If I'm using wax dirt and have very little pan travel do I need a pan cover or any thing under the pan?

I use a little bit of polyester filling under the pan. It's cheap an easy and pretty much ensures your trap is going to fire. Is it necessary? Maybe not but why take the chance.

Good thinking. Even if you don't have any poly, just take some wax paper and use it as a pan cover.

Make sure to crumple it up though.

You absolutely need some kind of pan cover or poly fill or something to keep dirt from falling under your pan. You may get away without one for a time but you’re eventually going to have missed opportunities From your ban being blocked by dirt if you don’t use them.

Polyfil...you can buy a bag at Walmart that will last for years.

Polyfill and peat moss for me

I used peat moss inside the jaws with no pan cover. Got along fine without a cover the last two years.

Underalls and peat moss for me, for the last 8 years now.

Coffee filters or iv used leaves to help keep it open under the pan

Do y’all reuse the polyfil?

I don't reuse it. I have had traps dug when I did so now I take it with me.

ive had good luck with polyfil ive also had good luck with the screen covers you get from trap supply houses. I just went to the polyfil as it was way more cost effective for me

X2

Coffee filters or nylon screen, I would hate to miss an opportunity

I use dried up ferns. Pull the stem out and stick under pan.

packing everything exceot the pain is way easier with underall of some sort, i use blanket poly batting cut into 2x3 chunks. Ive had bad luck with coyotes and wax paper type stuff because if they stech 1/2" from pan, that dirt will move and they are gone or will flip your trap.

I know a guy who knows a guy who has had poly in his coyote and bobcat DVDs for years.
I hear he still uses it at all his sets.

Oh and most trappers, he says, use way way way too much under the pan.
And don't ball it up.

Blessings,
Mark

I use pipe wrap under pans.

Pipe insulation under pans is my choice.