I have a dozen Duke #2 I bought a few years back and never used . But this year the coyotes seem to be pretty plentiful so I probably will set a few more traps out. I have Bridgers #2 and #3 coils all did up that I just love. And I use a few #3 and #4 victor longsprings just to remember the "good old days" I also use a dozen or two of the northwoods #1.75s and #2s that are 30 years old or so and still work great . These are good traps as long as the chains are center framed. My question is I have center chained my #2 dukes and have 2 crunch proof swivels on a fairly short chain...........will I regret not welding a strap across the main frame to beef it up or am I ok as long as I have em centered frame chained. Will the fram bend?????? Any input will be greatly appreciated. I use the duke #1 1/2s on coon water set and they are all the trap I need.......good trap for the price. Thanks

if your running a 24 hr check you will be fine.....

I have caught coyotes in #2 and #1 3/4 Dukes and held them fine. You will not have a problem. I would make sure the jaw tips are turned up, though. I caught a cat in a laminated 1 3/4 this year with a perfect, full-foot catch. It held great. Stick 'em in the ground!

I caught 7 of my 21 cats this year in 1.75 or #2 dukes/vics. all but one was a toe catch. The worst was a 30lb male that had one toe caught. Just bairly. The same traps had full pad catches on yotes.

On another note I believe I lost a cat this year in a stock#2 bridger. Out of all the traps I run the stock offset jawed bridger had the worst foot damage no matter the species.

What about River Otter?

Theres guys that use 1.75 on purpose for otter, rats, and mink. same with # 2's the #2;s squish the mink and some guys prefer it. No screwing around with drowners.