Trap help

[saylean]

Dig a small hole in the ground so you can place the bait/attractent under the trap. Secure the trap with some stakes so it isnt easily moved and see what happens.

[Jonathan_S]

Digging a hole might help but it certainly isn't necessary.  That raccoon will develop a taste for 'mallows if you leave him one or two outside the trap.

Definitely drive some rebar or something equally indestructible because rocky raccoon has a way of tipping over cages and getting loose.

[Jonathan_S]

I hope you get something similar to this tomorrow   

[KFhunter]

I think the raccoon is stretching in and is long enough the door lands on it's back.

too bad the cage isn't a bit longer.


is the door latching closed properly ?  or is it partially locking and getting pushed back open

[seth30]

The trap was securely shut both times should I place a heavy log leaning on the trap door so when its triggered the weight will force the animal forward into the trap? 

[Jonathan_S]

should I place a heavy log leaning on the trap door so when its triggered the weight will force the animal forward into the trap?

Can't hurt.  I've done that and it's worked.  If it bangs down hard enough, they should jump forward in fear.

[seth30]

should I angle it or will they work around it to get in the trap?

[KFhunter]

I'd just wire those marshmellows to the back of the cage, make it work to get them off.

wouldn't mess with the log on the door, harder to spring, harder to get in the trap.  It would take more pressure on the pan to release the door.
don't want that.

[Jonathan_S]

I'd just wire those marshmellows to the back of the cage, make it work to get them off.

wouldn't mess with the log on the door, harder to spring, harder to get in the trap.  It would take more pressure on the pan to release the door.
don't want that.

two good points.  If you can dry a 'mallow out and then wire it good, he'll probably hunch up further into the trap.  Good call.

[seth30]

I think the raccoon is stretching in and is long enough the door lands on it's back.

too bad the cage isn't a bit longer.


is the door latching closed properly ?  or is it partially locking and getting pushed back open

when its down it does not move because of the bar behind it. 

[lokidog]

You may want to make sure it cannot reach anything through the trap that you do not want destroyed, like your siding.  I've even had them bend up a stainless steel bowl that held bait.

[seth30]

They got the food and didnt set off my trap   The camera took two pics but nothing on it   I am going to buy some wire tonight and give make sure they have to really work for it. 

[saylean]

Good luck Seth! Looking forward to the pics!

[seth30]

nothing in the trap but got some pics.  when i get home they will be posted.  the wire method did not work hopefully when I download the pics i can find out why.

[seth30]

Okay so I now know whats hitting my traps.  Its not raccoons, its rats   Still not sure what knocked over the trash cans and moved the dog food bowels around but going to keep the trap up for a few more days and see what I can catch.  I had the camera a little close so there is some blinding light in the pics