I've been trapping since 1981 when my dad first started teaching me. My dad, Larry Cox, is the one who ignited my passion for trapping. I just lost my dad to blood cancer back in October of 2007. My dad was a very good Christian man who was well liked and respected by everyone who knew him. He was the reason I became the avid outdoorsman and trapper that I am today. My dad was instrumental in teaching me a lot of what I know about trapping, hunting and the outdoors. My parents used to pack up the old pop-up camper with all of the essentials and we would head to the deer lease for a week at a time. We were blessed to be able to hunt on a thousand acres just outside of Castroville, Texas and many of my favorite childhood memories were born there. Many times my mom would be the one to kill the deer. I guess she had more patience than the rest of us. She was also the one who always caught the biggest fish...another patience thing I guess. My brother and I would spend countless hours trapping, fishing, hunting, and just exploring the brushy, wildlife rich ranch. My dad is the one who bought me my first traps and taught me all he knew about trapping. It was on that ranch that I developed my passion for trapping and the outdoors. It wasn't until later in life that I really began to build my own knowledge of trapping predators and began to really understand their habits and characteristics. I started trapping coons, possums, ring tails and then moved on to bobcats and coyotes. I currently serve on the board of directors for the Texas Trappers and Fur Hunter's Association and am also in charge of the Nuisance Control program for the association.

Dad and I fly fishing in Yellowstone National Park

More Trapping Experience

I was very blessed to be taught by Mr. Lacy J. Kirkman of Manor, Texas. Mr. Kirkman was one of the kindest most giving Christian men I ever met. He was 90 years old when he first started teaching me his secrets of trapping bobcats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and etc... His knowledge of animals and just where they would travel, respond to a set, use of scents, etc...just never ceased to amaze me. I couldn't wait for Saturday mornings to come around so I could go accompany him on his trapline. I loved the anticipation and excitement as we approached each set. I also enjoyed sitting on the porch later in the day and listening to Mr. Kirkman tell about his experiences of so many years. It was that personal experience with Mr. Kirkman on his trapline that helped me become the trapper I am today.