Martin & Sons Trapping
James H: Tell us about yourself Jonathan, what brought you into the industry of trapping?
Jonathan Martin: As a little boy my favorite movie was Jeremiah Johnson, when I got big enough to set a trap my parents got me some Duke traps. I had no idea what I was doing and only ever caught a opossum so I got discouraged and moved on. Fast forward, twenty years I found myself married with two small boys. We had just moved to a house with some land and were given two goats. My wife became very attached to the goats and when one of them was killed by coyotes the fire for trapping was rekindled. I ordered some traps online and began setting them on our land and I started watching every YouTube video I could find. In the beginning l was only catching raccoons and opossums. A few months in, I stumbled upon Coyote Trapping School’s YouTube channel. As a fellow Georgia trapper, I could relate to the stumbling blocks he had faced and everything started to click. Within three months I had caught 5 yotes, but from the very first one I was hooked.
James H: From turning a hobby to your professional occupation, what was the factor that made you decide to turn this into a full time around the clock gig?
Jonathan Martin: As things progressed and my success rate started to rise, I went and took my nuisance test so I could be listed on the Department of Natural Resources website. With each call that would come in for birds, snakes, beavers, squirrels, coyotes and groundhogs I started to realize how much I enjoyed being put in different scenarios. With my 9-5 job I always know what to expect. Every single trapping job is different and I love having to figure out the best way to successfully remove animals from places they shouldn’t be.
James H: What animals are you seeing on a regular basis in your traps?
Jonathan Martin: I can pretty much always count on catching at least one raccoon and one opossum per job.
James H: Putting work aside, what species are you chasing in your free time?
Jonathan Martin: Bobcats and Foxes are my favorite because of how rare they are and how challenging they are to trap because of the different tactics you have to use. For instance, foxes like to walk right up next to the dirt hole, whereas bobcats are more visual and will stop at least 18 inches before the dirt hole and watch it to see if a mouse will come out. Curiosity really does catch the cat.
James H: What species do you consider to be the hardest to trap?
Jonathan Martin: A coyote. They have the best noses in the woods. If he smells one boot track or one trap that holds human scent the gig is up.
James H: I see you are an avid beaver trapper on your social media, what do you do with the fur after you trap it?
Jonathan Martin: I skin them out and in my spare time I tan them. I’m not sure if you watch Mountain Men but Tom Orr is my favorite to watch because of all the things he does with furs. He’s really inspired me and I am currently in the process of making my first beaver hat.
James H: I have seen recipes for beaver tail, have you ever tried eating it? If yes, what are some of the ways you have cooked beaver?
Jonathan Martin: I have not, a beavers tail is mostly bone and fat. However, I would be interested in trying beaver meat if I caught one in the winter when I would have more time to harvest and process it safely. Georgia heat doesn’t play around and it would spoil before I could do anything with it.
James H: During hunting season, are you trapping less and picking up your bow more?
Jonathan Martin: Yes, fur-bearers season starts December 4th, so prime hunting for me is ending and I can move right on in to running my trap line. My other passion is bow-hunting so knowing how a coyote hunts and preys on deer teaches me how to be a better bow hunter.
James H: While on the job, is their one thing you want clients to understand for the trapping process?
Johnathan Martin: Nothing is ever guaranteed and most importantly stay away from the traps. Don’t go look, don’t go close. Stay Away. Also, don’t change your daily routine. Your curiosity will hurt my success rate. Animals are hard enough to beat at their own game without human interference. When clients get too close they are giving the animal the upper hand which puts me at a disadvantage every time.
James H: Coyotes… What are the reasons your clientele want them gone?
Jonathan Martin: To keep children and domestic pets safe. Pets are no challenge for the speed and strength of a coyote. Locally, I get a lot of cattle farmers who want to keep their calves safe.
James H: What tactics/tools are you using in the field when going after yotes?
Jonathan Martin: For traps, Minnesota brand MB-550’s with offset jaws are my go-to because they are better for non-target catches such as house pets and they are more humane. I use seasonal bates and lures and I always keep pie pans and coffee filters in my bag. I find I am more succesful using blind sets and flat sets in the summer. In cooler months I rely more on dirt hole sets and flat sets.
James H: Do you have different tactics for herbivores than you would carnivores?
Jonathan Martin: Yes, for herbivores I use body grip traps and snares. For carnivores, I use foot holds. I also use different lures for each. With herbivores I use fruity/sweet lures and for carnivores I use gland/food lures.
James H: How has it been showing your sons the art of trapping?
Jonathan Martin: It’s been so fun. They love to set dog proof traps with marshmallows to catch raccoons. That method has a very high success rate for beginning trappers to get into the sport and build confidence. There’s nothing like walking up on a trap and seeing your target caught. It’s been very cool to see the confidence my boys have learned while trapping bleed into other aspects of their lives.
James H: To the kitchen, what are your favorite types of wild game to cook?
Jonathan Martin: Deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel and dove are my personal favorites.
James H: Where there any recipes your kids and wife refused to try?
Jonathan Martin: My boys will try anything. My wife is what my boys lovingly a call a “Yupee Girl” so she’s still coming around. I will say that watching MeatEater has greatly helped the cause.
James H: Least favorite types of wild game to cook?
Jonathan Martin: I’m not a huge fan of bear or duck.
James H: Any trapping books you suggest?
Jonathan Martin: Eastern Wolfer would be my number one recommendation. Since we live East of the Mississippi River, our coyotes are different than western yotes as far as the aspects of their behavior.
James H: Any advice for someone looking to turn their passion into their own business?
Jonathan Martin: Don’t overthink it, just do it. If you are willing to put in the time to learn, there will be someone willing to pay you for your knowledge. The trap line will always be the best teacher. Make sure your trap is rock solid. Lastly, never get too comfortable with your traps and always have fun.
James H: If you could summarize your passion for trapping in one sentence, what would it say?
Jonathan Martin: I want my tombstone to say “Here lies the modern day Jeremiah Johnson, Predator of predators.”