According to The Clearwater Story: A History of the Clearwater National Forest, trapping is the oldest use made of what is now the Clearwater National Forest. Unfortunately, the Forest Service kept no records of trappers making it more difficult to research the history.

Trappers entered the back country from both the Montana and Idaho sides. Frequently, those who lived in Montana and trapped in Idaho would not admit their traplines were there. Out-of-state licenses were expensive and in 1920 a large area along the border in Idaho was a game preserve where trapping was illegal. It was a big country and few were ever caught trespassing.

They trapped martens, mink, fox, beaver, otter, lynx, wildcat, coyotes and black and grizzly bear. The marten was trapped the most. When made into fur, it sold on the market as sable and commanded a high price.

When they were not trapping, many of the me worked for the Forest Service during the summer months. Others were prospectors when there was no snow to interfere with their work.

To learn more about some of the individuals see http://www.foresthistory.org/ASPNET/Publications/region/1/clearwater/story/chap19.htm.

Trivia Archives

Sponsored by:

Want accurate, daily news for Orofino and Clearwater County? Subscribe to: Traditional news Today's technology It's a bargain at $3 per month, $18 for 6 months or $30 per year. (Idaho residents, please add 6% sales tax) Subscribing is easy: Drop us a check with your email address and we will sign you up. (See the mailing address at left) Pay online: Click this Registration link and follow the Pay Pal instructions.