2002 proved to be an interesting year on the trapline in terms of diversity. For one, my cousin, Berin Jackson, was able to join up with the regular crew for several days while possibly playing a bit of “hookie” from Western Illinois University. In terms of fur, there was also a great deal of variety and some records established along the way in regards to the totals on beaver and likely skunk, although stats on the latter over the years are unofficial at best.

Left to right: Terry Jackson, Brent Jackson, Berin Jackson, Troy Jackson and Richard Jackson with a varied haul of 4 muskrats, 3 coons and a pair of coyotes.

Coons 130+
Muskrat 14
Beaver 20
Mink 1
Coyote 2
Weasel 1
Skunk 10+
Opossum 30+ (???)

One of our record 20 beaver from 2002, this one tipped the scales at 60 pounds.

By 2002, the area that Dad and Uncle Dick had trapped for years was beginning to see some changes in terms of ownership and access. This trend would continue and eventually permission to most of the ground would be ceded to other trappers as well as the bane of the local outdoors enthusiasts, the pay to play crowd. But for many years, we had quite a fascinating outdoor classroom as described in an excerpt from an article I posted back in November of 2002.

“To wrap up this article, I’d like to provide a little history of one of the areas we are currently trapping. The overall area is known as Wilson’s and includes Pat’s Creek, The Big Timber and Earl’s. It is located in Henderson County roughly between Rozetta and Bald Bluff if that helps. Dad estimates that he began visiting this area nearly forty years ago after gaining permission along with a friend whose wife’s uncle was Earl Wilson, who farmed the land. Over the years the area has provided many hours of outdoor enjoyment through hunting, fishing, camping, trapping and nature observation. Hunting includes coons, deer, squirrels, doves, ducks, frogs, rabbits, mushrooms and ginseng. Fishing was done by rod and reel, jugs, bankpoles and throwlines in ponds and Pat’s Creek. Camping included family outings often during Memorial or Labor Day weekends. Trapping includes coons, muskrat, beaver, mink, opossum and skunks. A diverse plant and animal population provides plenty of opportunity to observe nature and the scenery of The Big Timber is fantastic. Rocky bluffs overlook a rock bottom creek with small waterfalls and rocks loaded with fossils from the days when our part of the world was under the sea.

Of course, things change over time. The ponds have dried up or silted in to the point that they no longer sustain a fish population and logging has taken some of the timber. Numerous people scour the woods with or without permission leaving their mark rather than leaving things as they found them. Regardless, there is still plenty to enjoy and we continue to appreciate the opportunity to get outdoors.”

Talk to you later. Troy