Trapping in Montana's North Country

In Montana's North Country, trappers Tom Oar and Shawn McAfee face challenges as their usual ponds freeze over, threatening their fur production. They venture into the mountains to tap into warm springs, hoping for better trapping conditions. Despite initial setbacks, they find success with their new strategy, catching beavers and turning them into cash. Shawn learns essential skills in processing hides, guided by Tom, to ensure the quality of their fur. Their efforts aim to sustain them through the winter, relying on the warm springs to keep the ice at bay.

What challenge are Tom and Shawn facing in Montana's North Country?

• Competition from other trappers

• Lack of trapping equipment

• Deep Freeze causing ponds to ice over

• Shortage of beaver colonies

Why did Tom and Shawn decide to use warm springs for trapping?

• They are closer to their home

• They have more beaver colonies

• They provide better visibility

• The water is heated and resists freezing

What was the result of Tom and Shawn's initial trapping attempt?

• They caught a different animal

• They caught several beavers

• They caught one beaver

• They caught no beavers

How did the warm springs affect Tom and Shawn's trapping success?

• They made trapping more difficult

• They helped keep the ice in check

• They attracted more predators

• They caused the traps to malfunction

What was the outcome of using warm spring-fed waters for trapping?

• They caught two beavers

• They caught three beavers

• They caught one beaver

• They caught no beavers

What is the main goal of Tom and Shawn's trapping efforts?

• To explore new trapping locations

• To achieve success and a sense of accomplishment

• To compete with other trappers

• To catch as many animals as possible

What skill is Shawn still learning from Tom?

• Building a dugout canoe

• Setting traps

• Skinning and processing hides

• Navigating the mountains

What is the value of the two beavers caught by Tom and Shawn?

• $1500

• $1000

• $2000

• $500

What future project do Tom and Shawn have in mind?

• Building a new cabin

• Creating a dugout canoe

• Expanding their trapping area

• Starting a fur trading business

What is a critical step in processing the beaver hides?

• Cutting the fur into pieces

• Removing the tail

• Piercing the hide

• Stretching and drying on a metal hoop