I'm back.

[Humptulips]

Maybe you noticed I've been absent or maybe not.
I took off for a couple weeks on a trapping trip to E WA. Not real productive fur wise but very productive knowledge wise. I made some decisions on a few things I want to change on some traps I am developing plus I got a beginners course in marsh and ditch trapping E WA style.
I didn't really go prepared properly for rat trapping but have a better idea what is needed now.

It may seem strange to some that I would need to relearn rat and beaver trapping but it is true. There is a huge difference in trapping when moving to a different area. I found this true when I trapped in OR. Had to make changes there too even though it seemed like very similar country to what I am used to.
Anyway, I've returned and have a couple pics I will post later. Did not take many.
A big Thank You to Sunny Slopes for all his help.

[grundy53]

Welcome back!

[3nails]

 Yup, I was wondering what was up. Glad you had a good trip.

[Bean Counter]

 

[rasbo]

welcome home Bruce,

[Machias]

Oh yea, I have trapped in Missouri, Maine, Washington, and now Virginia.  There is a learning curve for each place, I know that for a fact.  Mostly subtle things, but unless you pick up on the little things you will not have as much success.  Welcome back!!

[pianoman9701]

Welcome back. 

[Skillet]

Very cool - like to see people out doing it "mountain man" style when they can!  Looking forward to the pics - 

[Trapper John]

Welcome back buddy 

Yes sir, there is a differently a learning curve from one area to another.  I've caught a lot of coyotes in my time and you can have the trapping basic down but there are always different factors that you have to learn.  I've caught a lot of coyotes in timber areas in western Washington but than you go to eastern Washington and all you see is sagebrush.  Now you have to figure out how to catch them in this habitat.

Trapping (using traps, different types, lure, baits) is only one part of the learning curve.  Cage traps is an all new animal curve in its own.
JC   

[C-Money]

Nice! Tagging along!

[Becky]

Welcome back! Sounds like you had a productive trip either way, looking forward to pictures

[Humptulips]

Thought I had a few more pics. Not sure what happened to the others.
All I've got is the one.
This is an XL beaver in what I am calling my shorty. 10x10x33 double door collapsible swim through. Beaver was alive, caught in a dry den hole. I took the picture after it was drowned. I only made a few to test as I was not sure this short of a trap would work. To date I have caught 5 beaver and an otter in them. Nothing bigger then an XL, two of that size.

[Bigshooter]

I like the trap.  I use to believe that you needed a long trap for beaver and otter.  But now with powered doors I don't think there is a reason to go longer than 36 inches.

[ouchfoss]

I like the trap.  I use to believe that you needed a long trap for beaver and otter.  But now with powered doors I don't think there is a reason to go longer than 36 inches.

Thats what I was thinking too. All mine are 48 long and I was going to try building some 36 to give them a try next year.