KC's 2016 Rookie Cat Line

[Kit Carson]

First time trapper here....not really going for anything but Bobcats 
Big ups to Jakeland for teaching me his ways and hooking me up with the necessities! Also, thanks to all the other guys who have answered my PMs. Coming in the season a little late, I've been trying to pick up on as much knowledge as possible in a very short time. Initially got 3 sets out with the help of the o'l bike and baby trailer... I've been spending my time on old forest roads; all around creeks, ponds, and in thick timber

So far only 3 possums (all released)

I included a few pics of where trapping has taken me so far....Very excited to see where this ends up!

Any additional tips/suggestions are always welcome!

Please comment on the scat and track pics at the bottom (still unsure about those)

[ouchfoss]

Glad to see your getting animals with those Cages! believe it or not but possum is actually darn good eating. Unfortunately, I think their furs are almost worthless with the market now. I could be wrong (I'm sure some of the veteran trappers would know) but aren't they one of those animals like a skunk who will never stop coming back after you release it so you either have to kill it or move your trap?
Only critique I would have on your sets would be to spend time and make the floor of the cage very firm and covered with dirt, leaves and moss from around there so it blends in with the rest of the forest floor and that way it's easier on their feet when they walk in then cage. Ive heard from several people that cats will not like the feel of the hard metal cage on their toes and they will avoid going in all the way. I bet possums would walk on broken glass to get food from what Ive heard about them. 
That track looks like a yote to me. I believe you can see the claws for each toe.

[jasnt]

Def a coyote track. Could be coyote scat too

[Turner89]

I know where your trapping KC  (both spots)  I agree with ouch on the floor, and the possums.  Good luck, shouldn't be long before your posting a pic of a cat.  I'm sure ill run into you out there eventually. 

[Cultusman]

Just a little advice,  you might want to put some heavier brush on and around those traps, first time the wind blows those ferns will be gone. Make sure you put a lot of brush behind those traps so the cat isn't messing around with that bait from the outside.

Have fun and Good Luck.

[Kit Carson]

I appreciate the tips! Going to start doing a more thorough job camouflaging my sets.

Got my first Cat today! A nice Tom! I was so excited I forgot to get a pic of him in the cage 
Took one as I was heading out....layin on the beach towel




This is the set he went in (started leaning a log across the trap to stabilize both the trap itself, and the ferns/moss on top)






Left the set that produced. Moved my others to new areas that I feel pretty confident about.

Again, Big ups to Jakeland & the others who have helped me!

[JakeLand]

  good looking cat for sure ! Next ones gotta get some pics in the trap

[ouchfoss]

  AWESOME!!!!!!!
Pretty good start for a rookie!!!!!
Congrats.

[Blsum]

Congratulations. Your lucky to have a mentor. Im still looking for my first cat. Going solo and trying to learn as much as I can in the process. What are your plans for your first cat?

[Kit Carson]

What are your plans for your first cat?

Going to have it tanned and keep it forever

[Turner89]

Right on

[Duckslayer89]

Congrats on the cat! Do you ever get coyotes hitting your traps? Are they legal to take? I'd be reallllly interested in thinning those out up where I deer hunt.

[redi]

Congrats on a great cat.

[Humptulips]

Congrats on the cat! Do you ever get coyotes hitting your traps? Are they legal to take? I'd be reallllly interested in thinning those out up where I deer hunt.

Legal yes but virtually impossible to catch in cage traps.

[Turner89]

Congrats on the cat! Do you ever get coyotes hitting your traps? Are they legal to take? I'd be reallllly interested in thinning those out up where I deer hunt.

Legal yes but virtually impossible to catch in cage traps.

I've had them digging all around trap. I wonder if its legal to bait coyote?     (to shoot them)