I trap on the coast so wind blowing the little flags can be a problem of vibration transmitted to the traps. So I cut all but about 1/4 inch of the flag off the wire and use that wire to pin the flag with. I then place an uncut flag a couple feet away and use it for my set marker. Leaving some of the flag lets me spot it and also I don't lose it and leave it laying around. I don't seem to feel any vibration on the pinning marker when the wind is blowing.

I figure if those sonic electronic gizmos people buy does not bother the moles, my flag flopping around will have no effect. If you get increased catches let us know.

I need to explain my vibration. These are open hole sets for gophers and with wind gusts you can even see the trap jiggle. Moving traps can make trap shy gophers in a hurry. I agree about sonic vibrations and I don't worry about it when I pin traps and fill in the hole.

Are they Steve A. traps? Do you put cables on them. If flag is put in center of loop it should not make a difference. JMO.

I only use Steves traps for gophers. Pinning in the loop of the trap makes a more solid hold. I have tried using the loop of the cable but have had big gophers pull the loop over and away from the flag. None of this seems to be a problem with moles but gophers can be something else. I also anchor the cable too. I don't take chances, traps are too expensive. 21 sets and 18 gophers today. All 18 dug up by foxes with the traps laying outside the hole with body parts in the jaws.

I know it depends on the area, but I would have a mound of sand with a gopher in the sand with four foot hold trap set around the gopher. How about taking a welding rod and bending it into a U and pushing that down and just use the flag to mark the spot. You could put a piece of Survey tape on the welding rod to mark it also. We do not have gopher in Mi. as far as I know.

Everet; I use sod staples to anchor all my mole and gopher traps. They are u shaped and are available in different lengths and have been used by me about 10 years with good results. Of course I pin all my traps from Steve also. Since steves traps are stainless steel a metal detector will not register them but will show the sod staples. This is important in parks, playgrounds and golf courses where flags have a habit of going byebye. I carry a metal detector in my truck for this reason.

Do you use any paint to mark places you do not flag?