Character Study

Our trapping guide is an experienced trapper with self-effacing body language and a quiet, thoughtful voice. While we were learning from him there were three instances that really struck me as telling of his character.

As we were standing on the ice and he prepared branches and traps he asked, "You know PETA?"

"Ye-es," I answered uncertainly, not sure where this might be going.

"They are actually really good. They made sure that all trapping has to be humane trapping now. Fur buyers can tell if an animal suffered when it was trapped - they struggle and their blood all goes to the surface and into the skin - and they won't buy furs from anyone who traps that way. That's good."

That was as far as he took the conversation. He made his point. He is not a man of many words.

Later, in response to three dogs that followed us out onto the ice the second day. They clearly knew that we were there to get something good and looked quite eager about the idea of leftovers. The students commented that they were afraid of the middle "ugly" one, as he barked a lot.

Our guide's response; "Yeah, that one isn't really ours. We keep trying to chase it away. But we have to feed it, because if we don't, no one else will."

And then on our last day together. He was explaining that sometimes beavers run out of food during the winter due to various reasons from changing water levels to harsher weather than usual. In that case, a beaver will find a crack in the ice, squeeze himself through it and go look for a fresh tree to chew down and strip for food. At this time the beaver is very vulnerable to predators, as his summer escape route of water is blocked by a wall of ice. He shared that his father was a trapper and always told him to leave those beaver alone, as they are already having a hard enough time of it. They don't need human predators after them, too.

His additional comment; "Usually then, I take my saw and find one of their favourite trees (aspen) and cut it down and leave it near the lodge. The next day when I come back the branches are all gone."

Each comment was made with a half-smile, as if reflecting on the craziness of this world.

And I am blessed to be a part of his community.