When you’ve been trapping animals for more than 40 years, you learn a thing or two about the practice.

E.T. Elliot, 75, of Vidalia is an expert.

Elliot first began trapping in 1949 while he was still in school, but said he did not get serious about it until the 1960s. During that time Elliot said he had to take four years off while serving in the Air Force.

After completing his service in the Air Force, Elliot said he was back in the game.

“My brother-in-law from Waynesboro was just out of the service, and I did it with him to make extra money,” he said.

Since then, Elliot has trapped nearly every season in Louisiana, which he said runs from early December until the end of March. Elliot said this was the first season he has missed in 20 years, but added that when he was trapping he usually shut down for the season in the end of February.

Elliot said he primarily traps for coons and otters. He said otters have brought in the highest dollar amount for the hide.

“Catching three otters in a day was always a big thrill. That was $300, and that helped pay for gas,” he said.

Elliot has also trapped mink, bobcats and one year tried trapping fox, but never got serious about it after that. Elliot uses a conibar trap to trap the animals, which he said kills the animal in a humane fashion.

“You’ve got to be particular when you use them on land, and make sure no cats or dogs are around,” he said.

Since Elliot’s primary target was otter, he said he usually put his traps on small trails near water. But his traps have accidentally caught turtles, bullfrogs and even a fish. He said another common animal that gets caught in his traps are beavers.

“Many land owners want you to catch those because they think of them as a nuisance,” Elliot said.

He said one of the most difficult animals to catch is a coyote. Elliot said it is a very smart animal, which makes it hard to trap.

When Elliot is not trapping, he hunts and fishes, but said lately he has had to take a break from those activities as well for health reasons.