Taxidermist Matthew Pike, Phillip Gilmore, Trapping Education Instructor Bill Swan III and TWRA Captain Matt Clarey stand behind the donated, taxidermied coyotes
Any person who loves the outdoors will immediately feel kindred to Phillip Gilmore of Sequatchie County. Mr. Gilmore recently visited the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region 3 office to deliver the gift of two taxidermied coyotes that he trapped. The coyotes, along with many other animals, now stand in the Region 3 lobby and will be used for educational purposes.
Taxidermy isn’t something Mr. Gilmore ever thought he’d present as a gift. As a matter of fact, Gilmore wasn’t a trapper until two years ago. He decided to take a trapper education class offered by TWRA and pursue a new endeavor during his retirement. Mr. Gilmore’s grandfather and father took him hunting and fishing throughout his childhood and he continues these activities as an adult.
However two years ago, with retirement around the corner, Mr. Gilmore thought he’d add to his skillset and find another reason to get outside. He enjoyed the class more than he expected. “If you’ve never taken a trapping course, do it,” he said. “You’ll learn things and your eyes will be opened to a world that most don’t see.”
TWRA, Region 3 trapper education courses cover more than just setting traps. Trappers know wildlife behavior, tracks and signs like no other and are very willing to share their knowledge. Trapping education instructor Bill Swan III explains, “Anyone can set a trap; but actually knowing wildlife is what will make you successful.”
Trapping is considered an old skill. Our ancestors found it a necessary tool for survival. Today’s trappers are not trapping as much for hide and fur, but to control nuisance animals. “Trapping is essential for predator control and nuisance wildlife. There is still a market for fur. However, fur prices have dropped over the last decade and populations of some animals in suburban areas continue to increase,” said Mr. Swan.
Those interested in trapping will find the trapping groups in Tennessee overwhelmingly helpful. Mr. Gilmore had support of long term trappers such as Bill Swan III and Wildlife Officer Kyle Walling. Mr. Gilmore explained how he feels when trapping, “Being outside is calming and it provides you an understanding of a larger world. It’s also exhilarating and I’d describe walking to a trap as anticipating a gift at Christmas.”
TWRA employees not only appreciate Phillip Gilmore’s gift, but also the story that went with it and they overwhelmingly relate to his love of the outdoors. His story reflects something deep within TWRA employees that caused them to dedicate not only their education, but also their careers to enhancing and protecting wildlife across the great state of Tennessee.
Trapper and hunter education courses can be found on-line at: http://www.tn.gov/twra/article/hunter-education and click on “find a class near you”.