Episode 109: The Bushman’s Path: Stories & Skills from Trapper Bill Abercrombie

Few people understand Alberta’s landscapes the way Bill Abercrombie does.

A lifelong trapper, educator, and President of the Alberta Trappers Association, Bill joins Brad to talk about modern trapping, ethical practices, wildlife conflict work, and the deep connection to the land that trapping builds.

Bill shares stories from:
• Homesteading in Alaska with his wife and a pack of sled dogs
• Running traplines across northern Alberta
• Reading tracks, signs, and “spurring” to understand animal behaviour
• Using trapper skill sets to help solve urban wildlife conflicts
• The evolution of humane trapping standards and science-based fur management
• The ATA’s education programs, youth camps, and bushcraft training
• Why mentoring new trappers matters more than ever

Whether you trap, hunt, or simply love the outdoors, Bill’s knowledge and decades of perspective offer a rare look into a lifestyle that has shaped Alberta’s conservation culture.

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