Yukon trapper Robert Stitt reflects on a solitary life in the bush and why he left his Beaver River trapline

Robert Stitt, 75, has given up his Beaver River trapline this year, citing rising aircraft costs and the threat of wildfires after a near-loss of his camp in 2021; he says he plans to find a different trapline and be out next winter.

Robert Stitt is 75 and has trapped for decades, spending long winters in a remote cabin under the northern lights. He trapped on the Beaver River in southeast Yukon for 17 years. This year he gave up that trapline and did not spend the winter there. He says rising aircraft costs and the risk of wildfires prompted his decision. Key facts: - Stitt has about 55 years of trapping experience and ran a trapline on the Beaver River, roughly 338 kilometres east of Watson Lake, for 17 years. - He says he almost lost his camp to a wildfire in July 2021; firefighters set up sprinklers and a wind shift later moved the fire away, but smoke and burn damage were visible into the fall. - Stitt cites the region's large, old white spruce riparian forests and an increasing wildfire threat as reasons for concern about returning to that trapline. - He reported two serious wildlife encounters: a 2017 night-time encounter when he shot a starving bear that he later identified as a black grizzly, and a separate incident when an agitated cow moose charged his camp. - He worked with three Canadian Inuit dogs and has a background as a birder with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and he values observing animal tracks and moonlit travel on a Ski-doo. - Jackie Yacklin of the Yukon Trappers Association says Stitt teaches fur handling workshops, demonstrates methodical skinning, and is known for well-prepared marten pelts. Summary: Stitt’s choice to leave the Beaver River trapline this winter reflects practical pressures on people who live and work in remote Yukon bush, namely travel costs and wildfire risk. He reports near-loss of his camp in 2021 and significant post-fire tree damage in the area. He says he will seek a different trapline so he can be out next winter. Undetermined at this time.