To me one of the best tool available for most animals is the cage trap. Although I was forced to use them, i can see the advantages that they offer....I am currently putting together an article for a news letter and would like your input on cage trapping for fur. Cats have been covered so lets see what else you have to offer...

Vinke, I use cages for coons in spots where I don't feel comfortable setting footholds, near houses and stuff. I also use them on a couple of farms where the farmer worries about dogs and cats.

For coons, I'd say cage traps are one of the easiest and most effective traps out there. The drawback is that you can only carry so many in a truck, you can't carry them too far into the woods without a lot of work, they are expensive, they are very tempting to trap thieves.

If I could figure out a way to make a cage trap big enough for a coon, light enough to carry a dozen, collapsible for easy carrying, and cheap enough where I wouldn't be out a bunch of money if one got stolen, then I'd go to more cages.

Thief and space are two of the biggest issues facing cagers....I am using cable stakes and locks but it does not stop them from being destroyed...
....A quality folding trap would be nice

Here in CA all we can really use to take fur are cage traps. I have yet to set one in the woods but I am not looking forward to worrying about thieves. They have destroyed your cages in the past?

Space, cost and theft is my top concerns as well. However they cant be beat in certain situations though and I have taken many coon out of barns where the owner wouldn't allow any other type of trap. Also good for ADC work up here with the Coons and squirrels in houses in the city.

I have a dozen that I use around houses. From what I have seen on skunks and coons they are some of my more productive sets. I like not having to worry about the dogs and cats with them.

MJM

They are second only to the dirt hole set in their ability to catch possum for me in Ohio.

arent very productive for coyotes tho.

Most of the coon i get with cages. never had one stolen yet. Some are set by the houses most of them in the woods.

I saw one once!

Havaheart just came out with a less expensive colapsing cage trap. It is a bit flimsy but I bought a few to try them out. They fold right down flat and are a big lighter.

The tricky part about running a water trapline with cages is to set them on the bank so they'll easily slide into the water. I usually quick-link mine onto the drowner lock on 3/32" galvanized cable with a brake drum looped onto the terminal end. Makes for a quick dispatch once the cage trap starts sliding/tumbling down the embankment into deeper water.

But I'll agree with the post above . . . getting those canines into those cages is something I have a tough time doing.

Yes Cage trapping is the pitts, and to have to check them within 24 is also rotten, but when its all you got get-er done. Yancy

nie work yancy! are those cages pictured the 12x18x36" traps used for cats?

Yes they are Live trap. and some smaller ones 8x18x36. Yancy

yancy you da man !!

Muskrat,,,,,, I do at times set a "beaver Basket" up to jump into the water as you stated above.......Pain to get it out though....There is a New Double door beaver cage made by a guy here in WA that i will be experimenting with this Fall.....Iy should catch otter as well.

Water caging is what I like to do!!!


Dave Grey,,,,,If folding traps are not a priority on your line, I would look at "Other" models besides the Have harts. I have used them and without constant repair and adjustment you will have problems..........Pm me I have some good cages (similar to the williams design) for $38 with $10 shipping if you spend $100

As far a coyotes in a cage......I an working on that one.....It is a "basket" design trap.....I Just need to get the weight and the cost down

I have spent some time with Vinke...he knows cage trapping! He is a wealth of knowledge on trapping mink and otters in them...probably more than anyone out there.

Keep posting Vinke, I like seeing pictures of the cage catches, I have used colony cages for rats, but that is all the water cages I have used, and with your knowledge with the water and land cages is really good news and information. and the Coyote cage you are working on, "Dang Man" I wish you good luck and you gotta be on something to go that far, Oh and dang nice looking cages you have there, Yancy

Nice lookin' traps???
Surely you jest Yancy, surely you jest! hahahahaha LT