Tips and tricks thread

[jasnt]

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

[Mt.Beaver]

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.

[Norman89]

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 quick wire bend up so you don't miss that beaver or otter and replace the tag saves a ticket from the warden

[Trapper John]

Okay I got one for you   

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   

[JakeLand]

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

[Jonathan_S]

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.

[Trapper John]

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   
JC   

[Jonathan_S]

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   
JC   

That’s what I’ve been doing yes sir.

[Jonathan_S]

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

[saylean]

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

[Humptulips]

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.

[saylean]

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!

[Norman89]

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 🔥🔥🔥🔥 

[Norman89]

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 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

[DishBogget]

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 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


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