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Author Topic: Identifying an old foothold trap  (Read 7275 times)

Offline TitusFord

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Identifying an old foothold trap
« on: August 24, 2025, 06:16:45 PM »
Good evening folks!

I just found this trap in a crick behind my house.
From what I can tell it's fairly old and looks to be made of iron? The spring is black and has a wood grainy look to it. I found it set open as it is in the picture but it was stuck in some rocks and mud.

I am fairly new to trapping but have always loved the history of it and I've read many a book about the mountain men days of trapping. Finding an old trap has always been on my bucket list and I work in the woods so I am always lookin. A coworker of mine has found some but I never have till now! If anyone has any pointers on identifying or aging such a trap it would be appreciated!
I understand it's pretty far gone and identifying it could be a pretty slim chance.

Thanks y'all!

Offline Humptulips

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Re: Identifying an old foothold trap
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2025, 06:20:44 PM »
Pretty far gone but I would say from the size, jaw hinges and trigger that it is a #4 Newhouse. Can't be sure, you need a readable pan to be sure.
Bruce Vandervort

Offline TeacherMan

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Re: Identifying an old foothold trap
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2025, 06:52:46 PM »
Half of a #4 or 4.5 Newhouse. The old square bolts are what I’m going off of.
If you shoot the first one you will never get that true trophy.

Offline TitusFord

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Re: Identifying an old foothold trap
« Reply #3 on: August 24, 2025, 07:18:28 PM »
Pretty far gone but I would say from the size, jaw hinges and trigger that it is a #4 Newhouse. Can't be sure, you need a readable pan to be sure.

I reckon I should mention the inside spread of the jaws are about 6"x6" if that helps narrow anything down.

 From looking at some pictures online it does look like a newhouse!

Offline GWP

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Re: Identifying an old foothold trap
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2025, 10:06:37 AM »
Neat find!
Cuterebra are NOT cute!

Offline AL WORRELLS KID

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Re: Identifying an old foothold trap
« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2025, 10:16:15 AM »
Yep, an Old Coyote Trap.
Looks like it was last used (unsuccessfully) to try and catch a Roadrunner.
I'm not surprised some Sorry Canine set it underwater, (as usual) allowing it to get clogged up with rocks and mud only to find it still "Set" all these years later.   "Beep Beep!"  :tung:
A Moment of Carelessness can Change a Lifetime!

 


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