Antique Traps: Early Trapping Magazines

By Tom Parr

Here are 10 early trapping magazines, published from 1902 through 1967. Although there were several other trapping magazines published during this time, this group of magazines was only on the market for a short period of time. In fact, some of the magazines in this group were bought out by “Trappers World” and “Hunter-Trader-Trapper” and incorporated into their magazines, which gave them extra readership and their staff writers.

One of the earliest was called “Fur and Wool,” with David E. Allyn as its editor. It was produced in Bushnell, Illinois, and appeared to be published monthly, starting in February of 1902.

“Fox and Hound” was published monthly from Decatur, Illinois with Fred O’Flyn as editor. This magazine may have been first published as early as 1906 – the one I have starts with Vol. 5, published in November of 1911 – and continues through September of 1914.

A magazine called “Gameland,” also with David E. Allyn as editor, but now published in Madrid, Iowa, was first offered in October of 1912. It was produced four times per year and was on the market for only two years.

“Pelt: The Trappers’ Magazine” was first offered in August of 1934, and published by Llenroc Publications, of New York City. The editor was Richard I. Edwards. This publication was mailed six times per year, bypassing the summer months. It ended in March of 1936.

In November of 1936, “North American Trapper,” published in Charleston, West Virginia with Charles Roy West as editor was produced. This magazine was used as the voice of the American Trappers Association for a short period of time. The last issue was produced in December of 1939, and called “Outer and North American Trapper.”

In October of 1943 a second version of “The Trappers World” magazine was born, but the first four issues were called “The Trappers’ Quarterly.” This magazine was published in Richmond, Virginia. As the name implies, it was produced four times per year. Clayton Gates was the editor and publisher. Many well-known writers wrote for this publication. In July of 1944, the name was changed back to “The Trappers World.”

“Trappers Field” published quarterly, from January of 1947 to January of 1949, from Charleston, West Virginia, with E.R. Graley as editor and publisher.

“Trapper’s Life” was published by George Bryant of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. It was marketed from October of 1954 until December of 1957.

“The Western Trapline,” with Carl Whitaker as publisher, R. W. Zurge as managing editor and William Fenzel as associate editor and advertising manager, was produced in Forsyth, Montana and published quarterly from October of 1957 through September of 1959. Then Whitaker stepped down, R.W. Zurge became editor, and the magazine moved to Lufkin, Texas, with the last issue printed in September of 1960.

“Fur Trapper’s Journal” was a magazine produced by Raymond Thompson, of Alderwood Manor, Washington. I’m not certain when this magazine was first offered, I only have the Spring 1967 issue. On the inside cover it states, “With this issue we will no longer be publishing this magazine because of the uncertain health of the editor, Raymond Thompson.”

The value of these magazines will vary due to condition. Some of them were mimeographed pages and others were very colorful. These early magazines contain lots of good information and were written by great trappers from the early years. A value of $10 to $20 each can be expected, depending on condition and content.

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For information on this and other collectible antique traps, contact:
Tom Parr, the North American Trap, Collectors Association, P.O. Box 94, Galloway, OH 43119;

(614) 878-6011.