Floating muskrat traps

[-Trap_addicT-]

I'm getting bored with colony traps, looking for something new. I've seen floating rat traps, but they're usually done with leg holds or conibears. I was looking around online and found this one, I'm wondering if anyone has seen these work? I believe they're somewhat new to the market, but they look kinda nifty. There's two levels, the top serves as a live trap and a one way door in the mid level allows lethal capture. It seems like a guy has a good shot at multi rat catches and a chance at a mink as well. Captured rats live/dead serve as mink bait, but a mink could make a mess of your rat in hurry too. Just looking for any feedback or other ideas for muskrat.

Here's the link to the floating trap website if anyone is interested:
http://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=NWS001&Product_Code=WCSFMT2&Category_Code=Muskrat_Traps

[Carp Commander]

I did a lot of experimenting with floaters this past season. Look for a thread titled "Need help with colonies". Several helpfull tips in there.

The size and shape didn't seem to matter but floaters need to be covered.

Apples had the highest success rate over carrots, parsnips and potatoes.

Late season with a gland lure really helps but this is also the same time you will start to see scarred flesh do to the mating rituals.

Make sure your design prevents the floater from having any air between the bottom of the platform and the water. I had too much flotation in one of mine and had a live rat to deal with.

Like many of us have experienced, I am sure you will find that floaters are not as consistant as colony traps. They can really be hit or miss. It is however in my opinion another necessary tool to have in your tool belt.   

Hope this helps

[-Trap_addicT-]

This helps a bunch! Do you put them near runs or just float them it in a pond or does it even matter? Have you caught mink in floaters? Thanks for the tips.

[Carp Commander]

I have only set them in moving water, creeks, canals and rivers. I haven't tried ponds or lakes, that's coming this fall. Just set them on sign. No never had a mink in a floater.