Dear Diary – July 15, 2026

Successful trapping! I had a lady who called wanting me to trap some badgers that had killed all her birds. They killed over 200 pheasants over a month-long period. I used two foothold traps and captured two female badgers. Both of the hides have been fleshed and are now ready for tanning. I want to find some Gamble Oak bark to make a tanning solution. I’ve been spending a good bit of time up on the mountain scouting an area for hunting this fall. I have my bear and turkey tags. I found a natural spring where I’ve been getting my water while in the woods. It’s nice not having to haul in water for my dogs and me, plus you can bet animals are using the spring as well. 

I ordered Jott a sleeping cot and had it delivered to the Walmart in Carbondale. He won’t be able to get into his camper after his knee surgery, so he’s making a camp outside. Inflation has been out of control. I purchased the same cot for myself just last year and paid $80.00 plus tax. This year, with the help of Trump making America poor again, the same cot now costs $109.00 plus tax. 

Anda and I haven’t had to purchase any meat from a store in almost a year. We butchered a pig last week, and I was able to put up 57 quarts and 28 pints of pork and beans. This week I’ll be rendering a bunch of beef fat for storage, and I’ll be making elk jerky with the elk meat I have. 

Badgers are pretty animals. I’m excited about finishing these two hides that I have.