During the early 19th century (circa 1830’s onwards) men went into the mountains and forests to eke out a living to provide for their families at home. Shepherds, cattlemen, snarers, fishermen and miners were all attracted to the mountains to follow their particular pursuit whether it be the grazing of sheep and cattle or the trapping of possums and wallabies for the skin trade, or fishing, or fossicking – all were a means to support their loved ones and, in many cases, for those on the land it was a supplement to their farm income.

Often these mountain men had their private areas for trapping and snaring – and there was an unwritten understanding that you never intruded on another man’s run.  Tracks were blazed and snare runs established and huts were built in protected bush settings.  The lore for successful snaring and trapping was often handed from father to son.