North Idaho Trapline

[TeacherMan]

Went out today with my wife, girls and trapping partner are we started getting sets out. Man I feel old, only got in half dozen sets but I was feeling it 😂 My girls played hard in the snow while we put in cubbies and a few marten poles. Figure every time we go out I’ll put in a couple more cat sets and keep putting poles and marten boxes up. Not really sure if there are many marten in our country we are trapping but I know we have cats. Ran across four different sets of tracks while setting today.

[boneaddict]

Looks like a nice day

[JakeLand]

Awesome!!! Can you set cat bucket sets with 220’s there ?

[TeacherMan]

Awesome!!! Can you set cat bucket sets with 220’s there ?

Yeah I have half dozen ready for later winter.

[Humptulips]

I have tried the 220 bucket sets with zero success in the past. I did however come up with a conibear set that I used on run poles that was a very good set. So good in fact that if I were able to use it, it would be my only set I used for cats. I demoed it at the OTA convention. Unfortunately changes in the wording of the law makes it illegal in Oregon and of course I can't use it in WA. Too bad because it is freeze proof and dog proof.

[TeacherMan]

I have tried the 220 bucket sets with zero success in the past. I did however come up with a conibear set that I used on run poles that was a very good set. So good in fact that if I were able to use it, it would be my only set I used for cats. I demoed it at the OTA convention. Unfortunately changes in the wording of the law makes it illegal in Oregon and of course I can't use it in WA. Too bad because it is freeze proof and dog proof.

You have any pics? Sounds like a great set. I’ve never got a cat in a bucket just talked to a few local guys that have said they have. I used 330s on poles in AK for wolverine and they did awesome.

[Humptulips]

I have tried the 220 bucket sets with zero success in the past. I did however come up with a conibear set that I used on run poles that was a very good set. So good in fact that if I were able to use it, it would be my only set I used for cats. I demoed it at the OTA convention. Unfortunately changes in the wording of the law makes it illegal in Oregon and of course I can't use it in WA. Too bad because it is freeze proof and dog proof.

You have any pics? Sounds like a great set. I’ve never got a cat in a bucket just talked to a few local guys that have said they have. I used 330s on poles in AK for wolverine and they did awesome.

I have a few pics of cats in them but nothing that shows the set. Perhaps a description would suffice.
1st you need to find a bushy tree where you wish to set. Second growth fir trees abound where I trap, and this was my usual go to. About 5 feet up the tree you need a couple of limbs of a size to support the trap that the trap will set between and fit close to the tree. This is not hard to find as the limbs get wider going out from the trunk. I used a #280. Then you need to cut a run pole that is usually about 6 to 8 feet long (depends on the slope of the ground in relation to the tree) and about 2 inches in diameter. You need a small run pole as you don't want dogs to attempt to walk up it. Cats won't hesitate.
Nail or screw a bait about the size of your hand or a bit bigger to the tree between those two limbs you are going to set your trap on. I liked the piece between the tail and pelvis of a beaver best. The conibear spring go straight out and set on top of those two limbs with the trigger right up against the bait. Trigger back is best. Cut two short pieces of tie wire and wire the back leg of the spring tight to the limb it is resting on. Run pole goes up against the tree nailed or screwed so it won't fall off at about the right height, so a cat's head is trap height when the cat comes up the pole. I usually weaved a few branches around the trap to frame it.
Several points: the tree you choose is important because you want the limbs hanging down so the only way to see the set is by looking up. The set is hidden from birds this way. This was legal where I was trapping but one should check the language on exposed bait within the State you are trapping to find out the legality. I never caught a bird, and I sometimes added a few sprigs over the bait but very minimal. I was always cognizant of the danger of birds finding the set and chose my sets appropriately.
The dog proofing comes from the fact that a dog will not climb a small pole like described. They will go to the tree and maybe jump for the bait but if they do spring it the location of approach makes the trap push the out of the trap when it springs.
When the trap is sprung because the back legs of the springs are wired in place it will cause the trap to jump out towards the cat and they won't do much. I often found them with the bait in their mouth firmly clenched in their teeth. They spring the trap by pulling the bait and bang they are dead.
I will look for a picture.

[Humptulips]

Well, I can't find the pics. It has been so long ago.

[JakeLand]

My go to back in time was a bucket set and I cut the back out of the bucket and put screen there . I stacked a lot of cats with that set and it only took a couple minutes to set it

[Humptulips]

I think the bucket set is problematic because of its danger to dogs.

[TeacherMan]

I think the bucket set is problematic because of its danger to dogs.

That set is pretty much the exact set I’d use for wolverine with a 280 or 330. Wasn’t ever worried about dogs in AK but definitely on my radar in ID. Last thing I want is to hurt someone’s hound.

[Machias]

Good luck, I'm going to try and get a few yote and beaver sets in over the next week or so.  Are you going to set any wolf sets?

[TeacherMan]

Good luck, I'm going to try and get a few yote and beaver sets in over the next week or so.  Are you going to set any wolf sets?

I mainly hold off on wolves until I see sign. I do plan on making one pee post setup with all the wood shavings from one of our kennels that have had a couple females Aussies in heat in. I literally plan on putting an entire trash can of used shavings in a sled and bringing them out to a spot I’ve seen sign in the past and setting them. It will be k9 scent overload 😂

[TeacherMan]

Checked line yesterday and got in couple more cat and marten sets. Found the perfect hollow log. Some sets are just meant to be 😂 It is crazy how little snow we have, honestly not sure how it’s going to impact my season.

Side note, name this track 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’m about 15 miles from nearest house but on a logging rd. Size 12 boot.

[JakeLand]

Definitely not a Yote !!