I’m gonna target some coon and fox next year and was getting ready to order a bunch of 1.5 coils, when I came across an interesting take from Clint Locklear titled “a rant on the tiny trap club”:

http://trappingradio.com/?p=570

He points out his encounters with many naysayers who claim larger traps are unethical. He argues against them saying larger traps:

- Don’t cause as much foot damage as smaller traps.

- The big thick jaws, are slower, don’t hit as hard and spread the tension over a greater area (less bite).

- The higher jaw catches (on the animal) are not that much higher and result in fewer toe-catches with larger traps.

- Animals fight a smaller trap more than a larger trap.

- The bigger trap will always out-produce the smaller trap by “controlling more terrain” so bigger trap = less misses

He advises using the largest trap legal for your area.

I’ve always gone with conventional knowledge of 1.5 coils for coon and fox but I’ve gotta say since seeing that video, he’s got me thinking about going with larger traps next season.

Your thoughts? - Wyo

Atrap that is too large for the target animal is inhumane and will break legbones

Atrap that is too large for the target animal is inhumane and will break legbones (caught too high on leg) when the animal struggles(trap wont move with animal).This will lead to escapes and fodder for animal rights groups trying to ban foothold traps.Traps are manufactured in different sizes for a reason-to hold the target animal comfortably with minimal injury by the FOOT not halfway up his leg.What do the BMP's say?

some of y'all should step back and listen to what you are spewing .. and some have the gall to look down their nose at Clint or anyone else GEEEZE .. that said, I respect the above opinions and perspectives but somewhat disagree with adamant closed minded old fashion mentality

*traps do not maim or break bones, (four coiled or two coiled, offset or regular jaw, laminated or not laminated) traps with poor or fouled swiveling increase the potential for such when the restrained animal applies unique leverage/torquing when attempting to roll/twist while restrained in a stationary trap

FYI a #2 double long spring trap is nothing more than your beloved 1 1/2 jaw spread trap with the addition of a second spring

take the #3 coilspring for example, more often considered a coyote trap but yet it can be used as a highly efficient humane trap when targeting dry land coon, but one must do as they should with any trap and exercise common sense and become proficient with such .. it doesn't take a seasoned trapper to realize the #3 is too large for targeting front foot dry coon but back foot oh yeah, now we are talking .. coons targeted with said trap and targeting back foot catches is quite effective and the coon seem to "challenge" their restraint far less than front foot catches in more traditionally accepted coon traps ... I could elaborate more so, but my point is made, don't let your opinion cloud your thoughts to the point you write something off based on hand me down heresay or a few incidental catches on your line


confidence should be applied to all you do, whether it be badminton or cricket farming .. but one who lumps the majority of his/her success into such isn't applying nearly enough common sense & knowledge .. but I guess that is just my opinion


"I personally don’t care what you use, I’m just glad your trapping" AMEN brother