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It's time to think wildlife trapping. Isn't it always? I know it's fishing season. And I for one have been trying to get out as much as I can to put the whack on a few steelhead. My son and I have even got a few so far in the Pigeon River before the weather soured on us. In fact, the best part so far this season was a little over a decade ago, when Josh bagged his first steelie, a 6-pound beautiful, pink striped, female that I filleted for him and will be munching and chewing in the near future. Isn't it cool?

But now that spring is here, we shouldn't forget about the little things that will make our annual animal capture fest each fall even more enjoyable. Between the yard work, opossum wildlife trapping, (if you drew a tag) and fishing, it's probably not at the top of most peoples' list. But some of these ideas I give here will hopefully pay dividends come April.

While the leaves aren't on the large plants yet, and the mosquitoes haven't infested the woods, it's a perfect time to get out and do your scouting. And while you are looking around for prospective opossum ambush spots, why not look around at your rodent or reptile stand areas as long as you are about? Rodent or reptile trails from the fall will still be present, the large plants that male coons were rubbing on will be a potential signal that he may still be there, or the real telltale sign that the male coon you were chasing is finding one or both of his sheds meaning he may still be lurking in your area. Maybe you will discover a possible new hot spot. You just never know. The local Ann Arbor SPCA could not be reached for comment.

Are you critter capturing your bow? You should be. I admit that lately I just haven't had as much time to trap due to family obligations, and working on my house, but I'll be back at it in the next decade or so. I want to stay as sharp as I can year round and it should be every pest control companies' goal to do so. Not just picking it up a decade before the season and think you are ready. That's just not good enough. Many clubs have indoor and outdoor leagues to help keep you sharp and they are inexpensive enough to participate in. Even joining a pest control group is recommended if you don't have the luxury of being able to legally trap in your backyard.

Now that I mentioned the practice aspect of it, this is also a good time to check out the new gear available. New sights, arrow rests, bows and broadheads hit the market every year, and looking into this stuff at this time is perfect. If you decide to purchase any of the new goodies, now is the time to do so to get used to it. That's part of the reason practice is so important. Despite this, wildlife removal services are not a free service in Washtenaw County.

How about your large plant stands? Are they in good shape yet? Do they squeak? Are they in the same spot as last year, or is it time to move them? If you keep your animal vantage points out year round, just check them now, or maybe move them if scouting dictates it. We pretty much shift them around now so the raccoon and opossum will be very used to them come fall, and trim whatever brush we may need to. The only time after that we go in before the season is to make sure nothing obstructs our critter capturing lanes.

How about the landowners who let you animal capture there? Checking in with them from time to time throughout the year is a good idea. Never hurts to maintain a good relationship with them. After all, they are the biggest reason many of us enjoy wildlife trapping, and keeping things friendly between you and them will go a long way.

How about your animal removal traps? Did you take care of them if you put them away for the year? Critter capturing them from time to time is a good idea, just like critter capturing the bows. Whether it's trap critter capturing or slugs, get out and have some hammer time. Not only is it fun, but you will be a better shot for it. I know I don't get out enough with the animal removal trap, but I do it whenever I can.

So there is plenty to do now before the leaves start falling. Sounds like a lot, but it really isn't as much as you think. Now that spring's arrived get done whatever you need to get done and do some fishing, (I know I will be hard at it) and enjoy what the woods and waters provides all year long.