Robert Stitt, a 75-year-old trapper with 55 years of experience, has decided to give up his trapline on the Beaver River in southeast Yukon after spending 17 years there. The main reasons for his departure this year are the soaring cost of hiring aircraft and the looming threat of wildfires in the region.
Stitt, a devoted birder with a biology degree, has encountered various wildlife during his trapping adventures. One memorable incident involved a bold black grizzly bear that he had to confront to protect himself and his camp. Another hair-raising encounter was with an aggressive cow moose that charged at him like a “freight train,” leading to a tense standoff.
Despite the challenges and dangers he has faced, Stitt cherishes his time in the bush, especially under the full moon’s glow. However, the changing landscape and increasing wildfire risks have forced him to abandon his Beaver River camp this winter. Nevertheless, Stitt remains committed to his trapping lifestyle and plans to find a new trapline for the upcoming winter season.
Recognized for his expertise in fur handling, Stitt’s skills are highly valued in the trapping community. Jackie Yaklin, the secretary-treasurer of the Yukon Trappers Association, praises Stitt’s meticulous approach to skinning pelts and his willingness to share his knowledge with others. Stitt’s dedication to quality craftsmanship, particularly with marten pelts, sets a high standard for aspiring trappers to follow.
Yaklin hopes that Stitt’s legacy of self-sufficiency and resilience will inspire a new generation of trappers who appreciate the challenges and rewards of living in harmony with nature.