Wild Northerner Magazine Summer issue 2015 | Page 7

BUSH BUSINESS

Bait trapping life isn’t easy

BY SCOTT HADDOW

Wild Northerner staff

Richard Larocque is a man of his word.

The licensed bait trapper arrives at Northern Quality Bait and Tackle at 9 a.m. with hundreds of minnows. He is greeted by a friendly face, owner Jocelyne Menard, who gives him a hug. They banter back-and-forth and poke a bit of fun at each other. Their smiles and actions are genuine.

Larocque is keeping his word to Menard’s father, who was a good, long-time friend. Years ago, before Menard’s father died, Larocque promised him he would make sure Jocelyne would always have minnows to sell in the bait shop.