Tales of the Old Trapper

This week’s Tale of the Old Trapper is titled "Old Trapper and The Snowy Deer Hunt" by Shawn Henninger.

About Tales of the Old Trapper:

When I was a young boy maybe 5 6 or 7 My Grandfather would sit me down and tell me Tales of The Old Trapper. The Old Trapper was a man who lived many years before my grandfather was even born. The Old Trapper lived on the Land my grandfather had owned that we called the Old Place.

But, Before it was the Old Place it was called Home by the Old Trapper. This land is where he went on many adventures. Working with the woods for all the things he needed to food, clothing and shelter. The Old Trapper was not one for lavish things as he only lived in a single room log cabin he built himself. Through his adventures he learned many values that he passed on to the community and anyone who crossed his path through his journeys.

So join me as I re-tell the Tales of the Old Trapper just as my Grandfather told them when I was just a child.

Follow The Tales of the Old Trapper on Twitter @OldTrapperPod.

Email Tales of the Old Trapper at [email protected]

This Weeks Tale:

The Old Trapper Looked out his window as the moon was shining down on the fresh snow that had just finished falling from the sky. The Old Trapper was up even earlier than usual because he had an adventure planned for the morning. He was preparing for his big deer hunt. Each year around this time he would get up early, put his chili on the stove to warm up, get his warmest hunting clothes and set out for the day.

This year it was going to be an important hunt as his favorite deer skin jacket was beginning to wear thin. It had a hole under an armpit and one of his pockets was torn clean off. He also needed to get plenty of meat to get him through this year's winter. It wasn’t the coldest or snowest he had seen but still was challenging. He might even luck out and find a Racoon in one of his traps that he could make into a new hat.

The Old Trapper had been on many successful deer hunts and knew that it took finding just the right spot, being quiet, getting to your spot early, and a little bit of luck. This year he had been tracking for months in preparation and had the perfect spot picked out. He was so excited for this year’s hunt that he had trouble getting to sleep. As he would drift off he would quickly wake up fearing he’d sleep in too late.

The wind was chilly as the Old Trapper walked out of his front door and headed to his spot. The Snow was only a few inches thick and perfect to track any deer, but it also made a loud crunch crunch crunch as he made his way into the woods. The Old Trapper loved the quiet of the morning and stopped to admire all that nature had to offer.

The Old Trapper climbed over a log he had scouted out earlier and sat down with his back against it. This would be a nice spot to sit and wait for the deer to show up. The Air was blowing harder and the Old Trapper bundled up as tight as he could trying to keep warm. He could see his breath in the air and small ice cicles started showing up in his beard. This will all be worth it for my new Coat and meat for my chili.

The Old Trapper was sitting much earlier than he had anticipated as the moon was still shining. As he sat with his back against the log he moved to get more comfortable and laid his head back. His eyes began to fill heavy and he felt himself drift asleep. Just as he was drifting off he heard a big crash of branches and crunching of snow. The Old Trapper’s eyes popped open as he looked all around expecting to see the biggest deer of his life. His heart was racing and he lifted up his black powder rifle ready to take aim. But The Old Trapper did not see any deer. In fact he didn’t see anything at all. He kept looking when he heard small barks of a squirrel. Standing just to his left was a grey squirrel looking at the Old Trapper.

The Old Trapper Smiled and sat back down as the Squirrel raced around the tree and jumped back onto the branches. After watching the squirrel for a few moments it slowly disappeared deeper into the woods.

The Old Trapper leaned back against the tree and slowly drifted off once again. This time as he was just beginning to dream of his famous chili all around him snowflakes began to fall. First there were a few here and there. But after a while it began to come down quickly covering the Old Trapper. Now you may think that this would wake the Old Trapper and cause him to get cold, but the Snow actually helped to warm him up as it made a small Snow Fort around him.

Snuggled up the sun rose and started to warm the Old Trapper. This caused him to fall into an even deeper slumber. Lots of wildlife started coming out for their own early morning adventures. A Bird flew down to pick the last bit of twigs for their nest. A Rabbit hopped ov...

This week’s Tale of the Old Trapper is titled "Old Trapper and The Trip To The Big City" by Shawn Henninger. About Tales of the Old Trapper:

When I was a young boy maybe 5 6 or 7 My Grandfather would sit me down and tell me Tales of The Old Trapper. The Old Trapper was a man who lived many years before my grandfather was even born. The Old Trapper lived on the Land my grandfather had owned that we called the Old Place.

But, Before it was the Old Place it was called Home by the Old Trapper. This land is where he went on many adventures. Working with the woods for all the things he needed to food, clothing and shelter. The Old Trapper was not one for lavish things as he only lived in a single room log cabin he built himself. Through his adventures he learned many values that he passed on to the community and anyone who crossed his path through his journeys.

So join me as I re-tell the Tales of the Old Trapper just as my Grandfather told them when I was just a child.

Follow The Tales of the Old Trapper on Twitter @OldTrapperPod.

Email Tales of the Old Trapper at [email protected]

This Weeks Tale:

The Old Trapper was sitting at his kitchen table relaxing when there was a knock on the door. The Old Trapper rarely had visitors so it was a bit of a surprise. Looking outside the Old Trapper saw a man wearing a blue outfit and just behind him was a beautiful horse. On the Side of the horse were the initials for the Postal Service. A Mail delivery? Just for me, thought of the Old Trapper.

The Old Trapper opened the door and was greeted by a US Postal Delivery man. I have a letter for a Mr Old Trapper. The Old Trapper accepted the letter and invited the delivery man in for a cup of coffee. With deliveries that spanned miles the Mail Men of the old days would take time to rest before heading back on the trails. The Old Trapper made the MailMan a cup of coffee and brought him a fresh muffin he had made that morning.

The Old Trapper enjoyed the company but the letter sitting near his pantry kept his attention. Who on Earth would be sending me a letter? The Mail man feeling rested thanked the Old Trapper for the hospitality and headed back on the trail.

As soon as the Old Trapper was done waving goodbye he rushed over to the letter and opened it up. The Letter was from his Cousin Joshua who lived in the big city. In it The Old Trapper’s Cousin let him know about all the things the Big City had to offer and extended an invitation for the Old Trapper to come visit. The Old Trapper was so excited and put his plans together to visit Joshua in the Big City.

The Old Trapper wrote out a letter to Joshua explaining all the excitement that was happening at the Old Place and a date for when he’d come to the big city. The Old Trapper sealed up his letter and rode all the way to the local post office which was a day’s ride away. The Letter was stamped and would reach his Cousin in a matter of weeks or sometimes months depending on how long it took to get there.

The Old Trapper counted down the days till he would make a trip to the Train Station and ride to the big city. The Old Trapper had rode a Train or two in his day but there was something about riding in a big machine that made the Old Trapper uneasy. Sure you would get where you wanted quickly, but you missed out on all the sites on the way there.

The day was here and the Old Trapper rode his Trusty Old Mule to the Train Station. As he approached the ticket counter he could hear the loud train. There was a lot of smoke coming from the engine. The Old Trapper thought more about the ride and realized he’d not be able to see any of the countryside. The Old Trapper decided he’d make the long journey on his trusty mule.

Always being prepared, the Old Trapper already had everything he needed for a long journey. He had to make a few stops along the way but was enjoying the beautiful countryside. Soon in the distance he saw the Big City. As he rode into town he noticed that everyone in the big city dressed very differently than the Old Trapper. The Old Trapper wore Buckskin pants and a buckskin jacket. He even wore his most prized Racoon hat.

Soon the Old Trapper realized that the people in the Big City were staring at him just as much as he was staring at them. The Old Trapper set his Old Mule up in a stable and went to meet up with his Cousin. As soon as they met they shared a big hug and sat down at the table.

The Food in the Big City was very different from what The Old Trapper was used too. They had odd things that The Old Trapper wasn’t sure he’d even like. The Old Trapper, ever prepared, decided just to pull out his jerky and eat that instead of the odd sandwich his cousin ordered. Again the Old Trapper caught himself thinking how odd everything was in the Big City, and again he felt out of pla...

When I was a young boy maybe 5 6 or 7 My Grandfather would sit me down and tell me Tales of The Old Trapper. The Old Trapper was a man who lived many years before my grandfather was even born. The Old Trapper lived on the Land my grandfather had owned that we called the Old Place.

But, Before it was the Old Place it was called Home by the Old Trapper. This land is where he went on many adventures. Working with the woods for all the things he needed to food, clothing and shelter. The Old Trapper was not one for lavish things as he only lived in a single room log cabin he built himself. Through his adventures he learned many values that he passed on to the community and anyone who crossed his path through his journeys.

So join me as I re-tell the Tales of the Old Trapper just as my Grandfather told them when I was just a child.

Follow The Tales of the Old Trapper on Twitter @OldTrapperPod.

Email Tales of the Old Trapper at [email protected]

This Weeks Tale:

This week’s Tale of the Old Trapper is titled Old Trapper and The Mushroom Hunt by Shawn Henninger.

As the long winter months begin to come to an end and the streams fill with water from the melting snow, The Old Trapper begins to have just one thing on his mind. Spring is around the corner. There is something about the April Rains that brings all the blooming plants back to life. The Trees begin to fill with leaves and the animals make their way back from their long winter break. With the Rain and warming weather there is one thing that the Old Trapper has on his mind. Wild Mushrooms.

The Old Place that the Old Trapper made his home was known in the state to have some of the biggest most delicious Morel Mushrooms. Some people nicknamed them Dryland Fish, or hickory chickens and even Honeycomb mushrooms. No Matter Wha people liked to call them the Old Trapper knew they were delicious.

Now there are a lot of Mushrooms that grow wild and the Old Trapper was very careful to make sure that any Mushroom he ate was safe. Now Mushroom hunting took a lot of walking in the woods so the Old Trapper always made sure he had his Perfect Walkingstick, water, and a small bit of Jerky in case he got hungry.

The Old Trapper would always start his Mushroom hunting in one of two places. There were two big old trees that he would always find the best mushrooms at. Whenever he would go out if there were Mushrooms to be found they would be there. Usually if The Old Trapper did not find any Mushrooms at either of these two Trees, he’d call it a day and go back to the Cabin. The Old Trapper made his way up the hill and was walking towards the first tree when he saw something slither from behind. He looked and curled up was a Timber Rattlesnake.

The Timber Rattlesnake was moving rather slow so the Old Trapper knew it must have just slithered out of it’s Winter Den. No worries Mr Snake The Old Trapper Thought. I’ll come back later and check this tree, I still have my second trusty Mushroom tree. As the Old Trapper Made his way to his second tree he looked and saw curled off to the side a Medium Size Black Bear. Now he’s seen one or two Black Bear around these parts but it’s not too common. And A Black Bear out of his den was usually a hungry bear, so the Old Trapper thought to himself that he could check Tree number two later.

The Old Trapper made it a safe distance from the Black Bear and took a seat to drink some water and rethink his plan. Never in all his years had the Old Trapper skipped looking for Mushrooms around both Trees. He Began to get flustered as the Old Trapper was one who liked to stick to his plan, but the Rattlesnake and the Bear had thrown him off.

The Old Trapper finished his last bit of Jerky and thought to himself I could go back to the Cabin since my plan was ruined or I could continue to have a wonderful day out in the woods looking for Mushrooms. One choice: I'll go home, grumpy, with no Mushrooms. The other Choice I’ll be outside, get some much needed hiking in, and potentially have some mushrooms.

So the Old Trapper did what he thought was best and continued on his Mushroom Hunt. Now most times when you are Hunting you have to be quiet and sneak around. Find a spot to sit and wait for something to come your way, but With Mushroom hunting you don’t have to worry about the Mushrooms running away, although some people will tell you they can shrink back into the ground, but you have to look at where they are growing.

The Old Trapper always went off the trail when Mushroom hunting as they tended to be around fallin trees or areas that were wet, but got some sun. The Old Trapper began looking at a fallen tree kicking around some of the bark, but no l...

This week’s Tale of the Old Trapper is titled "Old Trapper and The Lost Fawn" by Shawn Henninger.

About Tales of the Old Trapper:

When I was a young boy maybe 5 6 or 7 My Grandfather would sit me down and tell me Tales of The Old Trapper. The Old Trapper was a man who lived many years before my grandfather was even born. The Old Trapper lived on the Land my grandfather had owned that we called the Old Place.

But, Before it was the Old Place it was called Home by the Old Trapper. This land is where he went on many adventures. Working with the woods for all the things he needed to food, clothing and shelter. The Old Trapper was not one for lavish things as he only lived in a single room log cabin he built himself. Through his adventures he learned many values that he passed on to the community and anyone who crossed his path through his journeys.

So join me as I re-tell the Tales of the Old Trapper just as my Grandfather told them when I was just a child.

Follow The Tales of the Old Trapper on Twitter @OldTrapperPod.

Email Tales of the Old Trapper at [email protected]

This Weeks Tale:

The Old Trapper eagerly sat by his window looking out at the field behind his cabin. Behind his cabin was a field with a few trees that led towards the timber. These 10 trees would produce some of the most amazing acorns he’s ever seen. These must have been some of the most delicious acorns in the county because like clockwork every evening a group of deer would make their way from the Timber and snack on this delicious treat.

The Old Trapper loved wildlife so much that he could sit and watch Squirrels play, Racoons chasing each other around the yard, and even loved seeing the opossums hanging from trees. But his most favorite thing in nature to watch was the peaceful stroll of a Deer. Now where The Old Trapper was from he would see the White-Tail Deer variety. He’d seen some Mule Deer that could be found out west, but he would stand by his statement that the Deer here were the best.

This evening just like any other he first saw a couple smaller deer making their way through the timber. After every few steps they’d stop and sniff the air to check if anyone or anything threatening was around. They’d continue into the opening and before too long the field would have over a dozen deer snacking away on the Acorns.

This evening out of now where the group of deer took off back into the woods. Now what on Earth could have startled the herd? The Old Trapper didn’t see any coyotes or other predators. Looking off to his left he saw three more deer making their way to the field. And just behind them he saw what had startled the others. A big Buck, that the Old Trapper swore he’s seen before, was following the Doe and her two Fawns.

Now the Buck wasn’t doing anything particularly bad but the Big Doe was not entertained by His antics. The Buck would jump up in the air and scratch at the ground. If he was a person you’d say he was showing off a bit to impress the girl. The Doe not interested took off into the woods with the Buck following behind.

The Old Trapper knew this was all planned out by the group. Sometimes Bucks can be a bit overbearing so once he was gone the other deers returned to continue their evening meal. There was something beautiful about watching a group of grazing deer. They move with such ease and peace. It’s amazing that an animal that big could be so quiet. The Old Trapper looked at his watch as the sun was setting and bid the Deer a quiet goodbye.

The Old Trapper made himself some supper and laid in bed reading his newest book. As the candle burned down the Old Trapper curled up and was ready to call it an evening. Shortly before morning the Old Trapper heard what sounded like a cry. He jumped out of bed throwing on his boots and rushing outside. His heart was racing as he ran towards where the crying was coming from.

As he made his way to the back of his cabin he saw in one of the fences near the woods a poor fawn stuck in the fence. The Old Trapper rushed back to his Cabin and grabbed some tools to help the poor animal out of the fence. Looking around he saw some corn that he thought would help calm the poor deer down.

As The Old Trapper approached the Fawn never being this close to a person before began to thrash around engangling itself even more. The Old Trapper used a calming voice to talk to the Fawn as he held his hand out with the corn. The Fawn’s thrashing slowed as it reached out and took a bite from the Corn. Then she took another bite...and another...and another...Before the Fawn knew it the old trapper had the fence cut away and freed the fawn.

The Old Trapper handed the last of the Corn to the fawn and dusted his hands off. Pleased with a job well done he assumed the Fawn would run off into the woods and join ...

This week’s Tale of the Old Trapper is titled "Old Trapper and the Christmas Visitors" by Shawn Henninger.

About Tales of the Old Trapper:

When I was a young boy maybe 5 6 or 7 My Grandfather would sit me down and tell me Tales of The Old Trapper. The Old Trapper was a man who lived many years before my grandfather was even born. The Old Trapper lived on the Land my grandfather had owned that we called the Old Place.

But, Before it was the Old Place it was called Home by the Old Trapper. This land is where he went on many adventures. Working with the woods for all the things he needed to food, clothing and shelter. The Old Trapper was not one for lavish things as he only lived in a single room log cabin he built himself. Through his adventures he learned many values that he passed on to the community and anyone who crossed his path through his journeys.

So join me as I re-tell the Tales of the Old Trapper just as my Grandfather told them when I was just a child.

Follow The Tales of the Old Trapper on Twitter @OldTrapperPod.

Email Tales of the Old Trapper at [email protected]

This Weeks Tale:

The Old Trapper sat in front of the fireplace with a fresh cup of homemade eggnog. The cold snowy tundra outside was an afterthought as the Fire kept him warm. Hanging above the fireplace was one of The Old Trappers Socks waiting for a visitor to come down the chimney and fill it with goodies.

The Old Trapper loved this time of year and Christmas was tomorrow which was his favorite day. As a Child The Old Trapper would wake up and race to the tree his father and he had cut down hoping for presents. Now as he was older Christmas was time he typically spent by himself. Each year he had cut down a new christmas tree and decorated it with Popcorn on strings and homemade ornaments. Always placing the Star his mother made at the top. This year however The Old Trapper had a feeling he should get a bigger tree and place three presents underneath it.

Now the Old Trapper knew that it had been years since he had a visitor on Christmas Eve but he thought he should be prepared. The Fire crackled as the Old Trapper placed another log on the fire and poured himself the last of the Eggnog. The Thought popped up in the Old Trapper’s mind that maybe he should make more, but for who?

Just then a knock came on the door and startled the Old Trapper. Who on earth could be coming at this time of night? The Old Trapper walked to the Door and peaked out the window. Standing there was an older woman he had never seen before. She was bundled up and as she spoke The Old Trapper could see her breath in the air. “Please if anyone is home could I stay by the Fire for a moment? It’s rather cold out and I just need to rest and then I’ll be on my way”

The Old Trapper opened the door and welcomed the old woman into his home. He sat her by the fire and wrapped her in one of his blankets. As she sat down he could see her smile return as the Fire warmed her and her soul. The Old Trapper made more of his Famous Eggnog and brought her a fresh cup. “This is the most wonderful eggnog I’ve ever tasted. I thank you for letting me sit by your fire for a moment.” The Old Trapper looked upon the woman and she wore shoes that looked tattered but noticed she had no socks.

Old Trapper reached under the tree and pulled one of the Three presents. He gave it to the Old Woman who smiled with glee. “It’s been ages since I’ve received a present On Christmas Eve” She explained. As she opened the Present there was a new pair of wool socks the Old Trapper had swon. The Old Woman hugged the Old Trapper and put the socks on. After spending some more time with The Old Trapper the Old Woman said her goodbyes and went on her way.

The Old Trapper Looked down at the remaining presents under his tree there was once Three now only two. The Old Trapper reached into his cupboard and pulled out some fresh rolls he had baked earlier that day. The Rolls were a family recipe passed down from generations that were a special treat during this time of year. As he walked back towards the fire he heard a horse stopping just outfront of his home. The Old Trapper walked outside and noticed a Horse Man looking down at his Horses hoof.

The Old Trapper Bundled up with his warmest Deer Skin Jacket and met the man out in the Cold Winter air. The Man greeted the Old Trapper “I apologize for bothering you on this Christmas Eve, but My horse shoe fell off and she’s in need of some rest. I’m so far from town but if I could just get a place for my horse to rest I’ll be on my way as soon as I can.”

The Old Trapper led the Horse to his stable where it stood next to his Mule and Chickens that had roosted there for the evening. As the Horse Man and The Old Trapper went into the Cabin the Old Trapper offered him some of his HomeM...