Hi!

Does anyone have any experience with "dog-proof" conibear boxes?

Some folks with the Michigan DNR have asked to see examples; but I've never used them and don't know anyone who has. I've seen the info put out by Wisconsin but I was really looking for someone who's actually used them to give me their take.

When we in Michigan lost the right to use our 220s on public land- unless 4' above the ground, in the water, or "enclosed in a box so as to be inaccessible to dogs", I sold mine.


Thanks!

John

I don't remember if it was the november or december issue of FFG had an article on that- I thought it was pretty interesting.

John,

I dont suppose my method is what you are looking for but I will explain it as best as I can. I run 50 220 boxes every year for bobcats. They are out the entire season. I'm in the heart of grouse country and coon and cat country which adds up to lots of sporting dogs. I have NEVER, killed a dog yet.

My sides are 16 inches long with knotches recessed 5 inches. My top is 24 inches long. This leaves my 220 back 13 inches from the top of the box. The inside diameter only fits a 220. A dog has to literally get down on its belly and has to crawl to reach the 220. HOWEVER, a bobcat or coon gets spanked immediately. I also use 100% wooden coni pans so a dog would in all probability trip the 220 with a nose which would deliver a pretty darn good smack on it nose but not kill it. Dont tell anyone that cats or coon wont enter as I have all the proof that they do. Doubt if this helps your situation but it sure works for me.

Gary.

p.s. you never answered my question about how you and Emily did on the marten trip this year.

Maddog47, do you have pictures of these you could post? I am thinking about making some during the off season this year.

Nova Scotia approved dogPROOF boxes

they work for coons I hear we don't have many on Cape Breton Island but they stick to the dimensions as law we were told take a tape with you when you set in the woods

I have been asked by numerous people to post different pictures on here. I just do not have the computer knowledge to figure it out. All this photo bucket talk and URL and different things confuses this old man so bad I get dizzy. I need 2poor or someone to come over and show me first hand how to do it. Just yesterday I got a bobcat with a fresh 6 inch snow fall that is the most beautiful photo I have ever taken and I dont know how to show it on here.

Gary

Gary, I'll be at the Isle meeting. If you're not too busy, I'd like to see one of your wooden conipans, if you think of it and can bring one. Or, maybe you could just explain it to me. I've tried the metal conipans and don't particularly like them. Do you feel wood is better?

has anyone ever tried using a 5 gallon bucket and putting a lid on it?

John - Unfortunately, I don't have a pic, but a friend of mine from WI uses 2 5-gallon buckets, hooked together with a bungee strap. He cuts a hole in the bottom of one bucket that meets the legal requirements for an opening, and sets the 220 recessed in the second bucket. From his coon count, he doesn't have a problem with refusal, and catches the occasional fisher.

Greg

Yes...that is the only way I will set a 220 on land here. Not cause I have to, but cause it is the only way I feel comfortable with them. We just had a coon dog killed by one and although both the hunter and the trapper had permission and were legal, it is a bad deal.

Make your buckets just like ya always do, them snap the lid back on with a 6" inch hole cut in the middle of it. I ahve taken many coon with this set up, and the ever present possum of course. I have never snapped a dog of any kind, and it does away with alot of the "reach In" problems that comes with using buckets.

I seldom ever use bucket sets anymmore however, I can build a cubby out of natural objects and do just as well without carryin all the extra stuff.

Another way of makin them dog proof is to use some 2x2 or 1x2 wire, like used for cages. I only make mine three sided and about 18-24 inches long. Set the "cage" in a trail and place trap in it. Ya have to cut the slots for the springs of course. Anchor the "cage" down with some tent stakes or 60 penny nails and ya are safe. This also holds it upright. Also anchor the trap. The top is about 8 inches longer than the sides, 4 inches on both ends. I use these in and around barns with dogs runnin around. Also mainly for 160's as I don't see a need for 220's in these araeas.

Good luck !!!

In WI the trap has to be 9" recessed in the box. I only use them around the farm due to the bulkyness. Screen the back of the box for a visual. Keep the bait off the bottom because of mice.

Post deleted by Kre

Thanks, Guys! Lots of great info! please keep it coming!

John

put a cape on a bucket set and make a hole 6 inches wide

somebody have a picture ? ? ?

Photo's please!