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Other Activities => Trapping => Topic started by: jasnt on August 14, 2015, 06:11:23 PM


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Title: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on August 14, 2015, 06:11:23 PM
I been scouring the web reading everything I can trying to weed threw all the body grip info and finding that little peace of info I can apply here in wa.  Carp suggested we have a place to put all the tips, tricks, and anything that can make a things just a little easier.  Or that one brand of "blank" that works better then all the rest. Or maybe a supplier that goes the extra mile and always makes it right.

I'll start
This isn't mine but I liked it.  Survey ribbon seems to be every where and always in the wrong spot at the wrist times.  This guy uses plastic clothes line clips painted to mark trap spots.  Not so easy to spot and reusable.

Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Carp Commander on August 14, 2015, 07:44:07 PM
Thanks for getting this started. I think this thread has some real potential for the new guys and veterans alike.

When trapping mink in single doors, save your wire and zip ties. Fold a muskrat leg or tail through the back of the cage. This will keep the bait from falling under your pan and fouling the trap and will give the mink something to tug on giving you better odds of a closed door.

Doug
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Turner89 on August 14, 2015, 10:44:09 PM
 :tup:right on guys. This should get pretty good.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Hank on August 14, 2015, 11:25:19 PM
I have found this effective. When I really hit the scouting hard usually around the beginning of October. I also start building my sets. I don't put traps out, but, for instance, I will start driving in funnel sticks at my beaver sets, when the season opens all I have to do is drop in my traps and place my dive sticks. A big time saver.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Hank on August 14, 2015, 11:40:08 PM
Hank Tip #2 and probably more important than my first tip.

Tell'em you're a trapper. A little education can go a long way. Practice your speech on trapping friendlies first. Some great talking points are:

Trapping keeps fur baring species at or under carrying capacity of the land.

You are helping to cull the species in order to keep it healthy.

You are reducing the amount of giardia in the water system.

These are just a few talking points. I have actually won over friends and coworkers who were well intentioned but misinformed about trapping. Raising awareness and educating is a very important responsibility of every trapper. 
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Cylvertip on August 15, 2015, 08:44:34 AM
I am almost strictly a beaver trapper and I use a Cabala's Bird Belt for carrying my essentials on the line. It's made for phesant hunting. It has two side pouches with shell loops and a rear bag. The side pouches are divided which helps keep things organized.  The rear bag works great for carrying killer trap tongs and also a pair of fiskar lopers. I modify the shell loops in the left side pocket to allow them to hold linesmans pliers, fiskars sliding saw, and a multi-bit screw driver. I also carry some extra wire in the outside pocket on this side. On the right, trap tags go in the loops, a large craftsman handycutter goes in the large pocket , with scent bottles and drag rope in the outside pocket.

As a side note, an awsome tool for digging out sets, tearing out dams, clearing trails, and use as a wading staff is the V&B 36" Handy Mattock Tiller. It's a good attitude adjuster as well.  Pictured here with several 40lb+ critters
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Humptulips on August 15, 2015, 08:53:11 PM
Myself I prefer a pulaski for digging. Use the axe blade for chopping. I cut the mattock part off and shortened it a bit, then welded back on. I'd like to find a smaller Pulaski then the full sized but haven't yet.
I carry rope about 7', great for packing in traps or packing out beaver, a pair of lineman's pliers, pruner and a bit of wire along with the Pulaski.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Turner89 on August 15, 2015, 10:06:19 PM
Some of my beaver spots are a ways off the road. I have 2 old pack frames. They work pretty good for packing beaver. I leave one at each location. That way I don't have to where the pack for nothing, only when I get a beaver, or otter.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Carp Commander on August 15, 2015, 10:17:50 PM
Use a heavy rock or log on top of your mink traps to keep coons from turning them over and setting them off.

A piece of old carpet or a shingle makes for good flooring for cage weiry coons.

Doug
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on August 16, 2015, 09:20:27 PM
You can use different types of markers to mark were your traps are.  As you can see you can use surveyors ribbon in a lot of different colors, surveyors flags, there quick and fast comes on a small metal wire, and surveyors paint.   If your in eastern Washington running a muskrat line in a farmers ditch that runs for three to five miles you might want to think about paint.  Drop a paint spot in the road or on the side of the ditch / waterline where your trap is.
JC   :hello:

Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on August 16, 2015, 09:37:40 PM
Love the marker paint idea, something I use at work daily any way. Some great tips sofar everyone!  Let's keep this thread going :tup: 
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on August 17, 2015, 05:19:11 PM
Here is another tip ......... "Weasel Box"

I do several things to my boxes

First, I put a nail (one) in the top board in the corner so I can slide the top over to one side.  Using a nail instead of a hinge saves you money.

The second thing I do is use a small bungee cord to hold the top in place and put a small 3/16 cable cord holder to catch the bungee on..  I use to use wire.  I would anchor the wire on one side and pull it over to the other side wrapping it around a nail to hold it in place.

Third, I paint the snap trap brown to cover up the new snap trap.  This way I think the weasel can't see the new wood or the yellow pan.
JC   :hello:

Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on August 20, 2015, 08:10:41 PM
Here is another tip ......... "Weasel Box"

I do several things to my boxes

First, I put a nail (one) in the top board in the corner so I can slide the top over to one side.  Using a nail instead of a hinge saves you money.

The second thing I do is use a small bungee cord to hold the top in place and put a small 3/16 cable cord holder to catch the bungee on..  I use to use wire.  I would anchor the wire on one side and pull it over to the other side wrapping it around a nail to hold it in place.

Third, I paint the snap trap brown to cover up the new snap trap.  This way I think the weasel can't see the new wood or the yellow pan.
JC   :hello:


do you paint other traps as well?  Like colony traps or swim threw's that sit in the water for long periods?
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on August 20, 2015, 09:31:36 PM
do you paint other traps as well?  Like colony traps or swim threw's that sit in the water for long periods?

I do. I paint all of my cage traps even the ones I use on land like raccoon & bobcat cage traps.
JC   :hello:
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on August 20, 2015, 10:06:47 PM
Okay ~ I'll give you another one of my tip.

There are a lot of different ways or I should say products you can use to hold lures.  Over the years I have used shotgun shells, 35 mm film containers and pile bottles.  Put in a cotton ball and your lure than throw it in the back of the cage trap or down the dirt hole.

Being in the wildlife control business for 30+ years I have used a lot of different baits, lures and products.  The one I like is using a sponge for a lure holder.  If you look at the picture I have a small sponge hanging on the outside of the trap.  It is there "only" for you to see what I'm talking about.  You can see it in the middle of the cage hanging from the top by a paperclip.

Here is how this works.  Go down to the $1.00 store and buy a package of sponges.  You get six of them for a whole dollar.  Cut the sponge in half and than cut each half into thirds.  You should end up with six pieces out of one sponge.  Six times six sponges equal 36 pieces or 36 lure holders for $1.00.  Now if you use only one lure because it is your favorite, than here is what I do.  I take all 36 pieces put the paperclips on them, drop them into a small plastic bucket with a cover on it, throw in 4-8 oz of my favorite lure and let those sponges suck up the lure.  Now you have your lure on the holders and you can grab one and hang it quick without wasting time do it the other way.  Remember time is money and if you can move quick you can get more traps out.  This works just as good for you guys that use foot-holds in cat cubbyholes too.

I use a paperclip as the holder or to use to wire it to the top of the cage trap.  It only takes seconds to hang this lure holder.  Put your lure on the sponge and hang it from the top of the cage on the backside of the paddle.  The reason you want to hang the lure is odor stays up in the air.  If you throw the lure in a container and throw it in the cages floor than the odor stays on the ground and the animal sometimes will not smell the odor and walk away from your trap.  By hanging it, the odor stays in the air even on those morning when we get heavy fog.
JC   :hello:
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Hank on August 27, 2015, 02:48:08 PM
Hank Tip #3

Most of you aware that cats and other fur bearers don't like to walk on the cage wire in the bottom of the traps. My solution is this.

First I find my location. I try to find a place that either has a think layer of moss or some nice sod built up. I set my cage down and I use my trawl trace around the outside of the trap. I pick up the trap and then I try to pull up the sod in one or two big pieces. I set the trap back down where the sod was and then I lay the sod in the bottom of the cage. It's a lot easier then trying to shovel dirt into the bottom of the trap and it will look exactly like the surrounding landscape.

Now allow me to get on my soapbox for a second. There are a lot of experienced trappers on this board and there is a ton of new people. This thread is an excellent way that we can mentor them. The future of trapping lies in the hands of the younger generation. If some of you more experienced folk haven't shared any of your sage wisdom please take this opportunity to do so, in a small way you may help to save trapping.

OK I'm off my soapbox happy trapping everyone.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Turner89 on August 27, 2015, 09:12:44 PM
I like that Hank  :tup:
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Humptulips on August 28, 2015, 12:29:30 AM
Hank,
You convinced me to throw my two cents into the conversation about trap covering.
I'm talking cat sets here. I usually scoop up a bunch of leaves, alder mostly and throw it into the trap for floor covering. Now if you have one of my traps or are using a Comstock with the wire triggers this can create a problem with springing the trap. I cut a stick like three feet long and use that to push leaves past the wire triggers. It is really fast to get a set in.
I mentioned cutting a stick. I have found a pair of pruning shears to be just about invaluable. I cut covering for the trap, trim around the door and cut off things in the way when placing the trap. Fits in my pocket too.
I'll mention something I think we should all do and I think most don't. That is to wire your trap to something. Water sets and land sets. I would have lost a lot of traps in floods if I didn't do this.
Land sets can go MIA too. With a wire you know where it is. I've spent a bunch of time looking for traps cougars, bears and people have made off with. The people, well you can't get those traps back but at least you know right away what happened.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on August 28, 2015, 10:23:31 PM
Hank Tip #3

Now allow me to get on my soapbox for a second. There are a lot of experienced trappers on this board and there is a ton of new people. This thread is an excellent way that we can mentor them. The future of trapping lies in the hands of the younger generation. If some of you more experienced folk haven't shared any of your sage wisdom please take this opportunity to do so, in a small way you may help to save trapping.

OK I'm off my soapbox happy trapping everyone.

I like it Hank.
When I was a young guy growing up I went into the carpenter trade.  I joined the carpenters union and those old guys didn't like to teach or pass on anything that they knew.  I remembered a old carpenter telling me if I teach you how to do that, you will take my job away from me.  I use to say to them, well your going to retire some day and you really want someone to know what you know.  I have always liked to pass on what I know.  Trapping has been around for several centuries now and I would like to see it be around for a few more too.

JC's Tip #4         Trap Preparations
All traps need to be cleaned and adjusted on a regular bases including cage traps.  With foot-holds and conibears, they need to be cleaned from rust, dirt and odors.  They need to be dipped or painted too to preserve the metal.  Cage traps including colony traps need to be done also.  The cage needs to be cleaned from mud,dirt, weeds, odor, and dipped or painted.

With all colony traps including muskrat and larger size for beaver and otter the weeds needs to be taken off.  Like a boat trailer, don't throw that trap with weeds on it, (the one that you just pulled from one waterway area) into another waterway before cleaning it from all weeds.   At the end of the season I will check over all of my colony traps and with muskrat colonies, I will brush them down with a wire brush.  With the weeds dry they come off easy with the wire brush.

To get the odor off of your cage traps; take them to a car wash or when your washing you car at home, clean them at the same time.   Use soap and water on them.  Brush them down with a hard brush and raise and let stand to dry.  Once they are dry I will spray paint them either with green, black or brown paint.
From the "Old Guy" JC   :hello:
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on September 22, 2015, 08:22:50 AM
Building traps for the first time I'm learning quite a bit. What's your meathods of bending rod steel? I've been sticking it in a hole in a big peace of steel and using either my hands or a small pipe to bend my corners. I'm thinking about building a bender to improve my proses. Any tips on bending rod or wire?
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: kirkdekalb on September 23, 2015, 05:59:58 AM
How the trap is placed when making sets is important. A door position can be critical to the set depending on the type of door and trigger. Trap may need to be shifted, forward or backward (up or down) according to terrain. How open the set appears is crucial.

If I did this right a diagram will post that I handed out at the SENTA, during demo.

(http://)

Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: cat daddy on September 23, 2015, 05:28:02 PM
Ok, I'm only going to share 1 tip, but it's a good one. Never, and I mean never try to bikini wax a chimpanzee with your good clothes on.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on September 23, 2015, 07:41:27 PM
Ok, I'm only going to share 1 tip, but it's a good one. Never, and I mean never try to bikini wax a chimpanzee with your good clothes on.
lmao
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Carp Commander on September 30, 2015, 07:09:27 PM
I have found that the best way to dry/prep any fur before skinning is by using an air compressor.

Once the animals are laid out or hanging use the air compressor to blow out the water, seeds, dirt and any other debris.

Makes a ratty, wet mess look great and ready for skinning in a very short amount of time.

Make sure to check for burs before fleshing, especially on long haired land animals.

The air compressor does great on water, dirt and grass but won't take a bur out of coyote.

Only 31 days and a wake up!
Doug
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Turner89 on October 01, 2015, 08:28:15 PM
I'll start using the compressor :tup:
 Halfway through last season my friend told me to use very fine sawdust while skinning otter, and mink. It makes it easier to grab, and pull when skinning.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Carp Commander on October 01, 2015, 08:59:50 PM
I'll start using the compressor :tup:
 Halfway through last season my friend told me to use very fine sawdust while skinning otter, and mink. It makes it easier to grab, and pull when skinning.

Saw dust works good especially with fatty critters but I have always hated the extra mess. I use old rags. You'll be amazed at how good a grip you can get by using an old towel.

Doug
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: countrystyle4life on October 10, 2015, 07:47:17 PM
Love this thread! Keep them coming, I am leaning a ton from you guys!
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on October 21, 2015, 10:51:52 AM
I finially have some expirence to add to this thread.

When building colony traps I like to fold them so that the vertical bars on my wire are inside and horizontal bars to the out side so the doors don't hang up on the sides.
Hope that makes sence.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Hannibal on October 22, 2015, 04:53:40 PM
Be organized...............
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Hannibal on October 22, 2015, 04:58:17 PM
Never trust anyone........
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Carp Commander on October 23, 2015, 10:45:27 AM
Never trust anyone........

I guess we all know where we stand with Hannibal! 

I prefer to give everyone an opportunity to prove me wrong.

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”
― Ernest Hemingway
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Carp Commander on October 23, 2015, 10:55:42 AM
In heavy bulrush/cattails, where muskrats are present, it can be difficult to find the active runs. Sometimes there can be too much sign making it difficult to know which runs to put a trap in. Most of us don't own enough colony traps to set every one of them. I have had good success in making my own.

I create a trail through the bulrush and cattails that benefits me, providing the easiest access for me in and out of the thick stuff. I make the trails wide enough to accommodate my Otter Sled. No more tangled and tipped over sleds!

As I am busting a trail into a bank with den holes or a hut, I clear out drift wood and other debris using it to create blocking on both sides of my trial. By time I am done I have created a very easy way to walk in and out of the area, opened up very clear routes that the rats will use and better defined the runs I want to place a trap in.   
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Hannibal on October 27, 2015, 10:17:00 PM
Quote
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Re: Tips and tricks thread
« Reply #30 on: October 23, 2015, 10:45:27 AM »

 


I guess we all know where we stand with Hannibal!

I prefer to give everyone an opportunity to prove me wrong.

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”
― Ernest Hemingway

 Tried that,,,,,,,...........
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Hank on November 01, 2015, 03:07:37 PM
Hank Tip #4

Learn your tracks and learn your scat. Try to set on sign. I have actually found some pretty good smart phone apps that cover both tracks and scat. I keep a year round trapping journal. I take it with me fishing and hunting well before trapping season begins. I log scat and tracks along with gps coordinates. It comes in handy when you're looking to expand your line.

Hank
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Cagey on November 21, 2015, 05:32:57 AM
I guess it's time I passed on some old habits.  Every old time trapper I ever talked with, said that muskrat meat was the best bait for rats.  Yet, I never hear much about it.  It is effective, and you just might find a mink in your trap also.

But the big secret is CORN.  Every critter in the woods that does not eat meat, eats corn, in  its many forms.  It's cheap, plentiful, and attracts all kinds of critters.  It was one of the only things available to old time trappers in the days before commercial lures and baits.  Dried corn keeps forever and even if it gets wet or freezes, it is still working.  It is great  for pre-baiting,  a pile of dried corn in front of a trail camera will get you some quick answers about the animal population.  Some old time trappers actually kept beavers around by dumping a little corn on the bank.

Corn also attracts birds and rodents, which in turn attract predators.  If you bait with corn, be careful about visibility to birds.

cagey
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Cylvertip on November 22, 2015, 10:53:56 AM
A good way to keep socks from working their way down in waders ( see my post near the end of the attached thread):



http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,123521.msg1642433.html#msg1642433 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,123521.msg1642433.html#msg1642433)
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Hannibal on November 25, 2015, 11:44:22 PM
Always tell George Brady that you did not start trapping till Jan 1 before you sell to him.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Carp Commander on November 26, 2015, 11:23:21 AM
Always tell George Brady that you did not start trapping till Jan 1 before you sell to him.

Unless they're November coons, he really likes those, right?  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: JakeLand on December 29, 2015, 10:07:31 PM
Jakelands tip #1 for cat trapping
   When you get your bait let's say a muskrat put in a plastic Safeway bag or similar and freeze it whole when you set your trap take the rat or the chunk of beaver out of bag and put it in the trap now tie the plastic bag on a limb up above the trap and kinda tear some slits going up  it so it flutters with the breeze and it has the odor of what was in it plus the motion and what I think is really important is some noise ! It works great
   
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on October 27, 2016, 12:47:01 PM
Bumping this up.
With the season opener coming fast: what do you folks do to prep for the season, lures, trap prep/maintenance , ect.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Sdpotter on October 28, 2016, 09:50:54 AM
I have caught a fair number of Lynx and I think this will work on bobcats as well. As they both are sight hunters spread grouse feathers in front of the cage trap to make them investigate and commit to the bait in the cage trap. Pacific call lure works well on Lynx and I imagine it would be good for bobcat as well. Hang a cd with fishing line and a swivel near the cage trap as the slightest wind will make it sparkle in the moonlight.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on October 28, 2016, 02:12:40 PM
I have caught a fair number of Lynx and I think this will work on bobcats as well. As they both are sight hunters spread grouse feathers in front of the cage trap to make them investigate and commit to the bait in the cage trap. Pacific call lure works well on Lynx and I imagine it would be good for bobcat as well. Hang a cd with fishing line and a swivel near the cage trap as the slightest wind will make it sparkle in the moonlight.

Sdpotter and others, it works well.  A good friend of ours by the name of Chuck Bailey (we use to call him Bobcat Bailey) always used a aluminum pie plate.  He use to catch a lot of cats including mountain Lions (cougars).  He would set his traps and set the pie plate up away behind the trap set.  I remember seeing those pie plates with teeth marks in them.  It works great.

I still use pie plates when I trap bobcats.  I use those small little pies you get at the store.  Walmart sell those little pies for fifty cents (50 cents) a pie and there good pies.  So next time your at the store grab a few for the trap line.
JC   :hello:




Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: wildmeat on October 28, 2016, 05:17:49 PM
The only tip I can give since Ive only been trapping for a couple of years now is BEFORE you leave after setting up your cage trap make sure you put the bait in it. :tup:
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: ouchfoss on October 28, 2016, 08:03:27 PM
Here's a few things I have learned the last few seasons.
When you go spend all the time to camo in and cover your trap, take the extra minute and just trip your trap to make sure there is no stick, rock or bait in the way of the door closing all the way. The door might look completely clear but just test it anyhow. There has been two times where I got lazy and just didn't want to test the door and reset the trap again and it resulted in a half closed door and no animal the next day!
One other thing I learned last year was to have everything you need with you to properly release a live animal if you need to. I had to build a specific tool to allow me to open the door from a few feet away without getting my arm or hands tore up from a none-to-happy smaller bobcat. Worked perfect on the same cat twice.  :tup:
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on January 28, 2017, 04:09:31 PM
This is from Bruce


If you really want something good to fix those waders get rid of the shoe goo and get some NP1 poly urethane sealant.
I've been using it for several years and it is the best stuff. It seals permanent and stays flexible. It seems to stick to about anything no matter how slick. I have even patched holes in the soles of my boots. It just never comes unstuck.
Downside is I only have been able to get it online and it only comes in gun grade. Also it takes a couple days to cure.
If you open the tube as usual after a while the entire tube will harden. Here's a trick to avoid that. Put the tube in the gun and puncture the tube near the back of the tube. Advance it enough to get what you want, then take the tube out and wrap it with duct tape to reseal it.
I would never go back to shoe goo or aqua seal or any of the other similar products
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: jasnt on October 28, 2018, 10:23:20 AM
A lot of new trappers so I’m bumping this thread

Set traps away from public view away from trails and out of view of roads. When possible set traps so you can check with binoculars from a slight distance so your not making trails to your sets
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Mt.Beaver on October 30, 2018, 07:53:37 PM
Just a comment on marking trap locations with ribbons, tape etc.  I generally will locate my trap markers to one side of my trap or the other maybe 20-25 feet.  No sense leading a thief right to the trap. Make them work for it or think the mark was for something else.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Norman89 on November 01, 2018, 08:34:53 PM
Never neglect to check the condition of your traps! Just because they were minty at the end of last season when you put them away doesn't mean your set to go. I found a beaver cage missing a trigger wire and a trap tag tonight :chuckle: quick wire bend up so you don't miss that beaver or otter and replace the tag saves a ticket from the warden
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on November 18, 2018, 04:04:33 PM

Okay I got one for you   :peep:

I've been using this method for several years.  You can check your traps from a distance so you don't have to walk into your set.
You can use this one either on a swim-through trap or even a cat, raccoon or skunk trap.
Bend a wired flag around the door or doors  of your trap so when the door(s) is shut the flag is standing straight up.
JC   :hello:


Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: JakeLand on November 19, 2018, 05:55:53 PM
When it comes to cat trapping put prebaits out ahead of time !
I don’t start trapping cats until January 1st but I start pre baiting now, hang the bait ( a quarter of a beaver) about 6-8 ft up a cedar tree and those cats will climb up and the coyotes won’t get it and also put a dab of your lure on there
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 21, 2018, 08:01:50 AM
Just a comment on marking trap locations with ribbons, tape etc.  I generally will locate my trap markers to one side of my trap or the other maybe 20-25 feet.  No sense leading a thief right to the trap. Make them work for it or think the mark was for something else.

I'm pretty paranoid about marking things.  I rarely mark a set that way just because I've had a couple traps tampered with.  In some places I'll even neglect my visual attractants for this same reason.

Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on November 21, 2018, 05:43:42 PM
Just a comment on marking trap locations with ribbons, tape etc.  I generally will locate my trap markers to one side of my trap or the other maybe 20-25 feet.  No sense leading a thief right to the trap. Make them work for it or think the mark was for something else.

I'm pretty paranoid about marking things.  I rarely mark a set that way just because I've had a couple traps tampered with.  In some places I'll even neglect my visual attractants for this same reason.



Use a handheld GPS and mark the spot.  Nobody know than but you    :IBCOOL:
JC   :hello:


Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 22, 2018, 10:49:41 AM
Just a comment on marking trap locations with ribbons, tape etc.  I generally will locate my trap markers to one side of my trap or the other maybe 20-25 feet.  No sense leading a thief right to the trap. Make them work for it or think the mark was for something else.

I'm pretty paranoid about marking things.  I rarely mark a set that way just because I've had a couple traps tampered with.  In some places I'll even neglect my visual attractants for this same reason.



Use a handheld GPS and mark the spot.  Nobody know than but you    :IBCOOL:
JC   :hello:

That’s what I’ve been doing yes sir.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 22, 2018, 10:52:54 AM
Something I started doing recently on open water muskrat is piling up artificial feed piles and runs leading from open water to the self made climb out. Not sure if it’s a killer technique but it’s better than carrying traps back to the truck. I’ve caught a dozen or so rats doing this. So far it’s working moderately well
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: saylean on December 02, 2018, 11:27:28 AM
Thanks for all the tips guys. I’m setting my first beaver sets this coming week and am looking for all the help I can get. They are flooding a buddys property, I’ll keep ya posted
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Humptulips on December 02, 2018, 02:21:19 PM
Here is something that I told the class yesterday at Cabelas.
Often when you are setting swimthroughs you will find a nice channel or maybe a edge set but the water is too swift. The flowing water sets the trap off or maybe it stays set but a few bits of grass build up on the trigger and off it goes, frustrating!

Cut your self a small willowy whip and insert that through the cage wire side to side on the downstream side of the trigger wires so that the trigger can rest against the whip. Provides additional support for the trigger so it will not be set off so easy.

It seems not to deter animals from going through the trap and even with what seemed like a pretty substantial stick I seem to catch even rats so no problem with the trap firing.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: saylean on December 02, 2018, 05:19:49 PM
Here is something that I told the class yesterday at Cabelas.
Often when you are setting swimthroughs you will find a nice channel or maybe a edge set but the water is too swift. The flowing water sets the trap off or maybe it stays set but a few bits of grass build up on the trigger and off it goes, frustrating!

Cut your self a small willowy whip and insert that through the cage wire side to side on the downstream side of the trigger wires so that the trigger can rest against the whip. Provides additional support for the trigger so it will not be set off so easy.

It seems not to deter animals from going through the trap and even with what seemed like a pretty substantial stick I seem to catch even rats so no problem with the trap firing.

Thanks for the advice humptulips. I hope the class was full and a success!
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Norman89 on November 10, 2020, 06:16:24 PM
If you have a gut instinct someone is untrustworthy while trapping, listen to it. That guy watching from his car at the boat launch as you check a trap? Ya that guy. When he leaves move that damn trap. Or pull it as they watch, or skip that check until they are gone. Not much will light a flame in a boat on a dark night in driving rain and wind, but a stolen trap will make me breath 🔥🔥🔥🔥  :bash: :bash: :bash:
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Norman89 on November 18, 2020, 06:50:13 PM
Just a word to the wise if you plan to get some of Dunlap's Hellfire long distance smear lure, expect your post office, your mail man, your wife, your kids, and you sister in law to be very upset with it being near them :chuckle: mail man hand delivered to the front door and mention he doesn't think he will ever get the smell out of his truck 🤣😂🤣😂 and that was through cardboard box, packing paper, 2 ziplocks, tape and the glass jar
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: DishBogget on November 18, 2020, 08:17:52 PM
Just a word to the wise if you plan to get some of Dunlap's Hellfire long distance smear lure, expect your post office, your mail man, your wife, your kids, and you sister in law to be very upset with it being near them :chuckle: mail man hand delivered to the front door and mention he doesn't think he will ever get the smell out of his truck 🤣😂🤣😂 and that was through cardboard box, packing paper, 2 ziplocks, tape and the glass jar
I’ll add to this....if you value your marriage don’t bring in the catalog that’s comes in the same box lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: cat daddy on November 19, 2020, 07:24:36 AM
I ordered some hell fire along with some other trapping supplies a couple years ago. After not recieving it for a couple weeks, I finally determined it was delivered to the wrong address, it went to a hippie couple that lived a couple blocks up the street. I was happy to get my order and the gal that had it said that they opened it without looking at the address. She said “ I dont know what that #%&@ is in there, but it stinks like something dead”. I laughed for a week!
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Mt.Beaver on November 19, 2020, 03:06:21 PM
I thought I might add a tip on using ribbon or paint for marking traps. Your ribbons and paint marks will lead right to your traps, making it easy for trap thieves.  At least make it a little harder for them.  I will put any markers a set distance either up or downstream, say 30 feet from my traps. At least they have to search a little.  If you are in snow, your tracks will give your traps away. Walk in the stream a bit to hide their locations.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Mt.Beaver on November 20, 2020, 10:09:05 AM
I always carry zip ties with me. They are great for quick cage trap repairs or attaching trap tags as well as many other things. They don't rust also.   Don't leave home without them.
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: lewy on November 20, 2020, 10:25:23 AM
There are some pretty cool stainless steel zip ties available now days that can come in pretty handy as well
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on November 22, 2020, 01:44:07 PM

Did you ever have that one place that you wanted to put a colony trap in but couldn't get there because the area had a big hillside that was to steep to get up or down from?  Or, the water around the small stream was like quicksand that once you stepped in you sunk up to your knees and had a hard time getting back out?  So do you leave that set where you know you are going to collect some rats or do you still set it up?  What do you do  :dunno:

Well my friends I have two area like this that produce a number of rats out of the ditch every year.
Here is what I do.  I purchase a paint extension pole.  You know the long one 6' - 12'.
I grab an old paint roller and take the roller off and screw that on to the pole.
From there I grab the colony trap in the middle of the trap with the roller handle and extend it out into the water and put it in place.
All of the time keeping my boots dry  :chuckle:

Give it a try, well worth it
JC

Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Trapper John on November 23, 2020, 04:58:10 PM

Works great, nice double


Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: Cylvertip on December 01, 2020, 02:03:48 PM
These are a must have for water based trapping:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Trapping-Gauntlet-Gloves-38-Inch-Insulated-Waterproof-Gloves-Decoy-Gloves/776750211?wmlspartner=wmtlabs&adid=22222222222282356419&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=74629466149249&wl4=pla-4578229010756877:aud-807615483&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&%20wl10=Walmart&wl12=776750211_10000000498&wl14=gauntlet%20glove%20shoulder%20green%20&veh=sem&msclkid=c0cb010b4abd189950935ecdf78536e6 (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Trapping-Gauntlet-Gloves-38-Inch-Insulated-Waterproof-Gloves-Decoy-Gloves/776750211?wmlspartner=wmtlabs&adid=22222222222282356419&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=74629466149249&wl4=pla-4578229010756877:aud-807615483&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&%20wl10=Walmart&wl12=776750211_10000000498&wl14=gauntlet%20glove%20shoulder%20green%20&veh=sem&msclkid=c0cb010b4abd189950935ecdf78536e6)
Title: Re: Tips and tricks thread
Post by: cat daddy on December 02, 2020, 06:54:32 PM
Never, and I mean never!! try to bikini wax a chimpanzee in your good clothes.
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