Red Tail Hawks & Owl Frustration

[Bigjon]

So I went to check my cat traps tonight and one of my traps had a red tail hawk in it and another had a spotted owl in it.  Is this normal?  Anyone else ever have this issue.  I put these Lucky Duck Call boxes in there that makes a chirping noise to attract the cats.  Also I dont seem to be having much luck catching cats down here.  Anyone know where the cats are most active this time of year im going to pull my whole line and go elsewhere.  Any help would be great, Thanks!

[carpsniperg2]

I am not a experienced trap guy but run with a few from time to time. I know a few have used the chirp machines. My understanding is they are like hanging a feather get the cats to the set. If you are putting them in there maybe that’s why the birds are going in? Maybe hang them above the trap?

Just food for thought some great cat trappers in here with way more know then me lol

[Blsum]

Never had a hawk or an owl in my trap but last year I was going to be gone for the weekend and closed all the doors on what I had set. When I went back to open everything back up I found a stellar jay inside one of them. I was using one Bruce's old traps with the skunk opening in it. The only thing I can think is he must of found that opening and got in. But couldn't figure out how to get back out

[Cultusman]

 It's probably your call boxes that is attracting birds.
 I know when I am calling coyote it attracts alot of hawks.
 Have you tried prebaiting for a cat yet?

[Bigjon]

Yes iv got 4 beavers hanging in trees right now the last two weeks and not so much as a scratch.  I need to find where the cats are most abundant in the state, any suggestions?

[Cultusman]

 I'm not familiar with your part of the state or what type of terrain your trapping but I would suggest trying near some beaver ponds or along some major streams.
 The snow level is supposed to drop the next few days so I would suggest going for a drive this weekend and look for some tracks.
 

[Bigjon]

Thank you for the advice much appreciated

[bear hunter]

Are you covering your traps good. I have never caught a predator birds yet.  Do you cover your traps good so birds don't seen your bait? It could be your call pulling them in but I am not a expert. I have good luck setting off main dirt road. I look for deer Trails off creeks blow my sets. I place the traps next to creek beds and off deer Trails 20 ft off the road behind logs or shelf's. Sometimes I place a few traps 100 yards apart down the road. Then hang or toss the center and guts of my beaver between trap sets. I did pretty good last season by taken 3 cats in 2 weeks doing that. Good luck.

[SteelheadTed]

How good is your bird ID'ing?  I'd be surprised if what you got was a Spotted and not a Barred Owl unless you are way up in the hills in deep, big timber.