'King Trapper' says age may force him to hang up crown
Last Updated: Monday, February 26, 2007 | 9:21 AM CT
The Canadian Press
The man considered by many to be the "king" of the King Trapper competition in Saskatchewan says he may soon be forced to hang up his crown.
Franklin Carriere won't say exactly how old he is, but says he'll soon be too old to take part in the annual woodsman contest.
'As long as they want me to keep training with them … I'll keep trying.'—Franklin Carriere
Competitors gathered in Prince Albert over the weekend to take part in speed sawing races, trap setting contests, and wild animal calling competitions to win the title King Trapper.
Carriere has been competing in similar events for about 40 years. He hints that he's about 60 years old, and says he likes coaching younger trappers. But Carriere says the cold weather has been getting to him lately.
"As long as they want me to keep training with them … and [I] don't look silly, I'll keep trying," Carriere said.
Fellow competitor Kelvin Fiddler, 38, said Carriere is so good because he learns from his competition.
Kirby Sinclair, 34, of Prince Albert said a King Trapper has to be consistent in all events, coming out in the top five in each event.
But he said there's another factor to being crowned king: "A little luck helps things."
Carriere would likely agree. He caught a lucky break himself during the speed saw race.
"My good buddy over here, a pin came off his saw, and I smoked him real good," Carriere said.
