Post by: Carp Commander on October 31, 2014, 07:06:30 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on October 31, 2014, 07:10:48 PM
Post by: 3nails on October 31, 2014, 09:16:45 PM
Post by: pnwmtnmn on November 01, 2014, 08:50:53 AM
Post by: boneaddict on November 01, 2014, 08:56:05 AM
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 01, 2014, 11:10:23 AM
Post by: Hannibal on November 02, 2014, 06:03:22 PM
Post by: JODakota on November 02, 2014, 08:18:34 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 02, 2014, 08:42:22 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on November 03, 2014, 12:59:43 PM
Unfortunately, horrible opening weekend numbers. I pulled the line and look forward to better water conditions next weekend.
I had 60 colonies out and got 7 muskrats! At least there is fur on the stretcher!
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 03, 2014, 01:06:54 PM
Post by: ouchfoss on November 03, 2014, 11:32:41 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on November 08, 2014, 02:02:53 PM
Sounds like the cold is coming. Maybe it will start to feel a little more like trapping season next week.
Post by: Carp Commander on November 09, 2014, 12:26:47 PM
Post by: 3nails on November 09, 2014, 12:41:00 PM
Post by: Humptulips on November 09, 2014, 08:05:32 PM
Post by: ouchfoss on November 09, 2014, 09:08:24 PM
Post by: pnwmtnmn on November 09, 2014, 09:18:51 PM
Post by: ouchfoss on November 09, 2014, 10:17:53 PM
That is a western painted. they are protected.Didnt realize there was any turtles native to Washington. Nice to know.
Post by: Carp Commander on November 15, 2014, 06:45:52 PM
As I put out my line today I got to thinking about colony sets and a habit I have gotten into over the past few years.
I really like double setting the location and will very rarely set an individual colony. My thought process is that it increases the amount of trap in the run or den hole and its easier for me to keep an accurate count, if I know that every set has two colony traps I keep better accountability.
However by doing this I decrease the actual amount of sets out. For example if you have 100 traps, setting singles gives you a hundred sets. By doing it my way I only have fifty sets (locations) out.
Here is another example; I trap a lot of culverts. In deep water I will put as many traps across the bottom as possible and then sometimes stack colonies on top of those so that the culvert is completely plugged with traps. I made a set today that took five colonies to plug. I keep wondering; by completely plugging that hole, am I better off because I am going to get the rats that try to swim over the bottom ones or would those traps be better off in another spot?
I am not sure that I am gaining anything by doubling up. Maybe some of you have some thoughts on the subject?
Post by: Da stump on November 15, 2014, 07:38:52 PM
:dunno:
Post by: pnwmtnmn on November 15, 2014, 08:09:25 PM
By setting more than one colony at each set location you decrease the number of nights you need to be at that location. At the example above with the 5 colonies you should be looking for another spot for those trap in 3 nights, you will have caught the easy rats in those nights time to move. setting multiple traps at a set location means you can set more locations over the season. IMO it's what I do.
Post by: TeacherMan on November 15, 2014, 08:44:43 PM
I got a nice rat line out today. Anxious for tomorrow!
As I put out my line today I got to thinking about colony sets and a habit I have gotten into over the past few years.
I really like double setting the location and will very rarely set an individual colony. My thought process is that it increases the amount of trap in the run or den hole and its easier for me to keep an accurate count, if I know that every set has two colony traps I keep better accountability.
However by doing this I decrease the actual amount of sets out. For example if you have 100 traps, setting singles gives you a hundred sets. By doing it my way I only have fifty sets (locations) out.
Here is another example; I trap a lot of culverts. In deep water I will put as many traps across the bottom as possible and then sometimes stack colonies on top of those so that the culvert is completely plugged with traps. I made a set today that took five colonies to plug. I keep wondering; by completely plugging that hole, am I better off because I am going to get the rats that try to swim over the bottom ones or would those traps be better off in another spot?
I am not sure that I am gaining anything by doubling up. Maybe some of you have some thoughts on the subject?
Post by: Humptulips on November 15, 2014, 10:49:10 PM
Notice what the catch percentage is where you stack? That might tell you a lot about the best way.
One place recently I had a couple 10x18 stacked for some problem beaver. I never caught anything on the top. Second to the last time in I put them side by side instead of stacking and caught an otter, rat double. If your colonies are wider then long you might try that too and see what happens.
I like painting colony traps a off brown or camo pattern, not for the rats, they don't care. just so the average joe doesn't pull up your trap and stomp on it
:dunno:
I spoke to Milt Brownell this summer (Milt is a top rat guy from CA. He caught like close to 2000 last year which isn't too bad for a guy in his 70s.) He paints his colonies white or silver so he can see them better under water. He said he could check them a lot faster because a rat in the trap showed up well even in deep water. Apparently he sets the bottom and forgets about the top.
Of Course Milt traps out of a boat so I imagine he has less problems with theft.
Post by: Carp Commander on November 16, 2014, 01:00:37 PM
On this morning’s check I noticed that several of my double sets (side-by-side) connected on rats that a single may not have caught. On the other hand every trap that was stacked was empty. I’m convinced that stacking is a waste of a trap, however it will be interesting to see if the double sets continue to pay-off.
On one rather wide run I actually used four traps to cover it all the way across. Each trap had a rat!
Not a bad day today. Cold but brought home 15 rats. Took some photos of some very obvious rat sign.
Post by: eburgtrapper on November 16, 2014, 04:48:58 PM
Post by: Machias on November 16, 2014, 05:33:22 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on November 17, 2014, 02:58:22 PM
I got a nice surprise in a colony this morning. A little buck Mink couldn’t resist the temptation of a free meal. Problem is that he went into the wrong colony trap and well then there is the fact he went into a colony trap! Glad it wasn’t a female and I wish he was bigger.
Ironically enough I caught him in one of my side-by-side sets I discussed earlier.
Took a photo of a pinch point that I used three traps to plug up. Still watching and learning. Yesterday each of the three had one rat each today there was a double in one and it was the stereotypical bottom edge. I guess you never know which ones will catch fur and sometimes I wonder why they do when they do!
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 17, 2014, 03:13:03 PM
Post by: Machias on November 17, 2014, 05:37:45 PM
Post by: jasnt on November 17, 2014, 06:25:46 PM
Post by: cat daddy on November 17, 2014, 07:10:42 PM
Post by: wildmeat on November 17, 2014, 07:13:47 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on November 25, 2014, 04:29:04 PM
Nice haul Doug, I've caught 3 mink so far this season. Two of them came in colonies that also had rats in them.
Sure is nice to catch Mink when you aren't even trying. I was a little disappointed that it was so small but I'll take it!
Post by: Carp Commander on November 25, 2014, 04:36:07 PM
Ran the rat line this evening and had some of the best help!
Running traps is about all she thinks about this time of year. She is off to college next year and sure will be missed.
It just doesnt get any better.
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 25, 2014, 04:37:29 PM
Post by: Turner89 on November 25, 2014, 04:43:13 PM
Post by: ouchfoss on November 25, 2014, 05:37:46 PM
Post by: Trapper John on November 26, 2014, 10:12:04 PM
Yep, my daughter use to help me do everything including bait bears :yeah: years ago. She worked with me in my trapping business for several years and she could and can catch a truck load of fur. Its tough when they grow up but she be back, believe me.
JC :hello:
Post by: Trapper John on November 27, 2014, 09:40:13 PM
JC :hello:
Post by: Carp Commander on November 28, 2014, 11:32:15 AM
Post by: Carp Commander on November 29, 2014, 02:32:32 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on November 29, 2014, 02:34:04 PM
Post by: eburgtrapper on November 29, 2014, 04:08:10 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on December 08, 2014, 06:18:39 PM
Awesome pictures Doug.
Thanks, They sure do have the bug!
Post by: Carp Commander on December 08, 2014, 06:34:48 PM
I have very little experience with otters, maybe someone can help with a few questions.
I'm assuming that otter will eat muskrats and could this explain why my rat numbers are nothing like they have been in years past?
Is this otter scat? I have heard people refer to otter toilets. Do otter return to the same toilets similar to muskrats?
Post by: Carp Commander on December 08, 2014, 06:35:34 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on December 08, 2014, 06:36:35 PM
Post by: Humptulips on December 08, 2014, 07:02:54 PM
I'm not sure why you think it is poor habitat for otter. Water, fish = otter habitat. Otter will eat just about everything fish, birds, rats, clams. They love crawdads.
Post by: Carp Commander on January 04, 2015, 05:53:54 PM
Been a good year for coyotes and I have been doing very well on rats.
Post by: Carp Commander on January 04, 2015, 06:14:25 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on January 04, 2015, 06:16:00 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on January 04, 2015, 06:17:05 PM
Post by: trapperguy22 on January 04, 2015, 06:20:17 PM
Post by: 3nails on January 04, 2015, 06:36:26 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on January 04, 2015, 06:47:05 PM
cool pics!!! Doug is that an otter sled or an off brand? where did you get? had one when i lived in WI. loved it should have never gotten rid of it.
I have a large black one that is made by "otter" the one in the picture is a much smaller off brand called a "Jet Sled". Don't remember where I got the Jet Sled but I dont know what I would do with out either of them.
Post by: Carp Commander on January 04, 2015, 06:50:18 PM
Nice Carp! More pics please. :tung:
I have a few more but with the way the web site is acting I think I will do it later tonight or tomorrow. Been getting alot of "gateway errors". Whatever that means!
Post by: Carp Commander on January 05, 2015, 04:43:35 PM
Post by: redi on January 06, 2015, 04:00:11 AM
Post by: Machias on January 06, 2015, 04:06:56 AM
Post by: Carp Commander on January 11, 2015, 01:05:01 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on January 11, 2015, 01:06:57 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on January 12, 2015, 03:24:22 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on January 12, 2015, 05:03:49 PM
Are you shooting the yotes or trapping them?
Way too hard to trap coyotes in a cage. I just call and shoot them.
Post by: Carp Commander on January 12, 2015, 05:04:54 PM
Post by: Carp Commander on January 12, 2015, 05:07:01 PM
6 rats, 3 beaver and a mink made for a pretty good day.
Post by: Cultusman on January 12, 2015, 05:33:11 PM
Nice catch :tup:
Post by: onetrapper on January 12, 2015, 05:35:21 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on January 12, 2015, 09:26:20 PM
Are you shooting the yotes or trapping them?
Way too hard to trap coyotes in a cage. I just call and shoot them.
That's what I figured. I just wanted to make sure you hadn't found the secrect to cage trapping a yote.
Post by: Turner89 on January 13, 2015, 01:04:15 AM
Post by: Machias on January 13, 2015, 03:32:38 AM
Post by: Humptulips on January 13, 2015, 08:17:38 PM
So who wants to grab a knife and come over?
6 rats, 3 beaver and a mink made for a pretty good day.
A good hour and a half skinning there. Easy peasy! :)
Post by: Carp Commander on January 13, 2015, 08:40:49 PM
So who wants to grab a knife and come over?
6 rats, 3 beaver and a mink made for a pretty good day.
A good hour and a half skinning there. Easy peasy! :)
It wasn't the skinning I wanted company for. What I should have said was who wants to grab their flesher and come over? I was just afraid that would scare everyone off. Did I mention that I'm not a fan of fleshing beaver.
Post by: 3nails on January 13, 2015, 08:55:47 PM
I hate fleshing them also. That is why I clean skin them.So who wants to grab a knife and come over?
6 rats, 3 beaver and a mink made for a pretty good day.
A good hour and a half skinning there. Easy peasy! :)
It wasn't the skinning I wanted company for. What I should have said was who wants to grab their flesher and come over? I was just afraid that would scare everyone off. Did I mention that I'm not a fan of fleshing beaver.
Post by: Humptulips on January 13, 2015, 08:56:08 PM
Post by: Machias on January 14, 2015, 07:54:24 AM
Post by: Carp Commander on January 14, 2015, 08:17:59 AM
I must be sick, love fleshing them. Ever since I got a really nice fleshing knife it's no longer a chore.
What type of fleshing knife are you using?
I haven't tried making the transition to clean skinning yet. I watched a video (think it was made down in Prineville) several times and yeah he makes it look easy. I am worried about how many pelts I will butcher during the learning phase.
Any thoughts or suggestions from you guys that are clean skinning beaver?
Post by: Carp Commander on January 14, 2015, 08:21:23 AM
Do they show similar signs such as rubs that tell you when it’s time to wrap it up?
Post by: 70sdiver on January 14, 2015, 04:36:14 PM
Post by: Machias on January 14, 2015, 05:54:26 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2F009353.JPG&hash=ee2d3b4f0d33f45220a33950dd3db3921d4bfa44)
Post by: Triplej on January 15, 2015, 12:22:02 PM
Post by: big wood on January 15, 2015, 05:25:07 PM
Post by: Humptulips on January 15, 2015, 07:17:37 PM
I must be sick, love fleshing them. Ever since I got a really nice fleshing knife it's no longer a chore.
What type of fleshing knife are you using?
I haven't tried making the transition to clean skinning yet. I watched a video (think it was made down in Prineville) several times and yeah he makes it look easy. I am worried about how many pelts I will butcher during the learning phase.
Any thoughts or suggestions from you guys that are clean skinning beaver?
I think it is important to understand which part fleshes hard and which fleshes easy.
I never try to skin close around the legs. That fleshes so easy and is difficult to skin or at least harder to skin clean then flesh.
I make sure to skin clean around the tail but up the back even though I clean skin I go fast and if there is a small spot of flesh on the hide I don't sweat it as small bits flesh easy.
Around the neck I clean skin but the meat seems to grow right into the leather there. No problem, When I have it on the fleshing board I thin the hide around the neck so it isn't so boardy. They takes care of any fleshing needing done. I use my knife to scrape with to do that.
Never clean skin a kit. They are just too easy to flesh.
Average about 20 minutes including removing castors.
Post by: Humptulips on January 15, 2015, 07:27:29 PM
I find that we trappers often talk a lot about when different animals get prime. I am curious if there are any thresholds to when to stop. I know the beaver and muskrat get to be pretty obvious when they start "biting-up" but what about mink, bobcat and otter?
Do they show similar signs such as rubs that tell you when it’s time to wrap it up?
Mink will start to look scruffy in February, not so much a rub as just a general poor appearance.
You shouldn't catch an otter or cat that is bad in season. The worst is to catch them too early. Late, they all should be good. Otters get graded singed and this gets blamed as to late caught but in truth I have had singed otter in every month and straight hair right along with them. Otter don't really start to go bad until late May.
Only cats I ever caught that looked bad had some kind of bites that weren't healed.