Meet Don Powell
What began on his grandfather's farm in Western Pennsylvania grew into a lifelong pursuit of understanding mink.
For more than 30 years, Don Powell has studied mink behavior, both in the field and through firsthand observation of captive mink. That combination has given him a unique opportunity to study how mink move, react, hunt, investigate, and behave beyond what can be observed on the trapline alone.
After years of frustration and countless hours of observation, Don combined what he learned about mink with his business background and decades of trapping experience to develop a systematic approach to mink trapping. That approach has helped trappers across North America improve their understanding and success.
Today, Don is an educator dedicated to sharing what he's learned and helping others develop the same passion for trapping.
Minktrapping.com began as a way to communicate and share knowledge about mink trapping, but it grew into something much bigger, a community. Through the forum, trappers of all experience levels can exchange ideas, build friendships, and, as Don likes to say, “dig the well deeper” for future generations.
From Minktrapping.com and Minktoberfest shirts proudly worn at conventions to friendships formed across the country, the community represents a shared passion for trapping.
Minktrapping.com is where all trappers belong, regardless of experience or their favorite species to trap.
A Different Way of Thinking
Like many trappers, Don spent years struggling to consistently catch mink. Determined to improve, he studied everything he could, from books and experienced trappers to countless hours observing mink in the wild.
As life became busier with a career, family, and community responsibilities, he realized he needed more than hard work, he needed a system.
Drawing on his background in business, Don began applying principles like organization, record keeping, standardization, and continuous improvement to his trapline. The result was a practical, repeatable approach that transformed the way he trapped and became the foundation of everything he teaches today.
Experience Built Over a Lifetime
Don's systematic approach has produced exceptional results while balancing a full-time career and family life. Along the way, he's written educational articles, and developed innovative trapping methods.
But Don believes his greatest accomplishment isn't the number of mink he's caught, it's helping others become more confident, successful, and passionate about trapping.
Sharing What Works
MinkTrapping.com was built to help trappers at every stage of their journey.
Whether you're hoping to catch your first mink or refine a trapline you've run for years, you'll find practical education, trusted resources, and a community willing to share what they've learned.
"Mink trapping is not a series of unrelated events. A trapline is a journey of development."
Learn Alongside Fellow Trappers
The best knowledge isn't kept, it’s shared.
Join thousands of trappers who ask questions, exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and help one another become better outdoorsmen.
Come be part of the conversation, share what you know, and help us “dig the well deeper” for the next generation of trappers.