Time saver for checking traps

I train new comers from time to time. A good comment came up about wishing more sets could be made, but time is limited before school, etc. There is an answer to this. (you may spend more time after school or in the evening skinning). But that is a good thing!

Make sets, FOX for example, in locations that CAN BE SEEN from a distance & CHECKED WITH BINOCULARS. Saves lots of walking time. Every few days walk to set to make sure trap is not exposed, re-lure, etc.

For COON sets especially, a FLAG STICK can be set up at set area. Works great if checking from road near culverts, bridges, etc. If flag stick is down you know you have a catch. Travel on if flag stick is still up.
To make flag stick, get stick, branch, etc & tie a flagging ribbon to top end (can use no ribbon also).
Make your set on creek (or wherever). To save time set has to be visible from road or path. Lean flag stick next to set against bank or a tree so visible while checking at a distance. Now tie cord or wire to bottom of standing flag stick to trap chain, or just loop trap chain around bottom of flag stick if that close to set. Caught animal will knock over stick showing you have a catch. If using large drag you can just stand that up that against bank or tree.

Hope this creates a bigger line for ya

I'm sure that there are trappers in the area where they sometimes fish the hard water and have used tipups. Being as here in WA we have pretty much had to go to just using live traps,that have to be checked daily, what I have done on my cat traps is mount a tip up style flag to the cage that bends over and catches on the cage door, when door drops tip up flag pops up and can be seen from a distance making it so I don't have to "pollute" the area.
What I found works for me is car antennas salvaged from the junk yard with red duck tape on the end folded over on the end