Looking for some trapping 101 help

[Eric M]

I took the class at Cabelas yesterday. Very nice people hosting it. There was some computer issue so we couldn't get our licenses right away. Can I just take the card anywhere else and show them and get it or does it have to show that WDFW knows I took the class? Next I am planning on just purchasing one cage trap this year while I figure this out. Looking through the Tomahawk Live Trap catalog I'm getting a bit confused. I was thinking about the 108.1 Original Series. Is there any reason not to buy this one? Would I be better off with the 108.5 for larger raccoons? The 108.1 looks a little heavier duty but 4" shorter. I am just targeting raccoons or whatever wanders in. Eventually I'd like to get into cats and badgers but this year I want to get a couple coons. Thank you, Eric

[fatslinger]

Thanks for coming to the class yesterday, lots of info to digest in a few hours. WDFW is still having trouble with their computers today and they still cannot 'select' the trapping license option. They are hoping the IT guys can fix it in the morning so try again tomorrow.
For trap sizes, I like the opening to be at least 15" tall. IMO a 15"x15"x36" is a versatile trap. Northern Industries (I think a branch of Tomahawk) makes a good sturdy trap in that size.
It's big enough for the biggest raccoon, plus I've caught bobcat and many beaver in it. Either way, Tomahawk makes a sturdy trap so you can't go wrong no matter what size you pick.

[Eric M]

Thanks for coming to the class yesterday, lots of info to digest in a few hours. WDFW is still having trouble with their computers today and they still cannot 'select' the trapping license option. They are hoping the IT guys can fix it in the morning so try again tomorrow.
For trap sizes, I like the opening to be at least 15" tall. IMO a 15"x15"x36" is a versatile trap. Northern Industries (I think a branch of Tomahawk) makes a good sturdy trap in that size.
It's big enough for the biggest raccoon, plus I've caught bobcat and many beaver in it. Either way, Tomahawk makes a sturdy trap so you can't go wrong no matter what size you pick.

Thanks. Appreciate the help.

[Eric M]

If someone could give me the basic reasons behind these styles of trap, I would sure appreciate it. I am looking at the 15X15X36 on Northern Industries site and there are 3 types; double doors, release door, and single door. Is there a preference based on the species you're after? Anyway, hoping someone can assist and give me a little guidance. Thanks.

[boneaddict]

With double door traps you can obviously catch animals coming from multiple locations. It also lets the animal see all the way through the trap, instead of looking at cage wire in the back.

a double door trap can be utilized as a single door but not vice versa, so better utilization.

Last time I looked, singles were cheaper.   

Just guesses. Im sure an expert will chime in shortly 

[JakeLand]

Me personally I prefer a single door on all but swim through traps.
I'm able to make them not think about it too much

[Eric M]

Thanks for the replies. I'm just trying to catch a couple coons this year. I was leaning towards the single door but wanted to be sure. Thanks.

[boneaddict]

Singles would work just fine unless you had some hole you might be trying to trap. IMO

[Eric M]

Singles would work just fine unless you had some hole you might be trying to trap. IMO

I think I'll get the single and use it to figure things out.

[TeacherMan]

I only use single door traps on everything except beaver. Coon will go into anything and if you want to avoid skunks use marshmallows and vanilla for bait, add some peanut butter put it all in a womans nylon and tie it up in the back of the trap. If you are wanting cats eventually you will want to go with a taller trap. My traps are 10-12" wide, 18-24" tall and 38-42" deep. Cats are good with narrow just not short. Deep ones are nice considering I use beaver as my primary bait. Leaves some room behind the pan. 

[Eric M]

I only use single door traps on everything except beaver. Coon will go into anything and if you want to avoid skunks use marshmallows and vanilla for bait, add some peanut butter put it all in a womans nylon and tie it up in the back of the trap. If you are wanting cats eventually you will want to go with a taller trap. My traps are 10-12" wide, 18-24" tall and 38-42" deep. Cats are good with narrow just not short. Deep ones are nice considering I use beaver as my primary bait. Leaves some room behind the pan.

Thanks. For cats are you usually using these same type of single door traps or are you using the guillotine style door traps?

[TeacherMan]

I only use single door traps on everything except beaver. Coon will go into anything and if you want to avoid skunks use marshmallows and vanilla for bait, add some peanut butter put it all in a womans nylon and tie it up in the back of the trap. If you are wanting cats eventually you will want to go with a taller trap. My traps are 10-12" wide, 18-24" tall and 38-42" deep. Cats are good with narrow just not short. Deep ones are nice considering I use beaver as my primary bait. Leaves some room behind the pan.

Thanks. For cats are you usually using these same type of single door traps or are you using the guillotine style door traps?

Guillotine style. Look up Yancy bobcat traps. I use several of his actually or ones that them. 

[Eric M]

I only use single door traps on everything except beaver. Coon will go into anything and if you want to avoid skunks use marshmallows and vanilla for bait, add some peanut butter put it all in a womans nylon and tie it up in the back of the trap. If you are wanting cats eventually you will want to go with a taller trap. My traps are 10-12" wide, 18-24" tall and 38-42" deep. Cats are good with narrow just not short. Deep ones are nice considering I use beaver as my primary bait. Leaves some room behind the pan.

Thanks. For cats are you usually using these same type of single door traps or are you using the guillotine style door traps?

Guillotine style. Look up Yancy bobcat traps. I use several of his actually or ones that them.

Thanks

[Calvin Rayborn]

Conibear 110 all the way for little guys

[Eric M]

Conibear 110 all the way for little guys

Thanks. They aren't legal to use in Washington though.

[lewy]

Eric what general area are you located?

[Eric M]

My next question is about swimming fur bearers. Reading over some of the posts and looking at pictures plus the gist of the trappers ed class it seems usually the traps are completely underwater. Sometimes in a drainage I have seen the water wasn't deep enough so the top of the trap is exposed. Does it matter that much? Also does anyone set the traps for these critters on the banks or runs that are on land not in the water?

[lewy]

Nice thing about having the trap submerged is that you don't need to check it daily.

[Eric M]

Nice thing about having the trap submerged is that you don't need to check it daily.

Thanks. You think it matters to the critters otherwise?

[Humptulips]

My next question is about swimming fur bearers. Reading over some of the posts and looking at pictures plus the gist of the trappers ed class it seems usually the traps are completely underwater. Sometimes in a drainage I have seen the water wasn't deep enough so the top of the trap is exposed. Does it matter that much? Also does anyone set the traps for these critters on the banks or runs that are on land not in the water?

Most of the time you can find a water set and there are significant advantages like Lewy mentioned, 3 day check. I find water animals easier to take care of if they cool out in water and besides that they can beat themselves up and test your trap if they are alive in it.
Also it can be easier to get one under water depending on species. Otter can shy from a trap at times but don't seem to notice the trap as readily when it is underwater.
If the water is a little shallow to get the trap underwater I use my Pulaski to deepen it a bit.

[Eric M]

My next question is about swimming fur bearers. Reading over some of the posts and looking at pictures plus the gist of the trappers ed class it seems usually the traps are completely underwater. Sometimes in a drainage I have seen the water wasn't deep enough so the top of the trap is exposed. Does it matter that much? Also does anyone set the traps for these critters on the banks or runs that are on land not in the water?

Most of the time you can find a water set and there are significant advantages like Lewy mentioned, 3 day check. I find water animals easier to take care of if they cool out in water and besides that they can beat themselves up and test your trap if they are alive in it.
Also it can be easier to get one under water depending on species. Otter can shy from a trap at times but don't seem to notice the trap as readily when it is underwater.
If the water is a little shallow to get the trap underwater I use my Pulaski to deepen it a bit.

Thanks Bruce