Richard Dick Kenck Interview, December 12, 1981

Richard Kenck reminisces about growing up in Choteau, Montana, on a ranch at the mouth at the Dearborn Canyon. He recalls trapping as a young boy, starting with smaller animals such as marten then larger animals including beavers, mountain lions and coyotes as he got older. Kenck describes the men in the Augusta, Montana, area who taught him how to trap, as well as traps that he built. He also mentions different methods of trapping such as using scents, and problems with 1080 poison. Kenck discusses the evolution of different animal populations in the Augusta area during the 20th century, and changing attitudes and policies within the Montana Department of Fish and Game regarding population control. He also talks about the popularity of trapping during the 1930s. Kenck describes how trapping has changed during the 20th century, and his relationship with Montana game wardens, particularly Bruce Neal. He discusses the moral and ethical aspects of trapping.https://scholarworks.umt.edu/montanafurtrappers/1014/thumbnail.jp