The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

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Hobie
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The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by Hobie »

The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson - has been fascinating me ever since I saw the movie "Death Hunt" with Charles Bronson as Johnson and Lee Marvin as Constable Edgar Millen. Dick North thought he had figured out who Johnson was but this has been dis-proven, as have all other theoretical identities, by DNA testing.

Now, the movie has some great scenery including guns. I suppose the best of these is Johnson's rifle, a Savage 99. In reality, Johnson had a straight grip 99 chambered for the .30-30. The rifle is at the RCMP museum.

The story and the movie generate a lot of talk on the various gun forums. I guess I'm not the only one who was fascinated. However, this summer I actually got to go to the area in which this took place. I know have an idea of the terrain Johnson and his pursuers had to cover, in -50* weather, Johnson on foot and the Mounties with dog teams and sleds from Dec 26, 1931 to Feb 17, 1932. An airplane was used but that must have been an adventure too!

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w30wcf
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Re: The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by w30wcf »

Hobie,
I have found that story pretty fascinating as well. For those who are not familiar, here's a short synopsis:
http://www.mysteriesofcanada.com/NWT/madtrapper.htm

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Mac in Mo
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Re: The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by Mac in Mo »

Thanks Hobie. This book is going on my "to read" list.

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RIHMFIRE
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Re: The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by RIHMFIRE »

great post...and great movie too!
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Re: The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by Booger Bill »

Do you think he could have been a early animal rights activist?
Rusty
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Re: The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by Rusty »

Yep, Death Hunt is on our classic list here. We watch it every few months.


I fo;;owed you link to your blog Hobie. Robert service is one of my favorite poets. A few years ago Jr. bought me the complete works of Robert Service. If anyone has any leanings toward him at all, the book is well worth the asking price.
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Re: The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by bobbyjack »

He plays that 1897 like a fine tuned guitar!

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Re: The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by AJMD429 »

w30wcf wrote:For those who are not familiar, here's a short synopsis:
http://www.mysteriesofcanada.com/NWT/madtrapper.htm
w30wcf
Thanks for the link...!
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Old Time Hunter
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Re: The Mad Trapper of Rat River - Albert Johnson

Post by Old Time Hunter »

So...is he still out there yet????
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