Normally, my fall vacation doesn't feel much like it. Between trapping, cleaning deer for the lease I manage, and time in the woods, I usually have little free time. This year is somewhat different.

I've managed to clean two deer from the lease (numbers are way down). Everybody and their brother is hunting and baiting in my area. 5 years ago, I was the only bow hunter here. The management I've done in this section however has been noticed and everyone decided to reap the benefits. As a result, my numbers are down as well. I have to take a hard look at harvestable deer as no one else understands the management aspect.

The bottom finally fell out of the raccoon fur market. My prices have been cut in half. I was planning a big push this year but the numbers won't make it worth the time to travel outside my area. I will have to concentrate on muskrats this year to make my trapping season.

On the bright side, I get to enjoy my vacation. My boat has been out twice and still isn't put away for the winter. Crappies are big and hungry. Life is great