bruce,
what do you think is the issue with your swim throughs?
It has to do with the length between the doors. Most of my traps are 10 x 10 x 48. I put in 14" doors so they would have the proper slant. That means that when set it is only 20" between the doors which means 10" on each side of the trigger.
I think otter are either going fast enough when they spring the trap that they get their nose under the door in front of them and wedge out of the trap or the door behind them is falling on their shoulders allowing them to back out.
Also if the otter gets his nose a ways by the trigger before he springs it maybe he's only 5" away from wedging the door open.
I base this on the fact that all the otter I am catching are small otter. I think the longer the otter is the more likely they can jam the door like I described. I know something is in the trap because the trigger will be knocked completely down and no debris in the trap. Nearby fresh otter sign at times is the last clue.
I also think it would help to speed the trap doors up.
My solution, 10" doors and a stronger spring in the doors to increase the speed of the doors.
I built a couple of 12 x 12 x 48 and I think I'll junk them. The taller the trap the longer the door and less room in the trap. That just makes the problem worse.
I'm actually thinking when I make more I'll try 10 x 8 x 48 or 12 x 8 x 48
Anyway that's my theory.
