Bobcat cage size; discussion.

[onetrapper]

Better use treated logs here on the wesst side... haha although you could line it with wire

[Machias]

There was a guy in CAN or AK that was making lynx cubbies right on the spot out of small trees/logs.  He would rig the trigger and the door was also made out of wood logs.  Very effective, very natural.  I think the only drawback to wooden boxtraps is the weight.  I think the cats would go right in.  They love cubbies.

[Humptulips]

Here's my thoughts on a "natural" wood box trap. Why not use local timber, build it like a small log cabin to appropriate size. Build it solid using spike or deck screws. Build it in place at a toilet or some similar place where cats are drawn to. leave it there yearly make the door frame removeable 6 or 8 screws holding the frame to the body of the trap. The frame, door and pan goes in the back of your truck when you are down in that spot. All that is left in the woods is a box of small logs.

Nope, I'm thinking one that would fold up. I think built right it would take up very little space, easy to carry and fast to put together. When I was trapping in OR I moved my cat line about every two weeks and it worked pretty good. I'd like to be able to move easily if I feel like it.

As far as holding odor that would be a good thing once you've caught that first cat.
I don't see that as a problem.

[Machias]

Check this one out.  PVC Pipe, interesting.

http://www.rmrs.nau.edu/publications/Kolbeetal/Kolbeetal.pdf

[Humptulips]

hey humptulips, i know this is off thread but do you have pics of bobcats that you have trapped over the years, maybe even like a new thread kinda like how teacher does his yearly trapping journal and maybe some coyotes, hey heres a question was it or is it legal to catch cougars in a live trap, or a leg hold back in the day? sorry off topic i know, just want to see pics 

I have a few pictures. Most are not on my computer. I kind of hate to post pictures from years past. It would make me look like I have this cat trapping  figured out which I do not. Trapped a bunch of stuff over the years but not with cages. I have a lot to learn.

Cougar, Yea it was legal to trap cougar back before they were a big game animal. Once they were classified as a big game animal that ended.
I proposed to WDFW that they reclassify them as a furbearer like bobcat and 'coon to increase harvest. All of a sudden it was like I stepped in something.

[Machias]

This size should work for bobcats. 

[Humptulips]

A little hard to transport though. Kind of a dark colored cat.

[Machias]

It'd be a roadside set. 

[jackmaster]

that is awesome, that was animal i loved to trap back in the day was bobcats, i surly miss the sound of sneaking up on a set and hearing the chain rattling and seeing a cat in there.....so humptulips when you suggested that they reclassify cougars did you get flamed for it or did the wdfw just think you were insane

[MtnMuley]

I'll never purchase another "short" trap.  I've caught plenty of cats in those 15"ers, but have also had five times the amount of false closes.  Never have this problem with the 18-22" models.  Width isn't an issue with me either.  The skinnier they are, means they are lighter and easier to haul around.

[Machias]

I'll never purchase another "short" trap.  I've caught plenty of cats in those 15"ers, but have also had five times the amount of false closes.  Never have this problem with the 18-22" models.  Width isn't an issue with me either.  The skinnier they are, means they are lighter and easier to haul around.

Any chance it was door design and wind, or are you certain they are backing out?

[Humptulips]

that is awesome, that was animal i loved to trap back in the day was bobcats, i surly miss the sound of sneaking up on a set and hearing the chain rattling and seeing a cat in there.....so humptulips when you suggested that they reclassify cougars did you get flamed for it or did the wdfw just think you were insane

Pretty much thought I was insane. Thing is it makes sence to me. They are not reacing their quotas on cougar. The deer and elk are taking a beating and they say their hands are tied by the law against hound hunting and they can't get a repeal passed. They could reclassify cougars without going to the Legislature.  Probably would bring in some money too as their would be non-trappers interested just to take a cougar. Couldn't claim inhumane. It would have  to be in box traps and you could turn one loose if the department wanted to limit the take of say females.
Texas is the only state that allows trapping of cougar so maybe they would even sell some out of state licenses.
Pretty clear they thought it was all crazy talk.

[Humptulips]

I'll never purchase another "short" trap.  I've caught plenty of cats in those 15"ers, but have also had five times the amount of false closes.  Never have this problem with the 18-22" models.  Width isn't an issue with me either.  The skinnier they are, means they are lighter and easier to haul around.

So I take it short means not tall enough. If you had 15"s out would longer models make up for height in regard to the false closes? how long were the traps you had problems with?

[MtnMuley]

I'll never purchase another "short" trap.  I've caught plenty of cats in those 15"ers, but have also had five times the amount of false closes.  Never have this problem with the 18-22" models.  Width isn't an issue with me either.  The skinnier they are, means they are lighter and easier to haul around.

Any chance it was door design and wind, or are you certain they are backing out?

Absolutely not door design or wind.  They definately backed out.  I had one do it 3 days in a row.  I hauled the trap off the mountain, and placed one of my ole faithful tall traps in there, and had had a 28lb tom in it the next morning.

[MtnMuley]

I'll never purchase another "short" trap.  I've caught plenty of cats in those 15"ers, but have also had five times the amount of false closes.  Never have this problem with the 18-22" models.  Width isn't an issue with me either.  The skinnier they are, means they are lighter and easier to haul around.

So I take it short means not tall enough. If you had 15"s out would longer models make up for height in regard to the false closes? how long were the traps you had problems with?

Yes, not tall enough.  My 15's and roughly the same length as all the other traps I have.  I will get a tape out and measure them tonight.  Personally, I feel these larger cats tend to trip the door with there hind end.  Several sets where this occurred, the cage was dislodged, as to suggest a struggle.  Have had fur spread out around the door several times on false closes as well.  Don't get me wrong, I've caught plenty of cats in the shorter traps, but always use the tall traps in my best areas.