Moving to NAS Whidbey next month...

[Cougar125]

...and I can't wrap my head aroun WA's trapping laws.  CA allows you to shoot furbearers so no trapping license is required and in ID you can use footholds on drowner sets, connibears, and just about any other trap imaginable.  But I read, on here, that only cage type traps are permissable.  Did I misread this or should I sell my jump traps, longsprings, double longsprings, and connibears to my brother to use?  If this is the case, are colony traps or mink/weasel boxes permitted as well?

I went to the website mentioned about the classes in order to get the WA trapping license, but didn't see any dates posted.  Any intel would be greatly appreciated.  Happy Trapping!

[Blackjaw]

There is a thread started by Humptulips at the top of this section that outlines the trapper education needed and the types of traps we are restricted to.

[Cougar125]

There is a thread started by Humptulips at the top of this section that outlines the trapper education needed and the types of traps we are restricted to.

I went to the website mentioned about the classes in order to get the WA trapping license, but didn't see any dates posted.

That's where I got this information...   When and where are these classes usually offered?

[Humptulips]

There is a thread started by Humptulips at the top of this section that outlines the trapper education needed and the types of traps we are restricted to.

I went to the website mentioned about the classes in order to get the WA trapping license, but didn't see any dates posted.

That's where I got this information...   When and where are these classes usually offered?

We'll probably have one in Olympia this fall. None scheduled right now.
What we are doing right now is scheduling as needed. If you looked at watrappers.com you should have seen contact information for George Brady (509)923-2326. He is coordinating the Trappers Education program. Call him and he will get you a manual to study and make arangements for a class.
We kind of hate to schedule a class before anyone asks. Last year we did one in Olympia and there were three instuctors and only one student.
We will do a class for one person if needed so don't despair we will take care of you in time for trapping season.

In answer to your other question, without a special damage control permit no foot holds, conibears or snares. Yes you can use weasel boxes with a rat trap, colony traps, cage traps and suitcase type traps like Hancocks. Swim throughs and the powered door swim throughs are sort of a WA inovation that is working well too.

[Cougar125]

Thanks for the information Bruce.  Once I get up there I will try and get it scheduled.  I've lurked around on trapperman a bit (same screen name) so I've figured out the weasel boxes.  I guess my next step would be to figure out where to acquire some colony traps and other cage style traps for non-water animals.

Everett

[Humptulips]

Thanks for the information Bruce.  Once I get up there I will try and get it scheduled.  I've lurked around on trapperman a bit (same screen name) so I've figured out the weasel boxes.  I guess my next step would be to figure out where to acquire some colony traps and other cage style traps for non-water animals.

Everett

In order to do it afordably a lot of guys are making them themselves. As a for instance I make the powered door swim throughs for right in the ball park of $30 for materials. The new comstock traps that do a similar job end up costing $250.
Of course you can buy cage traps and I saw colony traps in the MB catalogue but you can get a lot more traps for the money if you are handy enough to make a few yourself.

[TheNoob]

Hey Bruce, can you show a mats. list and size of colony traps?

[Humptulips]

I don't make colony traps. Several guys on here who do so maybe they will chime in.
When you're talking colony traps mostly that means rat traps and all they use is cage wire and a few cage clips. You can get all of that at a feed store. The aluminum cage clips they put rabbit cages together work pretty good for connecting the wire. If you are making larger traps that have a frame I suggest you get the steel hog ring type. Look here http://www.klubertanz.com/

What are you thinking of building? Most of the traps with frames use 1/4 round rod for the frame. I'm using mild steel for most but I bought some cold rolled for one piece.

[Humptulips]

Here's a good thread on building colony traps on trapperman

http://www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3265024/1/Colony_trap_building

[Cougar125]

Awesome.  Thanks!

[pnwmtnmn]

Hey Cougar125,

Well, I build and sell rigid and folding colony traps. Sizes vary from 4x4x20+ to the 8x8x36+ the length on these things is what you need. The 4x4 traps go directly into the den entrance without any digging, also build the 8x12 colony trap in folding or rigid this trap has 2 doors on each end for ease of use by the rat and mink. There is also the floating colony trap that had a discussion on trapperman last thursday or friday, I designed this into a folding trap and byt does it save on space.

Let me know what you're interested in and I'll pm you a price list.

I am also region 2 director of the WSTA

Kip Smith

[Cougar125]

Kip,

Let me get up there, get settled, and I'll get in touch with ya.

Thanks.