Alaska Trapper magazine editor eager to hit the ‘line’
Published Monday, October 5, 2009
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FAIRBANKS — The fact he’s not a trapper — at least not yet — doesn’t bother Ryan Ragan, the new editor for Alaska Trapper, the official magazine of the Alaska Trappers Association.
Ragan said he’s ready and willing to learn what life on the ‘line’ as trappers like to call it, is all about.
“Trapping is something I’ve always been interested in but I’ve never been in a situation where I knew a lot of people that trapped,” said Ragan, an avid hunter and fisherman. “I admire the guys that are doing it. I question people who wouldn’t want to live like that.”
While he hasn’t run out and purchased traps and a snowmachine to start his own trapline yet, Ragan said he intends to get out and see what trapping is all about when trapping season opens next month.
“Chances are I’ll probably get out on the trapline a few times to generate content for the magazine and learn about trapping,” Ragan said.
Neither is ATA president Randy Zarnke, who hired Ragan, worried about Ragan’s lack of trapping experience. His passion for the outdoors trumped any concern about Ragan’s lack of trapping experience, Zarnke said.
“Ryan has indicated that he is eager to get out on the line with folks,” Zarnke said. “We’ll do our best to make that happen.”
Ragan moved to Fairbanks from Wyoming in May with his wife, Shawna, who was born and raised in North Pole, and their two children, 4-year-old daughter, Cylin, and 1-year-old son, Cohen.
He grew up in Wyoming and Massachusetts, but Ragan said he has always been fascinated with Alaska. The fact that his wife grew up in North Pole and her family still lives there made the move an easy decision, Ragan said. He and his wife had already made the decision to move to Fairbanks when he saw an ad for a new editor at Alaska Trapper while perusing the News-Miner classified ads online before they drove north.
“I thought, “That would be really, really cool,” Ragan said.
He contacted Zarnke, who told Ragan to call him for an interview when he arrived in Fairbanks. A few days later, Ragan had a new gig. The arrangement suits Ragan, who plans to pursue a master’s degree in creative writing at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in his spare time.
Given his love for the outdoors and his wife’s roots in Fairbanks, it was only a matter of time before they came north, even if it did take a while to convince his wife to sell everything they owned and move to Alaska, Ragan said.
“Eventually we saw ourselves going to Alaska,” he said. “We’re young enough right now that if we were going to do this Alaska thing we need to do it now.”
So far, things are going well. Shawna, who has a master’s in social work, got a job as a counselor at Hope Counseling in Fairbanks and Ryan is looking forward to experiencing his first Fairbanks winter, despite all the horror stories he has heard about the cold weather. It can’t be much worse than the wind in Wyoming, he said.
With a circulation of about 900, Alaska Trapper is the official voice of the Alaska Trappers Association. It is published eight months per year, from September to April. It is distributed to ATA members in 37 states, Canada and a few foreign countries, Ragan said.
Most of the content in the magazine comes from ATA members, but Ragan, who received a journalism degree from the University of Wyoming, plans to do some writing once the trapping season opens in November. Despite his cheechako status, Ragan is hoping trappers will help educate him about about trapping in Alaska. He eventually would like to set up his own trapline.
“One thing I do have is a tremendous desire to learn,” Ragan said.
His first issue of the magazine came out in September and featured a photo of his daughter, Cylin, holding a red salmon that Ragan caught in the Klutina River this summer, one of several fishing expeditions the family took.
Ragan, who spent a few years working for newspapers in Wyoming and also worked as a photographer and graphic designer at a community college, isn’t planning on any major changes to the magazine.
“The two biggest changes in the magazine members will see from past issues will include changes in layout and changes in the type of paper use to print the magazine,” he said. “I have a few other minor things concerning how content is organized that will be slightly different, but overall, subscribers should expect to continue to see great stories, tips and information on trapping.”
Ragan hopes to incorporate more hunting stories in the magazine, too, as well as stories involving children’s experiences trapping.
His main goal is to generate more content from trappers who have stories to tell and tips to offer. He wants trappers to look forward to the arrival of the magazine each month and hopes they will want to contribute to it.
“When a member sees their photo or article in the magazine I want them to be really jazzed about it so it will give them something to brag about,” he said. “I want them to be able to say, ‘I’ve been published in Alaska Trapper magazine.’”
Community Discussion
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Trappers are the world's laziest cowards with no hunting skills. It takes skill to hunt and kill an animal for food. A trap captures all kinds of animals including protected species and they die a horrible and slow death. We've found the abandoned bodies of unwanted, trapped species, dumped on our dirt road.
People who abuse animals by trapping also abuse people. Trappers have no place in modern society. Very few trap animals for food.
I agree. I've encountered animals on traplines with dislocated joints, in shock. It's a terrible thing to see. Trapping is a ridiculous, primitive activity that potentially puts an animal through unecessary pain before death. All for a few skins and a reason for someone to go outdoors.
Thanks for enlightening me TT. For all this time, I thought that the worlds laziest cowards were found in front of computer screens making unfounded generalized statements. You would be surprised as to how much skill is required to be a successful trapper. Like to chat more but I have to drag my lazy self to work.
Trappers should slam their hand in a car door and have to chew their wrist off to free themselves. Maybe then they would stop this barbaric practice. Go out and find a real job or sport that doesn't torture animals.
Ryan, I'd love to give you some traps to get started. I'll get in touch with the association and make sure they get to you.
Welcome and good luck! Don't pay any attention to the above stupid comments,"they know not of what they speak"!
" For all this time, I thought that the worlds laziest cowards were found in front of computer screens making unfounded generalized statements."
Great point...well said
I was born in Alaska to a native family who would not exist today had it not been for trapping and hunting. While I have and still can earn a living doing other things I choose to live in the country where the land provides all we need to live a very pleasing and healthy life. Doing so we actually contribute to the economy our state, country and village by bringing in new money instead of milking the public system for our existence. As a military veteran I have served my country and I also was in public service for decades. I say these things because most people who post on these kinds of stories have no idea what they are taking about and they present themselves to be mean spirited and damning toward others who really do work hard for a minimal living, who are givers not takers and who are really good people who are generally willing to help anyone in need. I really feel sorry for those who are caught up and so entangled in trying to discredit, even destroy, good people.
I am hoping that Ryan Ragan will contribute in such a way that will encourage others in their endeavors at earning a living in the wilds of our great Alaska.
God bless all,
A trapper.
I'm curious, what protected animals do people get as by-catch in Alaska? Some of the protected otters might conceivably be trapped, though in reality they're incredibly difficult to trap without deliberately targeting. Polar Bears? Seals? Whales? Bycatch of these species is not a problem. None of the threatened or endangered bird species are hanging around in the winter, or those that are still around aren't trappable.
Trapping requires immense skill, unlike hunting which can be done out of a truck. Trap placement, lure selection, and even the position of trap lines require quite a bit of knowledge. I'm quite sure that most random people, even those with outdoors experience, couldn't do it.
I think people have this cartoon version of trapping that they think of when they think of trapping. I pretty sure it's not the same version of reality that actual trappers go through.
After the pipeline in the late 70's early 80's I was living in a cabin near Ester (my son is living there now) and I trapped while going to school at UAF. I had trapped before casually, but now I was serious. Fur was high and all the easy lines were taken. I got what was left. It was the hardest work for the least money I ever did. Most seasons I would make between $3500/$4500 November to March. We heated with wood and had a garden. We would eat the muskrats and beaver we caught and ate squirrels also (not bad but small). Fished at Chitina and on the Tanana in the fall. I worked the Slope in the summer. Sold firewood. Best time of my life. But hard, hard work. Most of my by-catch was squirrels and grey jays, sometimes rabbits. Then I had kids and the shackles came on. I still remember when I was young and strong and on the country. I was lucky.
Tundra, gaia, nancy:
I agree completely. Trapping is a throwback whose time is gone. Long gone. The only reason to continue trapping is to satisfy some inhumane urge and call it "sport".
(Plus, what in the world is up with this guy's kids' names? Talk about torture...)
wow pattijo...can you explain to us why liberals are obsessed with other people's children? pretty creepy...
If you don't like to hunt, that's fine. If you don't like to trap that's fine. At least be mature about your comments. If it were not for hunting, fishing and trapping America would not be here, let alone most other countries.
tinpan; good point!! and i agree! and also, if you dont hunt/trap who cares, (but urself). keep ur negative comments to yourself. i trapped and hunted all my life. i love it, i enjoy it, and i will continue to do it. my family has been doing it for years, and i will continue to teach my children and their children.
What about girls that trap, Mr. Editor?
Trapping is THE BEST way to offsset cabin fever.
TundraTrekker...Gaia...Nancy..PattiJo
Are you all on PETA's payroll? Your words sounds familiar to the crap that spews forth from Priscilla Feral and Ingrid Newkirk's mouths!
TT...not everyone lives in the "modern society" as you call it. There are those that live considerable distance from modern society and live the "hunter and gatherer" lifestyle still to this day! They do not have the luxury of a Wal-mart, Freddies or Safeway! Maybe if you go live with some of your northern neighbors over there in Canada TT, you'll be able to experience first-hand what they actually go through just to survive! Try it some time, Tundra, it just might give you a different perspective on how tough subsistence life really is!
its what we do,i speak for most trappers and we do it out of respect for the animals,the land,our way of life,lets say the lynx,this cat will starve to death,eat each other,die off with no rabbits,they have a menu better then yours,still rather have their rabbits,nothing else,so we as trappers trap & snare them,as human as possibly put them down,alot of repect there folks and barely get by doing it,its our way of life,nobody will tell us how to trap,not the lower 48 or anywhere else,so my trapping brothers,1-month away,be careful out there & take care.
Good luck to Ragan, I'm also looking fwd to hitting the trapline next month.
A word to Tundra Trekker et al, who make such assumptions and generalize about an entire group. I say with all due respect that to do so is extremely naive. It's like when some hunters generalize about other hunters or conservationists who have differing views on what is best for conservation and ecosystems, and label them "antis" and "greenies."
Been living in the remote bush now going on thirty years. Have trapped most of that time. Have clothed myself, my wife and kids we raised out here on the furs from animals I've trapped. Have eaten some of the animals I've trapped. It isn't an easy thing both mentally and physically, trapping. Not for me anyway. In all my years snowshoeing and standing on the rig behind my dogteam, I think I've learned more about the woods, about real survival, about the animal world, than I could have any other way. I've also learned more about myself and the dogs I so love who help me get around still.
To paint people like me as "the world's laziest cowards with no hunting skills" is truly absurd.
Sincerely,
Mark
Trapping is lame
I'd like to take some of the "Lame and Lazy" thinkers out on the trapline at 40 below. I'm sure they would give me some new places to hang wolf snares.
TundraTrekker
Gaia
Nancy
Steelrsrv
Here's a better idea. Instead of you going out and seeing what real life is all about in the bush and on a trapline...just stay in your cozy little "buffer zone." If you wander outside, you may just get snared! Wait a minute it's too late...you're already snared into the line of thinking of the anti-hunters and anti-trappers!
Conibear
Trapping is the legalised torture of wild animals. Didn't someone in Anchorage go to jail for trapping his neighbors dog? Why is it OK to trap a wolf but not a pet dog. Seems to me the death is the same, slow and painful. I say we get rid of trapping and make hunting the harvest method for fur.
roadtrip,
Probably the same reason you can't hunt your neighbors dog, cat, horse, or cow. Did you really think that part through before typing it?
And maybe you need to think it through a bit further before throwing out that "trapping is the legalised torture of wild animals." I am pretty sure you have set a mouse trap, rat trap, or a trap for hornets at some time. Same thing. It is just a tool that if used properly gets the job done. In many places of western Alaska, it is probably the only way that helps keep the fox population in check to prevent the spread of rabies.
If anything, trapping is probably the hardest way to harvest an animal. Pretty easy to shoot something from 300 yards away. Quite another trick to get a wary animal to step on a certain 2" diameter spot out of all of the oudoors.
Just my 2 cents.
TundraTrekker is in Canada and very much a bunny hugger....max0330.She also supports Defenders of Wildlife.
NotPc
Knew he/she was in Canada and gathered he/she was a bunny hugger! Probably uses Shell No Pest Strips under the arms for deodorant! LOL!
I came to this thread looking for dobie inanities, and leave disappointed.
What?
Long live Peta, Defenders of wildlife, Greenpeace, Friends of Animals, HSUS and ASPCA. Tree loving, bunny hugger and proud of it.
"Probably the same reason you can't hunt your neighbors dog, cat, horse, or cow. Did you really think that part through before typing it?"
jwcahc, I did think it through, and you used your powers of rationalization in your rebuttal. If your neighbor's cat, dog, or horse comes on to your property and are not welcome you may be within your rights to shoot it and kill it. But under no circumstance can you set a trap for it. If you set a trap for it and it gets caught in that trap and slowly starves or freezes to death you will probably be investigated and charged with animal cruelty. Is that to hard to understand or would you like more detail?
Anyway, if you want to trap then have fun, just don't kid yourself about what you are doing. Trapping just gives the PETA crowd more ammo, and few dislike PETA more then me.
http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/...
As usual I'm not surprised by the comments on here attacking our Alaska way of life. Don't be fooled most of the people commenting on here live out of state and somehow think their comments will change our way of living. they must have permanent links to the newsminer so they can all make comments at once. Trapping is an Alaska way of life, you'll never change the way we live our life.
Trapping IS cruel and barbaric. Trapping is an aweful way to make an animal die, especially since often times said animal dies a slow and agonizing death.
It takes a real heartless coward to go out, set a trap and make an animal die in such a barbaric way. I'm an avid outdoorsman and use subsistence as a way to feed my family.
However, I have never and never will have anything to do with trapping as it's the most disgusting and cruel way to make an animal die.
max0330 et al, - PETA [silly extremists] are by no means the only ones who object to trapping, especially with leg-hold traps.
TT,gaia, Nancy, et al, - not all trapping is done with leg-hold or other traps that leave the animal alive and in distress. And a lot of trapping is still very much 'functional'. I snared hares to feed my kids for years. It's a lot faster and more humane death than shooting them [with my marksmanship at least], and a lot surer way to put meat on the table, too.
Trapping sucessfully takes a fair knowledge of the animal you're trying for, as well as of trapping methods, and much of it is only learned by long, hard effort.
I've never trapped fur, or considered doing so, except to protect my livestock from predation, because I don't use fur a lot. But when I had to remove a martin or mink that had developed a fondness for domestic duck, I alway took, and used or sold, the fur, so as not to waste. And cooked the rest for the dogs [though I can't say they liked it much].
I can't much see killing anything for 'sport', just doesn't sound like fun to me, and I don't have too much respect for the 'recreational' trapper who then ruins the fur, because he can't skin or doesn't know how [hasn't bothered to learn] to handle it properly.
But trapping for income is an art, as well as a skill, and a LOT of hard work. And a lot of time to enjoy and learn the land around you. If you live out, away from towns, it's a hard, but honest way to earn some cash, as well as keep your kids warm.
As a person who grew up in the Alaskan wilderness, first started hunting with my father and grandfather at age 10 or so, and one who has a moderate knowledge of trapping; I am split on this issue. I have no use for "trophy" hunters, there is no honor, nor any prestige, to be gained for killing an animal that has no defense against human technology. Use no vehicles, and no guns, then it might actually be an accomplishment worthy of note.
Trapping can be horrific. Many live-traps cause an animal to starve, or wait to be killed by the returning trapper. I saw a technique in the "Alaska Trapper" magazine in where the author deliberately used leg snares to trap animals, and then he went out an strangled them to death with a rope on a long pole. In the article he said that it usually took several minutes of the animal thrashing around before it died.
It's time to completely outlaw trapping. If you're going to kill an animal then you do it in a quick and humane way. And, when you kill an animal you comsume it. That IS repsonsible and ethical hunting.
Nearly all of "Alaska Trapper" article refer to trapping animals for their furs. I will kill if I feel the need to protect someone or something that I value, and I often kill to eat; but never for profit.
Some trappers utilize trapping as a method of livelihood. I do not like this, and wish that they would choose some other way of making a living; but I do understand why they choose to continue.
Human's technology has made most "hunting" a joke. Pick-up trucks, motor-homes, 4-wheelers, air-boats, etc. when used these things make it more like just shooting animals for fun; all this technology removes the challenge of actual hunting. At this point I must ask why people even bother? I admit, I use a car or plane to get way, way, out somewhere, but after that I walk. Real hunters use just the minimum to get set up at a base-camp, then they really hunt. Not just wander around with GPS and hope to see something, but really track something down. In all my years, I have only met a handful of people who actually know how to track. People may claim that trapping takes skill, trapping is nothing compared to tracking.
I dislike "trophy" hunting and trapping, I wish others would really examine what they are doing and change their behaviors to be more in tune with the true purpose of hunting. As humans, we are part of nature. Nature is not something to be simply taken advantage of for our own pleasures. Hunting is not a game, and it shouldn't be treated as such.
isn't it ironic that those that decree your treading on MY RIGHT to smoke dope are typically the same folks that want to tread on YOUR RIGHT to trap.
Trapped all my life and 90% of the comments on here against trapping are unfounded, primarily through ignorance and ingrained propaganda from domestic terrorist organizations (ALF, PETA). Lots of weak minds in Alaska and as one poster said above many posters here are from out of state believing their comments may impact our lifestyle.
Anyone able bodied person can hunt not everyone can successfully trap.
Trapping that is done correctly is just fine by me. We do need to remove predators such as wolves to help keep the moose and caribou populations strong. I do not have the time to run a trapline so will just have to do my part with a rifle.
Pat
"What about girls that trap, Mr. Editor?"
You know, I got trapped by a couple of Alaska girls during my single days. Left a few scars. That's why I've formed a group called People for the Ethical Treatment of Curmudgeons.
BTW: Why didn't Alaska Trapper magazine hire dobieman as its editor? Seems like a natural fit.
He will change his mind about trapping after he has to look into the eyes of an animal that he has caught..or maybe when he kills someone's dog.
tyrant thank you for the family history truly amazing, was the dog Balto. I guess trapping is awesome for people who like to kill thing indiscriminately. You have totaly changed my mind, oh wait no your story is lame just like trapping.
you liberal's just don't get it..It's not your place to tell me I can't do something that's within the law.I don't tell you you can't smoke your pot.....oh wait that is illegal.
tyrant ........want to place a small wager on where I'm from and how long I've lived in Alaska?
You might think about rereading your statement.......(Hick)
Here is an article about a new editor for a mag. that serves 900 persons engaged in a legitimate harvest of a renewable resource (Yep, Green alltheway) and the nutcases come out of the woodwork to condemn all concerned with the industry, activity, association etc et al. Does PETA still stand for People Enjoying Tasty Animals? Ya'll would look funnier only if you took off your leather belt...
I'm new to AK, but can't wait till I get the chance to try my hand at trapping. Oh, and I've never abused people. Except possibly when singing...
Why are trappers so defensive all of the time?
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