Just for starters...

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

O.K., just to explain my situation, I don't have a lot of money for a new hobby.
I don't have enough for the ones I already have...
I do have a 16 y/o daughter (one of the reasons I have no money)
.
I do have 2 cheap "have-a-heart" traps that I picked up at g-sales, but not good for anything other than our cats/dogs/chickens, and other non-target species.
.
I do have 3 otters at my favorite fishing hole that are a real pain in the .. And that is why I got a trapping licence..
My daughter just wants fur she gets herself..
I am leaning towards otter, beaver, bobcat, and coyote.
If I were to buy one trap to start out with (otters)
And don't mind checking every 24..
Best beginner trap?

[Humptulips]

First off forget about coyote. It ain't happening in a cage trap.
The others you can make one trap work for all.
I may sound like I am trying to sell you something but my pick is a large swim through. I make the 11x17x40 and Comstock makes a 12x18x36. Both are good all around traps and mine will set you back near $240 when you factor in shipping and sales tax. A Comstock will be more mainly because of shipping. You would have to check on his price.
The other way to go is large 15x18 Tomahawk or Safeguard single door. Limited to scent sets for beaver and otter for the most part. Not as good IMO but you can catch stuff. Time you add in shipping, tax probably looking at around $200, again check prices.
You can go smaller and maybe pick up 10x10 or an 11x11 swim through for beaver and otter but then bobcat are out unless you spend an equal amount for a cat trap. My 11x11 is $150 so in your hands more like $185. You might get a 10x10 from someone for less. Shipping is a big deal though so that can rapidly turn a deal into not so good a deal.

Can't afford that. Maybe think about mink and muskrat. Even if no rats around there are a few mink about everywhere. Get into it for less then $50
I warn you though no matter how many traps you have it is never enough.

[Buck457]

These traps seem so expensive compared to body gripping traps. How do we trap economically? Is this why I've never heard of anyone trapping in Washington state?

[Humptulips]

These traps seem so expensive compared to body gripping traps. How do we trap economically? Is this why I've never heard of anyone trapping in Washington state?

I won't deny they are expensive but it is that or go out of State.

There are 800+ trappers in the State but we try to keep a low profile. Also the price of fur is not good so everyone is trapping at a reduced rate.

[redi]

PM sent.
I have a bunch of muskrat colony traps and will give you 6 or 8 to get going. I also have a variety of cat and beaver/otter traps for you to check out. Ivan

[huntnfmly]

PM sent.
I have a bunch of muskrat colony traps and will give you 6 or 8 to get going. I also have a variety of cat and beaver/otter traps for you to check out. Ivan

Heck of an offer
Great people on this site

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

PM sent.
I have a bunch of muskrat colony traps and will give you 6 or 8 to get going. I also have a variety of cat and beaver/otter traps for you to check out. Ivan

Heck of an offer
Great people on this site

That sounds awesome!

[Machias]

PM sent.
I have a bunch of muskrat colony traps and will give you 6 or 8 to get going. I also have a variety of cat and beaver/otter traps for you to check out. Ivan

Heck of an offer
Great people on this site

 

[Buck457]

First off forget about coyote. It ain't happening in a cage trap.
The others you can make one trap work for all.
I may sound like I am trying to sell you something but my pick is a large swim through. I make the 11x17x40 and Comstock makes a 12x18x36. Both are good all around traps and mine will set you back near $240 when you factor in shipping and sales tax. A Comstock will be more mainly because of shipping. You would have to check on his price.
The other way to go is large 15x18 Tomahawk or Safeguard single door. Limited to scent sets for beaver and otter for the most part. Not as good IMO but you can catch stuff. Time you add in shipping, tax probably looking at around $200, again check prices.
You can go smaller and maybe pick up 10x10 or an 11x11 swim through for beaver and otter but then bobcat are out unless you spend an equal amount for a cat trap. My 11x11 is $150 so in your hands more like $185. You might get a 10x10 from someone for less. Shipping is a big deal though so that can rapidly turn a deal into not so good a deal.

Can't afford that. Maybe think about mink and muskrat. Even if no rats around there are a few mink about everywhere. Get into it for less then $50


I warn you though no matter how many traps you have it is never enough.

Bruce, was it your style of trap that you used to demonstrate a bobcat set at the Cabela's trapping course this last december? If I remember correctly, it had outward swinging doors. I'm guessing that there is a benefit to that.

[Humptulips]

Yes, it was my trap I used 11x17x40. The advantage to that type door is it is less prone to catching something that will hold the door open. Other traps are not bad for that except for the swing door traps.
Other then that the design allows me to build a folding trap that is compact.

I really think that size swim throughs biggest advantage is its versatility. Cats, beavers, otters what ever you need it for. At the price of cages one needs to make them work for more then one critter.

[Buck457]

Yes, it was my trap I used 11x17x40. The advantage to that type door is it is less prone to catching something that will hold the door open. Other traps are not bad for that except for the swing door traps.
Other then that the design allows me to build a folding trap that is compact.

I really think that size swim throughs biggest advantage is its versatility. Cats, beavers, otters what ever you need it for. At the price of cages one needs to make them work for more then one critter.

I would really like to buy one of your traps. I see the same benefits.

[Humptulips]

PM me. I have traps ready to ship.