Robert Stitt, aged 75, exudes a youthful vigor, bright eyes, and a hearty laugh, likely attributed to his 55 years of trapping experience. For the past 17 years, Stitt has been trapping along the Beaver River in southeast Yukon, approximately 338 kilometers east of Watson Lake. However, this year marks a significant change as he has relinquished his trapline on the Beaver River due to the prohibitive cost of aircraft hire and the looming threat of wildfires in the region.
Reflecting on past close calls with wildfires, Stitt expressed concerns about the towering white spruce trees that populate the river valleys in southeast Yukon, labeling them as the largest in the territory. He emphasized the inevitability of losing his camp to wildfires, given the escalating trend of intense blazes in the area.
Despite the challenges, Stitt has accumulated a treasure trove of tales from his trapping adventures. Each year, he would be flown with his trio of Canadian Inuit dogs to his isolated camp in the fall and retrieved in March. With a background in biology and a passion for birdwatching, Stitt has been a keen observer of wildlife, though not without perilous encounters.
In 2017, a menacing black bear approached his camp, prompting Stitt to take decisive action to protect himself. In a gripping standoff, he managed to neutralize the bear, revealing its emaciated state upon inspection. Additionally, Stitt recounted a hair-raising encounter with an agitated cow moose that charged at him, underscoring the unpredictable nature of life in the wilderness.
While Stitt relishes his time in the bush, particularly under the enchanting glow of a full moon, he acknowledged the evolving landscape and the increasing threat of wildfires in the region. Despite opting out of his Beaver River camp this winter, he remains committed to his trapping lifestyle, determined to seek out a new trapline for the upcoming season.
Recognized for his expertise in fur handling, Stitt’s skills are highly sought after in fur handling workshops, where he imparts his meticulous techniques to eager learners. With a reputation for producing top-quality marten pelts, Stitt’s dedication to his craft serves as an inspiration for aspiring trappers. His unwavering resilience and self-sufficiency embody the allure of the trapping lifestyle, attracting individuals drawn to the challenges and rewards of living off the land.
