of is that there are otter out there … somewhere.”
OUT FOR OTTERS
I enjoy trapping for otters and I really like catching otters, but it’s the in-between that takes a toll. For me, at least, pursuing otters is as much hunting as it is setting and fur scouting at every opportunity no matter where I might be. Possible trapping locations abound if you look past the conventional spots, and with otters, unconventional equals success.
Searching for hard sign is vital and everything from fresh, wet tracks
