EXPECTATION MANAGEMENT

     Deadpan Trapping Co. is a guided long-range trapping expedition. Our job is to guide you in this journey through the wilderness of central interior Alaska. In Alaska, we call snowmobiles snow machines. We will be “snow machining” several hundred miles over the course of your 10-day excursion. Deadpan is offering the ability and opportunity to trap in interior Alaska, traditionally with modern machines and support.

Your journey will take you through central interior Alaska. You will be riding through the Tanana Valley, the White Mountains, the Minto Flats, the Sawtooth Mountains, and the Chena River Valley. You will have the opportunity to see and experience a variety of atmospheric phenomena such as sun dogs, light piers, and the aurora borealis. Trapping season typically runs from November 1st to February 28th. In preparation for your excursion, please note that Alaskan winters and weather conditions vary significantly. We can experience temperatures ranging from 40°F to -60°F, with typical temperatures ranging closer to -10°F to -25°F. In short, be prepared for cold weather.

     Trapping is a form of passive hunting; animals vary between regions and exhibit cyclic population fluctuations throughout a decade. For example, lynx run in a 4:3 proportion, so for 4 years lynx populations boom, and for 3 years they are in decline. This is for various reasons, but primarily due to their symbiotic relationship with their main prey animal, the Arctic Hair, which also fluctuates similarly by year and in response to the carrying capacity of the biome. The severity of the summers and winters, whether harsh or mild, will also have a substantial impact on certain populations. In short, some years are good lynx years in some regions, and may be poor years in other regions. There is no guarantee of animal harvesting. We are providing the opportunity and the experience of trapping.

     Our trapping excursions are designed for up to 6 people. We will do our best to accommodate groups and individuals. Be aware that a combination of groups and individuals may be required to form a trapping party. We may combine two groups of two, but could have an exclusive group of 4. Please note that we will be in a remote wilderness area, potentially hundreds of miles from the nearest road or cell phone signal. This grouping policy is to maximize our guide's ability to perform and keep our logistical needs realistic. Providing us with the greatest opportunity to flex and be mobile, allowing us to mitigate hazards and weather.

 

PREPARING FOR YOUR EXPEDITION

     In preparation for your trapping excursion, please review the gear list page and all other documents provided multiple times. We are here to guide you and provide the best possible chance of success. However, a great deal of your success begins at home with diligent preparation. The biggest challenge you will face is the cold. With proper equipment and techniques, this can be mitigated. Please see the attached gear list and compare it with the list of provided gear. It will be vital for you to understand that you will have to condition yourself to be cold. As part of your preparation, remember that winters in Alaska are dark; the shortest day of the year in Fairbanks is December 21st, on that day, we receive three hours of twilight. Not full sunlight. The majority of our work will be in the dark.

 

WEATHER

     It will be cold and dark. But it may also be warm. We are at the mercy of the weather. 70-degree temperature swings are not unusual. We have a special weather condition here called a Chinook wind, where we can go from -40 degrees and stable weather to 30 degrees and blizzards, and even rain. We can experience this warm snow for a day or so and then return to -40. In general, we prefer the deep freeze because it provides us with stability. Wet isn’t bad, and cold is typical for us. But cold and wet can be deadly. If you follow our guidance and diligently prepare, you will be comfortable and successful.

​

REGULATIONS / LICENSES

Our trapping region is located in Alaska Game Management Units 20B, 20F, and 25C. You will be required to obtain and be eligible for a hunting and trapping license. For non-residents, the hunting-trapping combo license is $405. For residents, the price is $70. The State of Alaska controls prices. We will obtain licenses together as a group at the ADFG office in Fairbanks or online if outside of business hours.

All fur must be sealed before leaving Alaska. Unsealed furs are subject to fines, confiscation, and criminal charges.

​

ARRIVING / DEPARTING FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

     It is essential when booking your commercial airline tickets to FAIRBANKS, AK that you arrive two days before your excursion. It is your responsibility to book a hotel room for the two days preceding the excursion and the two days following the excursion. The best and most convenient hotel for this experience is Pikes Waterfront Lodge. It also has a fantastic Alaskan atmosphere. Pikes offers a shuttle service to and from the airport, all necessary amenities, and a restaurant. You will be picked up from the airport by our guides. While in Fairbanks, all of your meals will be provided by Deadpan Trapping. Most will be in restaurants in town or at the hotel.

 

COMMUNICATION IN THE FIELD

     While in the field, any communication outside of the group will be through a personal inreach. Some portions of the trail do have weak and unreliable cellphone coverage. ATT is the strongest cellphone provider in Alaska, with Verizon being second.

 

HIDE AND TROPHY CARE

     All harvested fur will be handed out to clients. Individual parties should settle distribution arrangements among themselves before arrival. In group settings, this will be discussed during initial training and intake. Furs in combined groups will be allocated by lottery or drawing straws. All harvested fur must be sealed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before leaving Alaska. Prior to arrival, you should decide how to handle your raw fur—whether tanning, taxidermy, mounting, or making hats—and make arrangements accordingly. Throughout the trip, we will teach proper skinning and fur care. Upon return, you will need to choose a taxidermist or tannery to process your raw fur into finished products. Deadpan Trapping Company will provide a list of recommended contacts.

​

SHIPPING

Prior to departure, all furs must be sealed by an ADF&G authorized sealer. During your field expedition, we will skin and flesh all animals as traditionally done. If you wish to have an animal mounted, most taxidermists accept tube-skinned animals and can make the necessary adjustments for taxidermy. Deadpan recommends shipping via Alaska Air Cargo, as the furs need to remain frozen if you're using a local taxidermist. If you plan to use a local taxidermist in Fairbanks, Deadpan will deliver your furs for you.

​

CLOSING

Throughout this document, we have tried to cover what we think is essential for you to know about your trapping excursion. We know that it is impossible to cover all the questions that could arise while you are preparing for your trip. You can email or call at any time during your planning phase and we will gladly provide you with information. We will reach out as your trips get closer to ensure you are prepared and have all the information needed.

 

Contact: Jeremy Conn at (907) 669-2280 or deadpantrapping@gmail.com

​

Thank you for allowing Deadpan Trapping the opportunity to provide you with the adventure of a LIFETIME! We look forward to seeing you in the field.