Tim Buechle says he likes old things -- old planes, old cars and an old way of life. The 54-year-old grew up in Pinconning, Mich., and is now something of an Alaska renaissance man, making a living as a hunting and fishing guide, airplane mechanic and trapper.
Buechle has been trapping since he was just 8 years old, when he sought out the men in his community who could teach him to trap.
"It was just something natural," Buechle said. "Nobody had to sell me on it, nobody had to tell me. It was just the way I was created, I guess."
His dream growing up was to eventually live in Northern Canada or Alaska. After college and some time spent working in the building industry in Detroit, he decided to finally follow his childhood dream. He sold all his belongings and headed to Alaska. He first drove to the Last Frontier on his motorcycle in 1993 and became a permanent resident in 1999.
Buechle built one cabin near the small town of Talkeetna, but also built his dream cabin -- all with indigenous materials -- in a remote area 20 air miles north of the community, in the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains. Nearby, he has three trap lines on which he traps muskrats, marten, wolverine, fox, coyote, river otter and beaver. Buechle is one of about 8,000 licensed trappers in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and he said he values humane trapping, where the animal is killed as quickly as possible.
Buechle lives his life close to nature, and is familiar with all of the animals in his area. During the winter trapping season, Buechle claims he can monitor animal populations just by looking at tracks in the snow. He considers trapping a renewable resource in Alaska, something that, when managed properly, won't damage overall animal populations.
"There is still not a product produced as warm and durable as fur," Buechle said. "Any of the synthetic products can't hold up. And Lord knows what goes into the process of manufacturing those products."
And unlike trappers of centuries past, when trapping could be a profitable trade, Buechle didn't get into the business for the money.
"Trapping won't make you rich, but if I break even, the lifestyle is my profit," he said.
"It's truly a way of life," said Buechle. "It's a constant adventure and journey. It keeps you alive. It keeps you thinking and adapting. It's enjoyable to be out with these animals in their environment, matching wits with them."
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Alaska Dispatch Publishing