Coons, 'coons and only 'coons. . .

This is a post that deals with just the trapping of 'coons and doing it in numbers. I would like to hear from some serious 'coon men and even some part-timers who use certain techniques to put up numbers of 'coon and to do so it a hurry.
Footholds, Lil Grizz, kill traps, cage traps, even serious snare snare men...everyone who puts up numbers of 'coon, has something to add.
Preference on baits, lures, sets, locations, brands of traps, water vs land trapping...etc. Well, you get the point.
'Coon, 'coon and only 'coon!

The info on here will help out a lot of young trappers across the states and even some of us seasoned trappers.

Lt.Grey, I by no means put up thousands of coons but it first starts with having alot of land that you can pull up to,set and go. It takes me months to use plat maps,driving,using satelite imagery,phone calls,stop in's,etc to connect the dots. If one is to put up large catches the first is obvious that there has to be a population of coon. Time is money and that means to get a set put in maybe 2 or 3 minutes and keeping the locations close together over a long area. Maybe sets that are 1/2 to mile apart but say 50 or 60 miles long.Pull up to a culvert or bridge,throw in 2 sets and move down the road. For me that is a mix of 220 boxes,coils and snares. The dp traps like the Griz is fast as you set,push into the ground,stake or tie off and go.I have in my mind well before season starts as to where I will start and end and everywhere in between to get as many sets in as possible from the opening day till dark. Each day I will continue to add to my line and monitor when things start to go cold,then I will pull what needs moved and relocate. A guy doesn't want to zig zag all over the countryside wasting time.If you take say 4 hours per day and have 60 sets in that takes alot of driving time versus 100 sets in more of a line or circle then you are not working smart.Being organized with traps,hardware and lure/bait plays a large role in great success.I would not expect to catch high numbers if I just threw all my stuff in the truck opening day and headed out only to comb through an unorganized heap of iron. One should know in advance what set and where it will be placed ahead of time.Does one want to hammer the creeks for alot of small coon or move to higher ground to catch the larger ones plays into it also.I would rather skin one large coon for say $20 instead of two that will fetch $10 each. You made the same amount of money but worked twice as hard. I do trap creeks but if tageting only coon and using a foothold,I only carry a spray bottle of fish oil to spray around the hole,that's it! No bait is needed or other lure for coon. I am always looking for large trees and brush piles as den sites. While coon calling, we have called alot of the bigger ones out of brush piles.I target coon until freeze up then around Christmas start on cats.There are other variables such as deer season that I am cautious about since there are alot of people in the woods but if you stay close to the road like under bridges and culverts,you don't run into many problems with water sets as they usually don't waste time to jump in a creek to steal your gear and catch.I could go on on but this is how I do it.I work 35 miles away and have a route this year from there to my house.

dry trail 220 trapper here run out of my truck, set in road right of way 2-3 traps per trail and down the road one tip i have is if you have compatiton on the right of way always set on the dening side of the road to get the coon first so your competitor can't cut you off if nobody else trapping i like to start at the food source side of the road and work back toward the denning side after catches burn up the trail, clean well looked after traps also produce red fox in these trails i,ll try to add some pics of my setup and some locations

I'll be watchin and learning here as well.I second the fish oil,shellfish oil.It's all I used the last half of the season.(Lil Griz with house hold sponges cut under trigger)Tips I could use would be dealing with the last pic.PM if you wish. Hope this don't look like a hijack.Think It's a great idea!

ol'bones that last pic from lt is the biggest hassle of coon trapping for me haulin all them away

I consider myself a pro-trapper. Well, a pro-before-work-run-as-hard-as-i-can-and-get-critters trapper.

I like to keep my coon up on dry land. It makes skinning easy and like I said, with limited time, I skin when I can and waiting to clean them out ain't happening.

I like the standard dirthole with a big old piece of wood as backing. I bait with lots of stuff (this year will be expired canned cat/dog food from work)and lure with anything loud and sweet smelling. I posted in the tricks section about trying some of that scented water. I will be going out on Monday to take some pics and set up some pre-season stuff so I will touch base with some photo's of my coon locations.

LT you need to send that pile of coons down here. i make about as much off of the meat as i do the hides

I used to have a meat market. Where are you from? It doesn't say , which is a must. Just thought I'd give you a heads up, since you're new.

On new properties, set heavy the first year and the second year set the the best producing spots again. Works well especially if you are cold rolling into an area.

I will second the thing about just carrying fish/shellfish oil on the line, I use something called Fish Oil Plus, fish oil spiked with shellfish oil. Never been a real fan of bait unless I am trying to pick up mink.

Coon do not magically appear on the water's edge, they have to walk down there somehow. Look for these access points where coon can get down to the water and set them dry if you can, skin as many dry coon as possible.

LT i am from louisiana dont know y it is not on here thought i put it on my profile

Great pics Ace! Do you trail set to/from the corn fields with bodygrippers as well as using the 3-in-a-corner set up?

Also, what would you guys rate the value of a corn field once it is picked? Does it go down? Seems to me they wouldn't be real fond of wandering around in the open hoping to find some goodies when they can stick to the water's edge for an easy meal.

what is yor all way of anchoring foot holds in the water if not using drowner set up to make the set fast

If I was to set in the water, which I typically don't, I would maybe attach a drag (some piece of brush or limbs) that way the coon could get away from the set area and not make a muddy mess of it. I can't say, but I'd assume MOST coon would run up on land rather than swim out to deeper water.

For me it's 220's ... no bait no lure ... just blind set ... and here in my area that means coons coons and not just coons ... more like coons, otter, beaver, muskrat, mink, bobcat, skunk ... and that don't bother me one bit

Some really great information by all!

Love the pictures and the graffics! Keep 'em coming.
This could turn out to be the best 'coon information anywhere written because it comes from so many valuable sourses.

But, it needs everyones imput! Everyone who traps 'coons is a great sourse of information!

I love all the picture everybody! keep them coming! I'm learning a ton!

possum skinner- nice pics ...variety with a capital V.

Nice use of blocking as well.

I think we are all learning more about how coons travel in groups and taking advantage of the "live bait" theory.

The cornfield coons- definitely a "hot spot" in my area. as mentioned access becomes easier when they are cut.

Just how many coon could you catch with a 4-wheeler and 100 snares (or grizz, or ??) along the cornfield edge ??? It's up to you to find out.

Why work harder, when you can work easier and smarter ?

Nice Thread..and some nice pics. I never really gave it a thought as to how I catch so many coon. Thought it came natural? After 35 years on the line going from single digits to hundreds I guess I may have learned some things through the years.
I used to build elaborate cubbies and a dozen traps was alot.
Now I usually run 100-120 sets and Drive! Early in the season I hit the main drive and get the cream of the crop with pocket and trail sets that can easily be checked for time. I stopped using lure a few years ago and set up on travel corridors. I have found that it makes no difference as far as lure if you make your set where they are traveling. After the first week I run 60-70 sets and do more walk lines. When the cold weather sets in I hit my barns where the coon remain active. When the Jan. thaw hits I will go after the boars.
It all comes down to adapting to each situation and preparing for this with pre-season work so you are ready to roll.
Always have a notepad and record where you have each set and have a plan together for your line moves.

"Varity is the spice of life." "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." and all that jazz....

I use snares...



...cages...



...pocket sets...



...dog proofs...



...conibear buckets...



... blind sets...



...cement block set...



...pvc set...



...and a few others...







... and they all add up to coons, coons, and more coons...













I guess I just the varity to keep it interesting.

~ADC~

How do you set up this set? Like a walkthrough with the bridge on one side and the block on the other with the trap in the middle?

PSkin, those pics show some good locations. Thanks.

Hope I'm not "intruding" ADC...cement block set is a good one. Hard part is getting your blocks in position on waterways. I use a strong #11 or #1 1/2 coil rigged up with about 3 feet of well swiveled chain attached to block. Lure or bait block's openings that are out of water...place foothold in the water next to it...your done. Caution...the body of waters bottom can be a bit tricky when using the block set. A hard bottom or say gravel bottom can allow the coon to pull the block along way. I like setting in sticky softer mud when using these sets. Watch setting up bridges along public roads using these sets..could be bad PR.

No problem Mr. Marchewka!

This was a set I learned from k9. on here, not my invention. I only set these on that particular style of culverts. They are cement squares, no place to stake a trap in them. I toss the blocks with a length of wire attached, into the creek/water just above the cement prior to season, then this set is easilly constructed.

I prefer the blocks with three holes like in that picture. I set the block, on end, up against the wall of the culvert with the holes facing out from the wall, wire my trap to the block and bait the top hole in the block. Then I set the trap in front of the block. 1 1/2 coils set best on the cement but if there is some sediment in there all the better to stabilize your trap. I try to put these back under the road out of site in most locations and I find the coons don't normally drag the block very far. They are usually just setting on top of it like in the picture.

~ADC~

What bait do you put in those pipes??

Again I'll butt in here...lol...when using pipe type sets I use a rank fish or zangy rotten 'cat bait for me that produces LOTSA COON! But have caught early season coon and rats with milder sweet/minty lures too. Experiment this season with a few different smells. Something to keep in mind is after a catch is made the pipe is usually under water and your milder lures/baits are usually washed away..not so with the ZANGIER stuff. Usually I just grab a stick and push it down the pipe to get the smells going again.

Thanks MChewk

I make a fish based bait called ADC's Raccoon Payback that works great in these PVC sets. It's what I use all year long in them. PM if you want to buy some before the ITA. I'm sure I'll sell out there.

~ADC~

i have a question do any of you do pre bating of sets if so when do you start

Okay, another question for you pipe users, what do use to keep the lure or bait from sliding down the pipe into the water, if the lure is runny? Leaves?

I think a permanent/semi-permanent plug about 3" down in the pipe to keep lure where you want it might be best. How far down would depend on pipe diameter. Don't want the coon to reach the attractant. I'm going to try cotton or something that holds odor well shoved down on the plug, and might have the pipes lured before leaving camp.

where do you set the trap in relation to the pipe? do you set for the front of back foot?

When I do my pipes, which are the the pvc's with the 90* elbow like in ADC's picture, I put some duct tape over the opening of the pipe before cementing the elbow onto the pipe.

Okay, thanks guys. I'm going to try and plug my pipes with something.

I don't plug the pipes with anything but my bait. It won't slide down into the pipe. I just scoop the pipe into the bait jar and pack the end full as I can get it. The size of the pipe seems to make no difference in effectiveness so I choose a 1/2 - 3/4" pipe to save on bait a little.

Smileybrown, no I do not prebait.

waynecountyboy, I put the trap about 4" back from the opening of the pipe, generally gets them by the front foot. IF I set in deeper water say 8" deep or so them I pull the trap back a couple inches and target a back foot since their front feet barely can reach.

~ADC~

lol ... now who ever said anything about putting all their eggs in one basket


I use snares too ... not a lot specifically targeting coons but I do use them







use a few pocket sets, dirt holes etc. too














use dog proofs too
















------------------------------------------------------







I use cages too but generally for nuisance coons in and around domestic settings

I totally agree with mixing up your tactics ... being flexible and proficient with more than one trap & set can and will lend to your ability to roll with the ups and downs that can come at ya ... weather, hunters etc.

Does ADC stand for alot dadgum coon?? LOL

JOHN

The expression on the dogs face is priceless!

If there isn't any sediment in the box culvert, you can dig a piece of sod off the bank and place in the water next to the block. Put it grass side down and stabilize trap on the soil side. I know ADC knows this, but throwing it out there for others.

A hand made dog proof trap with ground carp mixed with molases..



#11DLS at a dirt hole same bait.



Pocket set same bait



Incidental in cat sets...





Some wet...


Some dry...


They all go to a fur buyer regardless of how you take them. Tom

Good advice!

I do know about that trick but its too time consuming for me personally. If you notice all my coon sets can be made in about a minute or less (except pocket sets, which were made for mink in the first place) so I just toss the trap down right on the cement. lol It'll still work most of the time if you put a real good bait in the block. The sod would help though if you got it handy and have the time.

~ADC~

good info and a lot of nice pics

P Skinny

One of your photos reminded me of this kid I got my first season.. PVC Set in a creek.

They just have that "Hand in the cookie jar" Look. BTW.. call it foolish but this one was released alive on gamelands. You could have fit two of him in a shoe box..just too small for me to mess with.

I didn't see any pics of ADC's block set....is it on here!
That is one that I was impressed with because of it's simplicity and effectiveness.

Are these pictures too big for the format or is it just my computer?

Sorry LT must be you 'cause I can see them.

something i just thought of when cage trapping coons where you can't discharge a firearm. It's a drowiing method meant for a steep sloping bank. Set the trap in the bank with the opening facing the water and pointing "down-hill". drive in 2 rebar stakes or heavy wood stakes found near by on either side of the cage. then take another wood stick and run it through the cage so that it makes contact with the 2 rebar stakes and holds the cage in place. given the destructive nature of a coon in a cage trap it won't take long for him to shred that stick running through the cage thus sending the cage slidng into the water. no cage or coon to be seen and stolen.

The stick holding up the cage must be small enough to fit through the cage wire so it won't take long for the coon to chew enough to release the cage.

This method can be tweaked for setting the trap a little off a ledge and moving the location of the rebar stakes. use your imagination.

Livetrap, that is a great idea!

I can't see the pics LT.

I can see all the pictures fine, sorry if you all can't. The block set is on there LT.

~ADC~

for the guys asking about the bait not slideing down the pvc pipe
i just use a squirt of spray foam down about 3". it will expand and nothing will slide down it and is easily punched out with a rebar stake. water sets with possilble high water such as alot of rain or tidal waters i make 3-4 1" holes verticly in the bank
a few inches apart. if the water rises a bit and covers the 1st 2 holes i still have 2 working......

problem I see with foam in the pipe is the pipe being boyant and floating away.

I have all my pvc's wired to something like the slide wire above the drowning lock.

I just stuff my pvc's with cotton balls and a squirt of fish oil. The tape at the elbow just keeps them from sliding down the pipe, you could also run a screw through the pipe if you go that route.

Wad of dry grass shoved into pipe.

Was that to put your lure/bait on?

the pipe only has a small squirt of foam, they still sink.its just to keep the bait near the top. most times iam useing a squirt bait/lure.....

Hey wildman, get that salmon yet?

here is a spot that screms set me




spots liketh produce things like this , i'll try to get some more pics up as time allows

lt, not yet, they are just starting to move into the rivers

Guys, there is your contact to some of the best 'coon and mink bait available.

OK wildman...how much to send us all a 5 gallon pail of ground salmon off the "racks?"

they are just starting here also wildman most are stacked up waiting for the rain to start up river

First of all great post. Reading through all this great info on trapping brought back memories of T-man some years back when there were many long threads on trapping and many people debating methods back and forth.

For coon let me say for starters I have never been a long line big numbers guy, but I did trap plenty of them through the years growing up in MN. Still take leave some years during trapping season and go home and do some trapping. All that being said I have gained some knowledge over the years from my own experiences and things others have taught me. So here goes...

Pocket Set: This set flat out takes coon. Where I trap in MN a good pocket has a chance of taking not only coon, but mink, and rats as well. Back in the day there were plenty of long liners operating throughout MN. Many of these guys racked up huge catches of coon and mink with nothing more then a simple pocket set baited with a chunk of fish. I won't go into details on how to make this set as there has been much written about it over the years. I will just say try it....it works.

Dirtholes: A little more time consuming then some other sets, but they have always worked well for me. Not too mention a well placed dirthole stands a shot at catching a fox or coyote as well. That fresh dug hole seems to hold a real attraction for the old ringtails. Put a shot of shellfish oil down the hole and the old coon can't seem to resist.

Conibears on trails: A good fast system to nail coons is 220's or 160's (if legal in your state) on trails. Pretty simple, no bait or lure required. If you are road trapping ditches and right of ways you can string out quite a line just using Conibears. Look for those coon trails and set them up. The coons are dead when you get there which makes for quick remakes also. If you haven't checked it out watch Ron Hauser's video on trail trapping coons. Good system and a lot of info there. I set mine up just as he shows in the video and it works. I will add please be careful when using 220's or 160's on land. Place one of these in the wrong spot and nail someones pet or prize hunting dog and we have a bad deal all the way around. Again great tool just be careful.

PVC pipes: Good set, quick and simple to make. Coon really seem attracted to the white pipe. I have experimented with using the pipe on dry land with some success however, when used on dry land this set seems to really nail the possums. Some people don't like carrying the PVC pipes around but by keeping the pipes no longer then need be and trapping near my vehicle I have never found this to be an issue. I cut my pipes about a foot long and find this works for me.

Dog Proof Coon traps: Never tried any of these, but the more I see and hear about this Lil Grizz the more I am convinced it must be a great trap. The speed and versatility in where you can use them look like a big plus. I plan on trying some Grizz's in the future.

Traps: I like a 1 1/2 coilspring. Great versatile trap and it works. The 11 longspring is a good trap as well.

Lure: To be honest I think most lures out there seem to hold some attraction to coon. I like good old shellfish oil myself. Caught a lot of coon on it. Caught plenty on Red Fox gland lure and Red Fox urine in dirtholes as well. I have even heard of guys catching coon using a minty mouthwash as a lure. Certain lures probably work better in certain situations. A couple that I know work well are Tim Caven's "Moonshine" and Mike Marsyada's "Coon Food and Call." Try taking your favorite coon lure and mixing it with fish oil. 4 oz of lure poured into a pint of fish oil gives you a versatile lure that can be applied quickly and it is cheaper then using straight lure. Also don't be afraid to experiment with different smells. If you set an area up heavy with your standard sweet or fishy smelling lure or bait try punching in a set using Bobcat or Coyote gland lure. Gives em a little something different.

Bait: It seems nowadays there are about as many coon baits and bait formulas as there are ways to catch coon. I still like a chunk of plain old fish. I like bullheads myself, but use whatever fish is available and abundant for you. Here's a bait trick I like....Get out and catch some fish. Chunk your fish up and place the chuks into an old milk carton. Fill the milk carton up with fish chunks and then add water to your carton to finish filling it up. Seal the top of the cartons up with tape and place in the freezer. When you need bait pull out as many cartons as you think you might need and thaw overnight. Put the fish chunks into whatever you like for transporting onto the line. Don't throw out the water from those cartons. Pour it into a squirt bottle and giving your sets a shot of it. Not as strong smelling as some of the commercial oils but it has a fishy odor and it is a free by product of your bait. If you don't have time to fish and put up your own bait there are a lot of good commercial ones out there. Marsyada makes a great Shellfish Bait that I really like. Find something that you like, but don't be afraid to experiment.

There are many ways to catch coon. Find what works for you and use it. Learn all you can from other trappers and develop your own system. Work hard and enjoy your time on the line.

Good information guys.

could someone please put in another pic of a pvc pipe set. ADC's pic red x'ed though i did see the block set. I believe i make that set differently and had some success, like to see another version. thanks

Camaron K., very nicely done! A real tribute to this post!

I just saw a demo this weekend done by Von (Flatiron),rock sandwich set,out from bank put fish on top of rock , set another rock on top of fish ,inbetween the 2 rocks and bank set a trap and collect coon and mink.

Yep, that one could be a canidate for "Crude but effective!"
Works well on canines too.

Great post guys good info

For my pipe sets, I just drive a piece of straight PVC into the bank on a 45 degree angle and put the trap an inch out from the end of the pipe.

thank you cooner... when read about the elbow on the pvc here I thought there was a better way. appreciate your time.

No dog/cat proof traps but want to catch coons in the old lady with 20 cats running around her backyard? Get yourself a cheap plastic kiddy pool(now's the best time 'cause Summer's over)and fill it with water. Put something in the middle that sticks out of water, cinderblock, large stone, upside down bucket) and pour some sweet stuff on top. Place a few traps on drags under water. Coon will be caught and run off. Next coon will jump in and also get caught. Most cats won't go in water, especially not for sweets.

thats a new one on me, the pool ambush set!!!!!

Lauren Taylor Age 12. First 'coon, (raiding my sweetcorn patch)...and couldn't have been happier!

That's a great idea!

Well perhaps...but lets look at it from another perspective.
Say you have a blue pool,(well, most are)with a dark dyed trap.
Lots of contrast there....much, much more than a dark stream bottom...AND no easy way to bed the trap, like wiggeling it in a sandbar or bed trap bed. Basiclly, you just set the trap and place it at the bottom of the pool...or did I miss something?

Ok, yes... covered by water, but some 'coon will notice a trap that stands out and let's not forget depending on the depth of water, birds of all kinds and sizes, will be in the pool, drinking and bathing.
Now, if that lil' ol' lady you spoke of lives in town..well I can tell you as an ADC trapper, that many cities, villages, townships, etc. have laws against setting a foothold under water in a kiddie pool or not...SO, one should take these things into consideration...Now, do I see some promise for a set like this, ummm maybe, as last resort when other types of trapping, snaring and yes, even calling that last raccoon does not work!

TTT

dump enough dirt in the kiddie to cover the bottom and blend and stabilize the trap, that would also muddy the water up and make it less clear, it would be a pain emptying the pool though

This is what you DON"T want....

Right on coonhuntingkid! I'll be doing this in a few more weeks right in two old ladies yards(don't tell anyone but I'll be doing this right in the neighborhood, no little kids close by)..Many, many guys simply drop a coilspring on the edge of a river at a pocket set and don't worry about birds, coons upsetting traps or clear water.

To dump, step on one side and let drain over rubber booted foot or hold one side down with a stick or lift one side and dump.

New construction sites are a good place to find coons, especially if a lot of the workers throw thier leftovers from lunch off to the side somewhere..Set off into the wood edge so your traps aren't found.

i was just thinking they might not want all that mud piled on there lawn,

"their lawn"...and no, you wouldn't!
It's why they make plywood that can be cut into sections and pegged!

i just fixed one of the those "there to their" mistakes in a post earlier, i guess i was slacking on that one

Lil' Grizz with some of my Skip Jack bait. They do produce the 'coons!

Should have mentioned that rock piles, like the one pictured above, are very attactive to all kinds on animals. I trap along side many of them and always catch a bunch of fur.
One trick I use, is to pour fish oil down inside it. Nothing will be able to get to the sourse and they keep coming back to it.

One of the many, many 'coons, I caught right outside the cabin...Man, I miss that place and all the memories....

An old one eyed 'coon that gave me the slip, until he saw his first "pipe trap"...( it was also his last!)

LT, I'll be posting some pics of a few 'coon locations, and if you would be kind enough to point out where you would put a set or multiple sets, funnel points, and the like, I would appreciate it very much.

Yes, will do, but there are so pretty good trappers on here that will can help you out as well.

I see lot's of good fur there. Wow, something to see how many different veriations of trapping, traps and ideas there are.
Cool, good stuff.

That's the whole idea behind this post!

This is what I hate to see...and yet, every fall and winter I get a bunch just like it.
Big boar 'coon in a coyote snare caught right around the middle and beatin' up on a rusty old fenceline.
....and man they can can wreck some fence too, don't think they can't!

Nice big prime boar though!

great post keep it coming

Care to add ray12?

'Coon will sometimes climb a tree like this, when snared.
They need to be smaller in diameter, if you want a good wrap up.

Don't expect to catch coon when the weather looks like this



But you can stll smile when you do..unless of course he looks like this gnarly ole guy

LT is that a black coon?

beachcomber, that coon looks a little cold, did you give him a blanket?

My not so bright set of the season last year was the minnow bucket set. It is very effective but it will more than likely cost you a minnow bucket. Had a coon raiding my bucket on and off all that summer when I left it overnight in the river trying to keep my bait alive. I had to get that coon come season. Staked it in shallow water with the flap open and a 1 1/2 coil in the bottom. Luckily I used my oldest bucket. Not much left of it when that big old boar coon got done with it. But he's not a problem any more.

More seriously my eyes were opened by the number of coon, almost all very lg boar coon, I caught from Fisher/Cat boxes that I used for my first season last year. All from deep in mature woods, far from water or corn. 19 coon from 10 boxes during the first week of Dec. Was catching them in 6" of snow before really cold, deep snow put them down for the winter. Since they were so actively going after meat bait I suspect that they were taking advantage of the late season protein available from deer gut piles left by deer hunters. It is certainly something that I am going to explore more, especially as that time of year coon numbers seem to dwindle around water and corn(now picked).

cme4293,
Only 'till the light found him!

Oh yeah, cme, I blanketed him alright and then he slept real good.

i think he was more surprised to see you

Only for a breif moment.......

Bank hole set for coyotes.

Your biggest 'coon are caught on land!

Looks to me that that was one huge coon! What kind of set was that so close to that bank, a dry pocket?

When setting for coon around a small stream I usually try to set at least one #1 coilspring or a #1.5 coilspring in shallow water with a rubber crawdad attached to the pan. It worked for me, give it a shot.

i agree that the crawdad on the pan works, however i have heard of people catching great horned owls, so under the edge of a large log would probably be better, works on mink and sometimes rats

How cold does it have to be before coons den up??

i am not sure but if you want to sit next to the heater than they are probably denned up, my guess would be 15- degrees but dont hold me to it that is just what i would say

i heard that even when it is freezing cold they come out of there dens but do not go far at all is that true??

i do know that if the wether stays really cold for a while they eventually come out to get some food but i doubt they go very far

Triple on coons last year. All within 15 feet of each other.

how close to together can you place traps

U can put them as close as u want as long as the critters cant touch each other. The triple above had 2 sets 15 ft apart on the right side of the creek, and one on the left.

Makes it worth stopping!

I love seeing pictures like these...especially the doubles and triples. I'm no professional but I'm thinking about this year doing a day by day post of the days catches, there locations, etc. Maybe help some of the these beginners learn a new trick or two..good idea or no?

i was thinking about doing that too, but honestly i hope i am too busy skinning and fleshing to post pics, haha

Double in the "dog-proofs"...if it's good enough for one set, it's good enough for 2 or 3. A live 'coon is your best attactor!!!

Lt what did you use as bait??

LT Grey I see those are trapmasters. I am going to try some this year and was wondering if you modified them at all, if you used fish or marshmellows, and if you put the bait behind the trigger in front or both. Also do you have good success with them, pullouts? thanks

Skip Jack herring, that I catch and grind myself.
It's a good oily fish that 'coons really love!


With TrapMasters, don't ever let a 'coon get a hold of anything. Keep the circle, clutter free!

ok thanks

Do you fill the Trapmaster full of fish

Great location !

Here is one where coon are following this trail along a small creek.

Little pinch point

Ditch running to creek.

i love to see the pictures you guys post

Nice shots NYfox!

i just ordered a lil grizz today... hope my luck is good as yours...LT Grey: how many grizz or trapmasters do you run ?

i might have to order me a few lol

yea it looks like alot of guys are catchin a bunch of coon with them
They are a little pricey though

LT GREY is correct your biggest coons will usually come away from the water.

Nice pictures...Just remember it is not the name on the trap that catches coon. It is where the owner places the trap. I currently do not have nor intend to buy any dp trap that costs over $20 dollars.

I went out today at some of my locations and started some bait station stuff. I guess that's one advantage of working at a vet hospital, the expired/opened food that can't be returned I get to have. I used about 60 lbs of kibble dog food just dumped in piles at several locations. Once next weekend comes, I will start digging some holes and adding soft canned food and lure to get them hitting the sets. This is just to get their attention and get them hanging around the area a little more closely.

There will obviously be some eaten by possum, squirrels, and birds, but I've always been good at sharing!

must be nice to get the hospitals leftovers, lol i hope that they will start working your sets, good luck

It is indeed very nice. Actually, a gal who works with me has a bunch of cattle, and one of her butcher freezers went out, so I got almost 20 lbs of hamburg as well as a bunch of steaks to chunk for predator bait. So I should be all ready to go.

oh wait!! one of us mean trappers who do nothing but want to kill little animals works at a vets office, that cant be good, just kidding

Haha yeah. The head vet there is a waterfowling fool as well as dove and rabbits.

He tried to help our ploy in my county of NC to get a fox trapping season, but alas, the obscene signs and slanderous comments by antis had more sway at the meeting.

A vet supporting trapping? Huh, t is only the most effective way to manage populations of disease vector species! Strange how logic and reason work!

I know that a lot of you guys use sponges with lure on them in your lil grizz but do you put them behind the trigger or poke them on the trigger? Also does anybody have any problems with lure freezing?

no most lures have antifreeze in them, however i did buy one where the guy didnt believe in preservative and stuff and told me to keep it in the freezer, after i already baught it

Most lures have anti-freeze in them????

Who you buying from?

unless you make your own lure it usually has anti-freeze in it

I think LT is commenting on the fact of having actual anti-freeze in your lures instead of glycerine which acts as an anti-freeze in most lures.

I have heard some lure makers say that once a coon gets the taste of a preservative they will not come back to the set. Is this true? I'm new to trapping, but love all of the posts, I am learning alot by just following along. Keep up the good info and pictures of sets.

Heres my tips:

Have a route set b4 season (I have 4) and know what kind and where each trap goes.

I use pogo stakes and have one attached to every trap b4 season.

All my conis and dp are set and have a marshmellow in them the night b4.

I dig my pockets w/ a bulb planter. Quicker than a shovel and works in most types of mud.

Have plenty of bait. Dont skimp on lure or bait.

If you cant drive to it or pull a boat up to it save it for when your run out of spots or have nothing better to do. Time is money$$$

If your serious about big numbers I would buy 200 griz and get it over with. You can ran ALL these in one day and have time to spare. You wont do that w/ a foot hold by yourself and you may never get wet doing it! The initial start up is alot but if your gonna do it for several seasons you will recoup your money w/ time saved and fur caught.

Lol! the worlds biggest body gripper

lol wonder what bait he put up there, maybe he used the heat to draw him in

My quess is the coon was backing out!

The garage door set lol

Good one, Ray.

Some how I get the feeling that coon's probably a female.

lol

It was lol, it was probably staying up on top hibernating and suddenly found itself running out of door to sleep on as it was going down!!! and somehow it got neck caught instead of falling off. i wish i would have got some pics on the other side of the door.

a blond female lol

I set 30 cuffs/yancy's this morning for the wisconsin opener i can hardly wait to get off this saturday nite shift to go check em. THE ANTICIPATION IS KILLIN ME!!!!!!!

keep this post going... ive learned alot from it

...about time for you to add something then!

Tips and Tricks from a beginner here.

1. K.I.S.S. it! (Keep It Simple Sam) If I over think it I usually did not catch one last year. Eric keeps telling me to quit thinking so hard and TRAP!

2. See number 1

If you do get some grizz, If you see a coon track or two slap a grizz in. If you see a place where it just looks coony, slap a griz in.

I am starting this year off with Eric teaching me about blind sets etc. I got spoiled early by the grizz.

I may not put up large #'s around 100 a yr set a lot off trail snares and dirt holes.Use moonshine diluted in spray bottle and make trailing set.At agiven time may have up 30 snares in a given area for up to a wk.Have to move as the cattle are moved so hit it hard while cattle are in the area so can run line while cking cattle.Set most off my snares around 7 inches off ground with a chin up stick large loop.Usually large coon are caught and loop is big enough to get yotes.If there are cats in area I will hold of till cat season to run snares.

Here are a couple of my better locations where I set dry land dirtholes. They are near the water and catch those big boars.


Nice spot for a blind set here. The vertical bank and shore force them down to the water or up to the dirtholes:


Another great spot, 2 logs that cross the creek. End will be guarded by 2 dirtholes:


Here is another good spot for a blind set. The depression in the sand is where the coon are jumping onto the dirt off the log. BAM!


A levy that borders a runoff pond and a large harwood flat. The coon really run this high trail:

Would anyone mind telling me how they are successful on dirtholes for coon. I have had at least 2 snapped traps thelast 4 days and their is coon hair on the jaws.

Bones check your pan tension may be a little light and snaps b-4 they have there weight down .Don't cover the trap to deep in bed, try a step down hole set

I don't do anything special really. Block up the hole to narrow down the approach a little, I use a stick about finger width and length as a jaw guard, and just drop the trap in. My pans have about 1lb. or so of tension, pulled down to hair trigger.

I do worry more about bedding than with k9 trapping. Coon have sensitive little fingers and if the trap moves at all, he filters through the dirt til he finds it. Be sure you bed solid and pack inside the jaws too. The only soft spot should be right on the pan.

how far back do you set your trap from the hole? does it matter or do they walk around it enough?

I am not sure, I use 1.5's and basically put the strong jaw at the lip of the hole, so the pan is close to 4 inches away? I do still do a slight offset of the trap from the hole. About 3 fingers width to the right.

Does anybody have any more advice on setting 160s in trails?

What do you mean by strong jaw? Great post, keep it going.

the jaw that the dog is holding down.... not the loose jaw

if your loose jaw is not bedded real solid underneath they may be feeling it tip and digging it out.You could also try a guide right in front of your loose jaw so the step will be on the pan guide them tight in.You could also put in a flat blind set if you know which way they are coming from.They have already figured your set out so they are smart. Move set a few feet reset bait with different lure.Rebait old hole no trap sometimes they will work the old hole and find new whole and walk right in because they expected the trap to snap at the dummy hole.Educated coons can be touchy but you can usually get them that is the part of trapping that makes it fun.

That is some real sound advice ,dbergman 1966 !

If you can keep the trap working, 'coon will run in some pretty foul weather!

Trap was set in waxed dirt as not to freeze down!

was the trap set close to the den tree??

ive found that the grizz dont have to be set right by the den site but can be on the trail their using between the den sites during the coon rut. what ever is easier and more convenient to the trapper.

160 in trail

ok

any pics of an actual set grizz? like in ground and everything?

this is one i set this year had a skunk the next day not a coon

Does anyone use egg traps? Of the dog proof traps whats the best, egg, coon cuff, grizz and why?

I never thought of using a beer can as an attractor. Would Old Milwaukee Light work? I have a lot of those. LOL

Thanks Ajherm. WHen is the breeding season for coon?

I heard there not really good don't know if it's true though

what you guys sake your traps with? any of you stake traps with wood stakes? if so how you attach chains to wooden stake? thanks

Timber and soy beans on one side of the road, corn on the other. Any standing corn late in the year. Little creeks, big creeks, little rivers, big rivers, den trees and barns (old houses) trap them in that order and you will always be on the coon.

I usually hook tree limbs up as drags, but sometimes will stake with rebar.

I use a few egg traps and like how they work, just a pain to preset and have em ready to go. Tom

will one 24 inch rebar on a lil grizz work for coon? they wont pump out?

Yeah, that long of a stake will hold them.

What about 18 inch....

ive held coons with 10 inch stakes, not saying to do that but it can work

this is how i attach my traps to my wood stakes.

drill a hole in the stake and put put the trap in the pin.push the pin through the hole and bend it over

Never thought of attaching them like that, I will have to do that at some of my water sets.

definately big enough in our soil

Thanks for the idea ajherms. Will have to give that a try.

Coon Trapping the Untold Story by Mike Red O'hern, completely changed the way I trap, awesome book. It definitely opened my eyes about how a coon line is set up and maintained.

In the water a wooden stake would be ok, I wouldn't use it on land though...

Watch out if you use rebar stakes with Grizz. Coon go round and round and wear a hole around the stake. Be sure to check after each catch. I have had stakes so loose you could lift it from the hole and have had a few pulled(never on first catch though). I used 18-24 inch X 1/2 rebar but switched all to pogos after one lost trap and coon.

ttt

Yep, an old picture for sure!
This was the year I experimented with using 10 ft. trail snares.
Here's the reason you don't want to use them on a 'coon or a bobcat...

looks like it was a trap with a drag attached and he got caught up in the tree? maybe, not really sure

Yep..and you can spot them for a mile!
So can everyone else, for that matter!

Any of you guys that use 160's in trails, how many traps do you set for each coon taken? I have found that I am not nearly as efficeint with them as apposed to footholds or DP's. I have heard a lot of talk about how great they are but I'm not seeing it. I tried it this year on some properties so I could check them after work. So far I've wasted my time. It takes me about a dozen 160's to produce what one foothold will. Is this normal?

Thanks

Dan

i've got the same problem rooster and there set in beaten trails trails that i could set a foot hold in catch lots more coon whats the deal

You may need to raise the height of the bodygripper an inch or two off the ground. Also, try and set where the trail is tight and they can't go around it and you can blend it in with the weeds.

Is there a speacial way to set the trigger for these sets?

I picked up my first coon of the season, well my 5 year old son would say that it is his coon because I used his trap. I have some photos of the set when I first placed it and than the remake after I took the coon out. This is my first year and this is the first catch of the season. I am starting slow with only the one trap until the pelts prime up, but I just couldn't resitst putting some steal on the ground.

Wide angle of the original set location.


Up close of the set.


Good frount foot catch.


This is the remake after.

Just so you all know in my area I can take animals on my own land before the season opens up on November 15. I wouldn't want any one thinking I jumped the gun and broke the law.

nice

good job, coons are a good place to start, and there is alot of info in this post

Trappers always ask me what I like in a foothold for 'coon trapping, especially on land.

Most guys use either of these ways

I read an artical that said in it, that he would change trigger positions half way through the season. why would it matter? do the coon get used to seeing it one way and start avoiding it? just wondering thanks

probably to get the ones that avoid it one way, thats my guess

-text will follow later- why?

i think he is letting us ponder on the pic before he explains it, not sure but i think you need some swivels in that chain, my thaught, i might be wrong though

look at the wrist of the foot that is caught and it is clearly broken. chain needs swivels!

oh i just seen the chain twisted, didnt see the foot

dont need swivels, you get feet like that in traps with 3 swivels...its a big coon in a good trap. twisted link chain...what else?

i am not looking for topics bout this, im looking answers from YOU, bandit busters, will they hold a big coon, are they good?

never tried them, and i guess after a second look it is twisted chain, my fault

Grovetrappers, you're eyes clearly deceive you on this one!

This 'coon was released unharmed!
While it may appear the wrist is twisted, it actually was NOT injured, neither was the foot damaged in the 1/2 gapped, laminated jaws, (ie: clearly not cut or chewed) with #2 twist link chain and a double swivel attached to a Picket Pin swivel at the stake,( not pictured.) The trap is also 4 coiled. The swivel pictured is only a single and is off the trap frame. clearly something I have updated since that time,(mid 70's).
Take a closer look at the foot....not even swollen. Now take your wrist and se how far you can twist it backwards....see there! If the wrist had been broken, there would be a skin abarasion and fluid build up.
Yet, there is not one hair out of place on the 'coon's foot.
You seem to forget just how stout a 'coon that size is!

As I stated, this 'coon was released unharmed, as it was trapped a week before season.

LT Grey,you the king on that kind of stuff!!

yes i see it now, thnaks for clearing that up

LT,

Is this a typo "1/2 gapped, laminated jaws,"?

That pic is a great endorsement for laminations on coon sized traps.

You got me on that one! i was sure i was right but i understand it now

No Stem cell, it is NOT a typo.

The jaws are (roughly) 1/2" gapped with 1/4" lamination,
4 coiled using #2 coils and a JC Connor kit.
This is a 1.5 Victor coilspring and is a trap that I have taken coyotes, foxes and raccoons for the live market before Ohio shut it down.

When you can foothold trap a 'coon for a live market...well, you had better know what you are doing!

I successfully did it for years, The trap was so powerful the 'coon can not escape it, yet with the 1/2" laminated jaws, keep the foot from numbing...that is/was the secret to live market trapping..NO FOOT DAMAGE!

I also did it with Softcatch traps, but did more foot damage in a 4 coiled Softcatch...go figure!?

what do people do with live market animals? use them for training dogs and such?

Yes. It's big business in some states!

LT, do you mean that they are offset a 1/2"?

don't really think a 1/2" would to much considering that the bone in the foot/ankle are so asthick and if targeting no damage than this would have to help

your not going after there leg bone, paw catches, and joint above paw.

You always want a "pad catch" ....that is the preferred catch, never above the wrist.

i like to put a stick of lure stuck in the top of my pocket sets,in case the water rises.

A wad of lure, merely on a stick which is then, stuck in the roof of a pocket set, has been the downfall for many a 'rat, mink and 'coon on my line!

same here, thats how i lure all my pocket sets

LT,

Thanks for the clarification.

That 1/2" is more gap than the prevailing contemporary theory allows for consistant holding of raccoon. I can see it working consistantly on the larger feet of fox and coyote. It is too late now to play but I will make some up to experiment with next season.


Regards.

What is a good height to have the bottom of a bodygrip off the ground in a blind set?

If the trail is a tunnel thru thick weeds or grass, a 220 or 280 set with the jaws on the ground are okay. If it is a more open trail, I like the bottom jaw of the trap 4 to 6 inches off the ground on level terrain. On inclined trails, I like my trap perpendicular to the trail with the jaws on the ground or an inch off. The coon climbing uphill will have his head low to the ground. I use a good bit of blocking above the trap for the downhill traveling coon that carry their head a little higher. These methods work good on the southern coon I trap. The northern coon that are quite a bit larger, may need some adjustments to height. Hopefully someone else will chime in.

I often get a good many nuisance calls on raccoons during season.
Although 99% will be just cage trapping, they still add up in the long run.

TTT

How far back from the pocket should you set yor trap? Im using # 1 1/2.
Thanks

Just now joining in on this post. And i must say GREAT INFO GUYS! For coons with me anyways its always a dirthole. Never did like climbing in the creek getting all muddy just to chase coons. Cus it seems no matter what the set or where it is a big ole coons shows up. I've always found that in the early part of the season when the corn is still standing thats the best time to hit em hard in the farm lanes. Here the first coon of the season, also the biggest i've ever caught.

This coon was held in a duke #3 set for coyotes. Never fails to find a skunk or coon in the trap the first morning.

he makes that #3 look like a 1.5. nice coon. i agree with you on the dirt hole but this year i've also started using coni's on trails quick and simple.

WOOPS! thanx for reminding me! trail set 220s have been real great to me in the last 4 years. My first season i caught my first coon in a 220 set in a trail. There starting to become pretty second hand on my coon lines.

Back in the fur boom.
Mid November, 1975 /76 season.
Everybody was a trapper back then!

TTT

I know that some people don't think 160's are good enough for coon, but let me share with you today that I not only caught 1 coon, but 2 with the same 160 at the same time. Now granted, they weren't huge, but nonetheless a double.Couldn't believe it!!

thats a great catch tlake22 was it set in a trail??

it was a bucket set

got a pic? you gotta love doubles

I have one on my cell phone, but gotta get a cable to xfer it to my computer.

if you have texting you can send it to your email

You can send it mms to your photobuckets account if that's what your using. All I have is a cell phone and all I use. its faster than computer and it goes everywhere I go. Have a question on the while out on line bam right here. Take a pic and post it in minutes. Phones are pretty usefull now days.

how do you send to photobucket?

Photobucket has a mobile application. the only thing is the pics go to a your mobile photo album and you have to move them to your desktop album. not very hard go to photobucket and look at mobile app. I send mine by mms messaging. I take the pic with phone go to send and type in your photobucket account adress and send. photobucket has all the details on there site for your phone. I use mine all the time its all I got no computer using it to do this. I have a Q2 phone most any phone you can do it with. I believe you can send it email to your album to just check out the site. PM me if still having trouble. That is just a start you have access to google and live maps to if you have internet access on phone.

Check it out.

http://www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1580039.html#Post1580039

thanks guys

Had some good luck this morning. My first double, and/or triple on coons. I had to release one, he was knee-high to a grasshopper. All dry land dirt holes.

How are the skins this early in N.C. ?

Nobody has mentioned crossing log sets so far (logs that span a creek). I set every one I come to with 2 to 3 160s (largest we can use out of water). Camofloge them as best you can and put some lure on the log in between the traps, or not it works either way. I've heard some folks catch a few fox and bobcat in these sets too, but I haven't so far. You can also bed a leg-hold at each end of the log to make a super gang set for multiple species.

Yep, crossing logs are many times a super highway for all furbearers from mink to coyotes. 'Coon are no exception!
Blend as you will, a 'coon will still spot a kill trap on a log. They just don't know enough to realise it's a danger to them.
Snares will work well, as will footholds on each end. I would prefer a slide wire, if using footholds however!

Believe it or not, the skins weren't bad. Theyoung female was a little early, but the 3 of my big boars so far have been nice and prime. Lots of knife work compared to normal.

( A few) 'coon pelts thawed out taking to the buyer, back when 'coons were worth trapping.
Early January-Mid 80's.

Sure beat the tar outa that Nissan....It was new before trapping season started!

thats alot of coon!!

Early in the season, I often set cage traps, as I have about 200 'coon size ones I use for ADC work.
Most 'coons here are not prime opening day. The larger ones will be but the smaller ones will need about another 2 weeks.
Easy to be selective with a cage trap.

weather fronts mean dead coon and we had one last night

Wow thats a good night. Up here in downeast maine i dont got coons heavy at all so i dont trap many plus they usually they arent worth much. But i do got Bobcat heavy...

I'd take 'cat heavy or 'coon heavy anyday of the week!

I would rather have the cats

When you catch some, post some pics on "Cat sets and locations", if you can...

Well, a fish type baits would be more natural along a water's edge. I don't believe most raccoons eat a lot of fish, not like a mink or otter, because they're not as good at catching them.
Still fish odor is very attractive to raccoons and is probably, one of the top baits (ground fish) sold in one form or another.

Sweet type or fruit baits are also very natural and attractive to raccoons. I honestly don't know why it wouldn't work in a pocket set, lets say, at the water's edge. Not many people use that type of bait and/or lure on a water trapline, but I can't see why it wouldn't work.
I make about a dozen 'sweet lures' for nuisance trappers targeting raccoons. ( loganberry, cherry, persimmon, butter pecan, just to name a few.)
All work equally well,(although I do have a personal favorite) and would no doubt attract 'coon in any setting.
I use them in cage traps for ADC work.
I don't think a raccoon could stop and wonder why a fish odor would be coming out of a cage trap, 10 miles from the nearest stream either.
When raccoons are feedong heavily in the fall and early winter, most anything that resembles food, will be effective to some degree.

I am just starting to trap. Lots of good info. Thanks everyone!

I've got a few pics to share. I'm by no means a big #'s guy, but I manage to get a few a year.
Interesting catch...


Location, bins to old barn trail,


Trail leading to water


No need to re-dig this pocket set thanks to the drowner.


I was shown the "lure on a stick" by my friend, and it works!

What is this "lure on a stick" set?

( Just noticed he is only 14 )

Anybody wanna guess how many coon were taken on that trail from bins to barn?

6 idk

14

Neither, a total of 1 coon caught in a grizz set for 7 days. We did get hit hard by distemper though.

When setting a pocket set for coons,what is your trap placement?
Up close in the pocket or farther out along the bank line?

i try for back leg catches so i put them out a bit but not to far

We got hit by distemper too! found 4 dead coons rotten in the cricks. all small ones tho. My coon catch has been mostly big coons around 20-25 lbs

Anyone ever tried using pheasant gutts as coon bait? My buddy shot a few this afternoon and just gave me a call offering the gutts for bait. Will it work?

Dakota

use em for the kitties, iv caught coon with em too

No cat season around here but if it'll work for coons then I think I'll try it. Thanks!

Dakota

It would work for K9s not sure about coons but try it.....

Pheasant will work for mink, 'coon, fox and coyote...no doubt 'cats!

Hey LT Grey. I met you at the NTA and you gave me a coon snare on a kill pole. Just wanted you to know it is bein put to good use. Thankya much. I am gettin into this learnin how to trap. I love it.

First year trapping alone.










I hope you enjoy the pictures I got out of 21 coon better then last years number.

Coyote boy, good job on the 'coons!


Bearcrazy, yes, I recognise the snare set-up!

Did you neck snare that 'coon?

One thing I noticed, is that you have so much verical entangement there that the kill pole never got to do it's job properly....BUT, good job on the 'coon! Nice catch!

I set up right almost inside the hole that way theres no way around the trap to get to the bait. I do this mostly because i am targeting mink. But i just proved it works well for coon to this morning

Coyote boy those are some mighty nice looking coon.I love the colors and to top it off they all have good size.

Yes I thought about that with all the briars but it was a good trail that was just to the left of the kill pole. I set the stake next to the briars to help camo it. The coon was body snared. I like that 5/64 1x19 cable. Seems quick and smooth with the Gregerson.

Hey ToddH you have me watering at the mouth now. I'm hoping to get some more pictures of other critters like muskrat or mink and a beaver.

Thanks for the help.

ToddH, did you weigh the two in the last pic? They're pigs!

Todd...nice picture of a trail and 'coons.
You guys really have a nice 'coon there in Wisconsin!

What part of the state are you from?

Cold weather yet?

If you didn't know better, you wouldn't even see the neck snared 'coon in the picture!


Trail was under water, due to heavy rain....didn't seem to bother the 'coons any.

A friend of mine told me to remember the three "c's" when scouting for coons,
Corn+Creek=Coons

No, it's also COTTONWOODS!

Bait for Griz Traps;1 box strawberry jello,3 - 1x3x6 cheap sponges.1/4 oz loganberry extract,1 cup boiling water.Combine the water, jello, and the extract in an old 2 quart bowl. ( Don't use one of the wifes good bowls,the loganberry extract might not come out when you wash it )With a pair of scissors cut the sponges into 1 inch squares.Mix the jello well and as soon as the mixture starts to cool add the sponges.Keep sloshing the sponges around until they soak up as much as they will take.Store the sponges in a quart jar so they don't dry out.I put 1 of the sponges under the trigger and a large marshmellow in the top of the griz trap.Coons love them and the mice don't keep cleaning out your bait.Gets you about 50 baits and only costs a couple bucks.Who is next with an idea?

It's just a generalization of course. I like to think of timber+water+food source='coons.

Anybody go by the "telephone pole theory" for 'coon trails?

i use the telephone pole theory. by nearly every pole or big post in the fence row theres a trail

Spur....you're makin' me hungrey!

Way to go!

What coon? LOL, i didn't see him til after i read it

Are them cats hard to let out of griz's?

Ha!

It seems like 'coon aren't really affected if a trail is under 2" or 2' of water, Stateline Runner and I did some beaver trapping a while ago and caught 2 coon in 330's on a 2' deep beaver channel leading to some saplings, strange...

In VA, we can only use 160 size bodygrips on land in box, is this as effective as 220 for coon or don't try it?

160 are all we use for coon in buckets and on trails.

Thanks CoonBuster, do you use them because of the law or because they work that good. I don't mind using just legholds but that coni boxset looks to good not to want to try.

LOL

Here is my latest version of a 'coon snare.
Years ago, I used to snare 80-90% of all my 'coon.
I do not snare many 'coon these days, with a low 'coom market already, due to mark downs. I do snare some though that will not 'play my game'....and this is what I'm using to successful head snare 'coons. This is not a 100% mind you but it does work quite often in the right situation.

1x19-5/64th, Slim lock w/ a Sullivan B.A.D., loaded, double swagged, MB crunchproof swivel plus a tie off.(This short one pictured is for fence snaring.)

Here ya go LT.

Love that, Flatset, just made my day!

Great pic, Flatset! My boys and I had a small coon this past weekend with both front feet in a Grizz!

Here is one of my favorite sets now. Pound a lil grizz in on a trail with a big marshmellow pushed on the trigger and about 9-10 small marshmellows on top. This set here produced 5 nice big coon, all weighing in at 28-30 lbs. All males and total brutes.

Wish i could catch a couple hundred coon like this one. Check out the color on him. Sure wish the market was stronger.

Thats a nice coon.

Flatset, nice looking coon. They don't get any better! Thanks for sharing.

Had a Trapmaster the other day set off and empty still standing in the same place I had set it. Couldn't believe it.

Those lil grizz sure make it easy, thats for sure. This is how I usually catch most of my coon. In my coyote sets. Although this year they weren't really coyote sets but coon, skunk, possum sets in disguise....LOL

Scratch my belly!!!

Nice coons

Indeed...just wish the market would turn.

ya

Last meal lol.........


nice big coon

last years season. in this pic i believe is 50 coon caught within the first 4 days of season. i averaged 7.60 for the lot, just green

Wow thats a fair price

Nice...fur buyers weren't even touching coon in Texas last year and with the few fur buyers we have (less than 6 now and scattered all over the state) you won't get anything to travel to them since the cost of gas will beat out the price you receive for the fur.

There's a sad statement there!

Love seeing the coon-destroyed-rat-house


Shined up grizz getr


Coon like old barns and buildings


Trails leading to a WATER SOURCE

I have found that by throwing down a handfull of turkey or down feathers around a little grizz,a lot more coon are taken per trap. I have also been getting in deep on blind sets, grass clippings and drags.

Yes, feathers are very attractive to raccoons!

....and cotton tuffs for those that don't!

nice coons guys

I don't know if this has been brought up yet, but I have found that if I put a cotton ball with some coyote gland lure on it in an old sardine can with a little fish oil, I seem to pick up mostly the bigger, older, boar coons. I dont use much, just a large drop, but looking over my notes, it make a huge difference on sex and size of coons in my cages.

Raccoons are attracted to coyote and red fox gland lures!

December 17th and boars are already starting to 'rut'.
Notice the neck on the'coon I just picked off the tailgate...fur buyers start gripping when I bring in these 'coons.

I run 4 dz of 160 square buckets in the hills of the Ozarks away from water. Just ponds and little creeks that dry up all the time. I do good on coons this way and have pick up some bobcats along the way. I bought a few of the Bandit Busters to try out. Has any body used them yet. And last yr i bought a dz of Bridger 1.5 coil coilsprings with night latch. I can 4 them do i need to if i pick up a coyote. Plus i added a extra swivel to each trap. Would they make a good coon trap.

LT, I don't notice anything different about that coons neck. What is different about it?

He's all thickened up. Been chasing the ladies. He's definitely "...pert as a ruttin' buck, Josey."

Cody13, better look real close....yes, I know it's a small pic.
Look at the stripe just behind the ears!
That dark small stripe is a rub where the fur is chewed short.

Caught my first rubbed coon back in late Nov. He did way 23 lbs. I believe. Have caught a few more since then.

If I see many more, I'm pullin' my 'coon traps!

Here's a double in a 220 box cubby I caught just this weekend

http://s1023.photobucket.com/albums/af358/cooter18_2009/?action=view&current=IMG_0181.jpg

http://s1023.photobucket.com/albums/af358/cooter18_2009/?action=view&current=IMG_0187.jpg

If that rubbed coon was put up and shipped for auction would they be able to tell it is rubbed?

That rub shows up on the leather as a black mark.
The graders would definetly catch that.
Greg

Greg, Thanks. Do both sexes rub like that or mainly the boars?

Boars...it's from biting!

Notice where the lock is on this 'coon! Right behind the ears.
You don't get docked on big prime boars that are head snared!

With the foul weather we have been having up here in the North as of late and the colder temps, where should one be looking for the coon to be moving at?

GREAT thread!
I am looking for the best bait/lure to use when its COLD and Snow is covering everything. Temps are in the teens and single digits, and windchill is sub zero with no sign of letting up for at least a week. I need some fur! Can anyone help me out on my situation?
I have had corn out for deer so the coons know there is food, but I really dont want a deer running off with one of my traps. Should I just place the traps under logs or in an area that deer cant get and just blind set, or is there a bait that will pull their attention from the corn?

jdamet, do you have any Lil' Grizz? Also, foothold traps can't hold deer, they'll pull their smooth hoof right out.

No, I cant afford the good traps LOL. I only have a handful of 1.5's and 2's, footholds. I have held off of trapping this area because of deer season, but antlered just ended and most of the deer have gone nocturnal. Now, if I can get in there and get to trapping some coons, the noise from them might just make the deer come in during the day, when the coons are not around. Its a win win situation if I can pull it off.
Any bait suggestions, or should I just use the corn?

The real trick in winter 'coon trapping is simply...FIND THE 'COON....they will often change their traveling and eating habits as winter sets in...

I still have them coming to the feeders. Free food all winter long will keep them coming.
I made 3 sets around my feeder so we will see what happens in the morning. If it works, I will put 4 more around it.
I used corn and molasses as bait.

What type of trap, then?

I used my Montgomery #2's and a Victor 1.5. I set them under deadfalls and put branches on the sides so deer couldnt get to them.
I am not sure if the small amount of corn will get them away from the feeder, but I wont know until I try!

Beware of squirrels.... You may wanna consider something that wont call in the squirrels. FISH???

I have pretty much thinned them out. I still have 1 that comes around, but he is REAL skittish at anything that is out of place. I guess 3 arrows going right over your head will do that to a squirrel.

Well, I didnt get anything in the traps by the feeder. I did get cleaned out though! Whatever it was, it came through the back of my set, completely destroyed the cubby.
Got them reset and made the cubby's a lot better and stronger so we will see what happens in the morning.
I did however get a rabbit in a #3 montgomery. That wasnt pretty!

set both ends of the cubby?

I just put some bigger branches in the way and piled snow up a little higher on the food end. If they clean them out again I will set both ends.

Many cubbie 220-160 boxes, have a trap set on each end!

Sure a lot of pepole looking at this post

I always do have the hot ones!

Here is a coon I caught.I caught it in a blind set where the coons where coming off a sand bar entering the water tight against the bank.I wired it to the olg with some #11 wire.

There's where one can appreciate a good swiveled trap!

My traps have a 3 swiveling points.

If I set in a place like that I will use the wire and a 1 1/4" fence staple. Never know when a big boar/Otter/etc will hit the trap.

I use the staples at times,I just didnt have any with me then.

I got this one in a pocket set at the waters edge.Just put some sardines in the pocket,slicked up the sides,and threw feathers on the bank.I wired this one to a truck wheel with #11 wire.

Those plastic coffee jugs make great bait containers!

I cut little holes in the sides and wire through them and make nice little handles. They hang very nicely off an S-hook on my equip. bucket.

can freezer burnt shrimp be ground and used as a homedae coon bait base?

Was thinking ground shrimp, bacon grease, PB, Anise, Vanilla, And whatever else they might eat... all in 1.

Kind of along those lines, I just got asked to knock some coons out at a dairy barn where they are eating the corn right out of the cows' feed trough. But, they have tons of cats running around, and were wondering if I could limit my cat catch.

Anybody got any bait recipes that will keep cats out? I usually use peanut butter and vanilla extract all smooshed together.

I use fruit type paste baits.
Since I make my own, it is easy to custom make one, but not everyone has that luxury...
Bananna, Loganberry, Blueberry, Fig, Persimmion, Butter Pecan are all top producers. I do ADC work, mostly with cage traps...so I know it is a effective wayto catch raccoons in and around buildings!

i use marshmellows around high cat areas.

What size trap (steel trap & conibear) do you guys use?

1.5 coils,#11 longs and #2 longs.The #2 longs have to much room though. IMO

laurel mtman, i'm not LT, but I'll throw in my advice anyway. Last year I made a blackberry lure, I had about a 3 oz container so I took a nice sized buttter dish full of blackberries and mashed them up and poured it into the container. I filled the rest with dog food hoping it would give it a better consistancy, but the dog food just broke down, but anyways the blackberries started to ferment and now they give off a nice strong wine smell, and the coons seem to like it.

You gettin' those 'coons drunk, are ya', LMC?

Laurel Mtman, send me a PM or call me toll free @ : 1-800-608-0251

That's the secret!

PM received.

Bite and chew marks on the top side of the neck...


Looks like someone took hair clippers to it!

2 weeks of season left here....'coons are runnin' again. Still some good 'coons out there....most will be rubbed though.
With cage traps,(and I have hundreds) you can still "selectively harvest" raccoons!

[quote=beachcomber13]Don't expect to catch coon when the weather looks like this



that kinda of weather is when i get the most

Really.......quess no one told me that!

Last couple days I have been out looking for tracks have yet to find any coon sign. Saw some fox and yote tracks, but no coon sign. ten years ago after I retired from the Army, I got back into trapping to help the game birds and turkeys have better sucess nesting. In the early years, we caught lots of coon and possum, no so any more. May be my trapline is starting to have an effect on the coon population.

like most have said it pays to use all tools available to you when targeting coon. here is one modification i feel would help all dp's on the market. during freezing weather we all know it is not good if the trap is froze down after the catch. as far as bait i make my own. roughly 2 gallons of dry dog food ground to a course powder, 1 can jack mack, 1 cup bacon grease and enough used cooking oil mixed in that once all ingredients are blended together it makes a semi dry paste. i have not had a problem with it freezing down to 20 degrees. it may below that but around here the coon pretty well hole up when the temps drop.

not sure if it helps but i dip my traps in some left over white paint. i thinned it down with water. in the pics below the trap needs to be redipped. it had caught 7-8 coon at that point.


notice on the second pic, on the ground is some "crumbs" that fell from rebaiting. if for some reason i don't spill any (doubtful) i will purposely dribble a little around the set.

Who makes that trap?

That's ack's version he makes himself. Where you been LT?

There's a step by step pictorial in the archives ack put in there last year and on the OSTA website. I stole his idea and made up a dozen this year after talking to him briefly at the NTA convention. They work well and can be made for about $4-$5 bucks a piece or less. I'll probably make up a couple dozen more over the summer.

This is ack's post below. The most frustrating part of making them was getting the bend in the dog properly and finding where and how to clamp everything as you are building them. It took me several before I picked up on everything. I did do a few things different with mine as the springs I used had shorter tines on them. They still work excellent and are stronger than any DP trap on the market.

http://www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthrea...tml#Post1033242

I'd like to contribute to this thread and will post some of my methods this week when I have more time. I normally trap raccoons for only a 2 or 3 (at most) week period before I have to start catching muskrats in numbers. I'm also not a big numbers raccoon guy like some but for my area and location, I put up more than most based on a per day average. I usually end my 2 or 3 weeks with a 10 raccoon a day average. Some days more some days less but 10 a day is what I seem to end up with on average. Thsi is running around 40 sets the first day and adding and pulling after the 2nd or 3rd day. I end up running around 50-55 sets but I work full time, take college classes a couple of days a week, and have a family to work in also. This is about all I can handle with skinning and putting up fur. So actually around a 10 coon average is pretty good for the number of traps in my area of Ohio. It's actually a break for me to quit trapping raccoons and run 75-100 muskrat sets. Here's a few pics and I'll chime in later on how I operate...

Nice coons

thanks pocketjax. yes Lt its my design.

I'm guessing after fur season!

you should have seen the sucker i caught a while back, it weighed 25 lbs. i am sure there are bigger ones out there but i thaught this thing was huge, whats the biggest coon you guys ever caught?

i caught my biggest round 15 pounds i would say.

Probably big for a La. 'coon?

May want to check to see if the 'coons are still there, as they move over the course of a season to different food sourses ...that and it's breeding season!

yes.

I just beat my head against the wall....

man i think you could give all a tip with this i know there tame but what do those coons just beg for like a treat

a) Banannas !

Has to be my favorite!


Feb 1st.....it's over boys!

Yup, start planning for next year!

Yes and thanks to all who posted on here...I hope many gained some info that will help them on the line next year!

i cant believe its over already, all those early mornings and late nights all come to a hault today, the cold weather will be over soon and we will start preparing for another season of trapping

No, just over in Ohio.

Most 'coon pelts, this late, will be rubbed here in Ohio.
In Pa., it may be different, in the mountains.

No, like LT said, most of the coon are going to be rubbed this time of year, so I hung up the traps for next year.

I don't know where you got the coons won't eat chickens, I had one this summer gettin in the chicken coops and getting a chicken every night then I nailed his butt with a 12 ga. one night with a chicken in his mouth!

Yes, 'coons have been raiding chicken houses, since there were chickens in them!

What is it that 'coons are turning their noses up at?

What am I missing?

Chicken

For me in Texas deer feeders are like family reunions for coons. Set at least 4 traps and up to eight traps at each deer feeder. You can use your favorite trap; mine is the 1-1/2 coil spring. I make my own bait for coons. It's a fish based bait with a lot of fish oil and a little bit of shelfish oil mixed in. I've caught up to 6 coons at one location.





One night's catch at the deer feeders.

wow rickey the colour on those coons is real nice

Ricky don't lose that number...
You don't want to call nobody else...

I'm like most guys, I throw the gauntlet at 'em!

Footholds in water...







Footholds on land...







Snares...although I'm no longer snaring coons...





...I prefer them in these instead.

Very cool

I hope its not too late to post this, but i usually land trap, but when i go for a few coon this is what i look for.

Den tree or any tree that shows good sign.


Here are the two sets i made at the base of the tree.
Pocket set with a fish carcass tucked into the roots

Like the PVC set but i use rebar and can cat food. I use the rebar stake to stake the trap right in the crick.

Here are the results of the two sets on the next mornings check.
Barely caught this one. I dont like to see this but it happens to anyone if they trap long enough.

Here is one at the stake set


These were considere nuiscance coon for the land owner as they ended up getting most of his sweet corn over the summer. I usually run trail sets with 220 right out of the truck if i am trying to put up some type of number.

Very nice well furred 'coon

thanks to everyone who contributed to this post. It has been a great help to me as im sure to everyone else. First thing is first for me. You have to have to property to catch numbers. In my area the best producers are wooded creeks/streams/rivers/etc..., bedding areas adjacent to corn fields, and marshes/sloughs. This is the order in which I like to gain permission for. Next thing is being organized. Have your traps prepped and ready to go with a game plan. Backtracking can put you at a loss of much time. Like many others i like to use a variety of sets. mainly pockets, snares, and grizzes. The quicker the better... This is just a quick overview of what i do and it results in coons, coons, and more coons:)







sometimes you get a surprise...









just a look at my backyard

Holy crap!

now thats a bunch of coons!

Hey kid, you keep feedin' those 'coons until next November...

(PM me your address. I own over 400 cage traps.)

LT, as long as we get to split it up 50/50 haha

and wow, where do you find room for 400 cage traps? lol

Lucky,

I run an ADC biz. A lot of them are in someone's yard!
If I set about 20 in your yard, I'd have quite a nights catch!

Someone throw some prices they got for 'coons this past season! 0'9-'10

Here it is lt grey

FHA jan results for winter mn coon these were also from last season
xxxl-xxl
2 GD slt ABC.........17 each
1 xl I-II ABC........13

Total 47 on 3 coon 15.67 av

Got a 13 something average from groeny for put up coon. Quite a few were docked due to snare marks. Otherwise it would have probably been somewhere above 14$ avg.

$14 average too.

'Coons went up then.....

$17.00 Average here. My shortest was 34" biggest was 37".

Very good post. I will be targeting raccoon more next year.

Never thought of raccoons being in Nevada...is that not semi-desert country?

Me too... I'm looking at some 160's and 220's in buckets to put out in creek drainages along my K9 line next year. More bucket photos, ideas, and tips please...

Those kill trap will work better for you when fitted with a pan instead of the traditional wire set-up!

Dad-gun, I wish we could get some of yalls fur buyers to come down to Texas for an auction or at least a pick-up. There isn't a single fur buyer in Texas that will buy any coons not to mention beaver, otter, mink, fox, muskrat, sambos or skunk...oops, wait, one will buy only hognose skunks.

Fantastic post and replies from everyone and it sure brings back fond memories when I used to hit it hard.

One batch of 143 that I sold brought a $12.47 average! Not bad for Louisiana coon!

No, that is exceptional!

Out of season, bluetick?

No season in Utah for coon, we can kill em all year long. It has really put a dent in them, I ran traps from october 15th until Feb. 27th and only caught one coon. Most of my sets were 4 fox but usually I will gather up a coon or two from the sets. Early in the season before it got cold I ran 20 or so bucket sets and only saw one set of tracks. Between trapping, hounds and disease they are pretty thin around here.....

http://www.thehuntzone.com/images/profiles/octynesii/0684557001267407101.jpg
a few that I caught this year that werent a muddy mess

Heres some coons that we caught this year.


[img]http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss336/Whitetailman/ImportedPhotos021[IMG]http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss336/Whitetailman/ImportedPhotos02184.jpg[/img]83.jpg[/IMG]








End of 08 season

End of 09 season

A lot of great 'coon information on here, thanks, guys!

I hpoe this topic is up here for a ;ong while, it will help me so much, thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post!

Last year i found an old muskrat hut with a small creek running by it, i just piled fresh mud up on the hut with the trap secured in the water with no bait and i got six coon from that set. simple yet effective. Trying to find the pics of set now

..sounds like a "Crude but Effective" set to me!

I have only used trail sets nd dirthole sets for coon on land a goo 50 yards from the water. I found this is where the bigger coon where that i trapped.

LT-tried some Cravens coon and mink bait this last year up north was trappin for mink mostly pocket set did not catch any mink but out of 7 sets 6 coon the first nite 5 the next couldnt keep the coons out lo

LT-tried some Cravens coon and mink bait this last year up north was trappin for mink mostly pocket set did not catch any mink but out of 7 sets 6 coon the first nite 5 the next couldnt keep the coons out lo

Yeah, hard to catch a mink with a 'coon stuck in the trap!

Nuisance raccoons from todays job! (Above)

I never weighted it.
I seldom weigh spring/summer raccoons!

The last great act of defiance

Yep, I love that picture. I need that one on a T-shirt!

Would these be good pocket sets for coon?


Are any of these good dirt hole set ups?

Foxtrapper13 it all depends if there are coons around.. they look like allright situations

(If there are coons around) the second pic i would make a cubby set for coons

Down size your pic's!

Don't know how to and thats a little off subject don't you think?

i have taken coon on points like the last to pics.but both of them spots look like great k9 spots.pic 1 i would look for sign to see what side the coons are traveling on.pic 2 is a good spot for a cubby if coons are walkin that area

Ok thank you thats very helpful. Just put a live trap out and baited it for coon using a Marshmellow, Molasses, and almond extract. Hope it works. Also a trapping friend mentioned that animals tend to, when in fields, run for the closest cover.

Foxtrapper, Lil Grizz those set locations and juice it up with trails of fish oil !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If there are any 'coon around, it's a SURE BET!

The first 3 pictures look like DECENT locations. Not real good though. The last 2 pictures look like K9 locations not really coon tho. No reason for the coon to walk along that field. If it was a corn field then sure but that just looks like a hay field. Might get a wondering coon though.

Last pic is where I found this:


Dirt everywere from digging, you can slightly see the hole

Worn path(made by something) leading to the hole

I am very convinced that its a yote den because about a hundred feet away there was some tannish looking fur. and you can see some tracks to.

Are these good coon locations?



Tracks found around the area.

Three objects are in the track to show 3 toe lines.
Not sure whats this is.

Doesn't look like any den trees in those pictures. If there are den trees close by, they would be a good location.

pic 1 is always a spot to look at for coon.if i see a drainage like that i look for sign at the least.if its on your rout cant hurt to look or try it

Great thread! Thank you to all who have shared their knowledge on here!

Luke

Don't always look up, around here a lot of the coon den in the ground. Tom

X2

except normally them ground coon are badly colored

...but worth $50. on an ADC complaint!

What size PVC pipes do you guysd use?

good point LT




how about 1/16th cable for snaring coons, how bad do they tear that up?

hey possum skinner; how are you getting away with the 220's set on land like that?? i'm new at this , and from VA. also.
your an awsome trapper. what am i missing?

never mind there o'mighty skinner; i'm so glad i checked out this post! you can use 220's with no bait; "blind sets"

how does the pvc pipe set work?

I am not a great coon trapper this is only my third year of trapping but i have learned alot... What do you guys do with the meat.. i create a big pile out in my woods and catch some coyotes on trails to it, but is there people who buy the meat? if so where? I have heard about selling skulls of coons and an old friend should me how to get a coon head into a white coon skull in a matter of days. so im going to try that... I just dont have alot of money and any thing i can use to get some extra cash while im having fun walking through the woods trapping i would be willing to try....

....in a matter of days ???

Please, I'm all ears!

X2

Maybe bettles { Bugs } LT/Ray ???

I think beatles would make short work but the bleaching process. I think even the beatles would take a week or more. Maybe someone has some and can tell us exactly how long it takes.

did you catch thatout of seson?

Must have boiled it first.......

you can boil the skulls after they are skinned and the flesh can be scraped off. If you take alittle time this can be done in a couple hours and then you let it sit in pnemonia or peroxide and then rinse and then bleach.... it just takes a few days.. a week if your lazy.

I believe a good colony of beetles can clean a skull in 24-48hrs. You should clean as much as you can first, remove the eyes and spoon as much brain out as you can as well as the tongue. I would not boil as it can push the fat in the pores of the skull and make getting that ultra white color hard.

I have read if it takes more than a few days for the beetles to clean the skull your colony is probably too small for the meal your giving them.. Skulls sell for more than the fur on e-bay!

What in the world ? :0

MitchSkin, Here you go..posted early in this thread

hh what happened

Maxed out?

It's not maxed out, some guys just can't veiw it anymore.

Take to the top, some looking for this....Tom

Here is a 23 pounder taken in a 160 set in a trail...



Another cat set filled with a coon...

tmrchessie are you sure about that last pic? looks like a dog proof lol,

unless your referring to the 160 set as a cat set

You are correct...must have clicked on the wrong picture will get it corrected...Thanks.

Hey Chessie, did you used to live on the east coast, or am I thinking of someone else ?

I was stationed on the eaast coast a couple times, you must be thinking of someone else LT....if not pm me with details. Tom

no those coon where caught in season we just had not had any killing frosts yet thats why the grass is so green looking

Coonwild, what did you average on your Canadian 'coons last year?

just shy of 17 bucks lt

Still good money, even Canadian!

hi there I average about 1200 coon in 30 days no conibears or snares . leg hold traps only. and no pockets . 2 sets per bridge with 2 different baits I make .

1200 'coon in 30 days.

Even in Iowa, that's a pretty good feat, especially with only footholds and only 2 sets per bridge.

Lets see some pic's of that......


I'm pretty good with math!

That's a 40 average a day EVERY DAY!

OK I'll bite, how do you do it?

What part of Iowa?

Thats alot of coon.

I just want to know what kind of bait your using?

...it's called a "sucker!"

LOL I have plenty of them around me.

Ive got a question about location, were do you guys set to bring in so much coon? do you set a long creek all the way down it if there sign or just bridges and culverts? or something else? thanks!

I set a lot of culvert and bidges for coon, and pick up mink and rats that way to.

thats a lot of coons

A lot of something!

Watch his video

ttt

What happens if they can touch each other? Do they tear each other up, or does it give them more power to bust out of the trap?

One coon could mess up both sets if they are too close together.

Can't help but set this!!



Anyone else make their own DP's?





Sure are ugly but effective!

YOU MAKING THOSE, USAF ?

Great Job on the homemade trap...

Yes, my dad and i do. I'm the brains he's the brawn. Our version of the griz.

My bud makes em for me

Nice where do you get the springs? I have made some similar useing hay rake tines

It's just 2, 1.5 music wire springs.

Nice Lt love seeing coons in cages,

Yeah, beats a fox with mange anyday!






ADC is what I do!

LT is that a very mangy fox or a Chupicaba lol!

Really!!!

Wow if I walked up on that in a set my heart would just sink

This is how I transfer raccoons on an ADC job.

Will 1/4 inch quick snaps be large enough to clip a trap to a drowner for coon? Or should I get heavy duty?

I would go heavy duty for longer life unless you are on a budget... someone with more experience on them should give you insight. My question is wether or not fence staples( 1" long requires a hammer to drive into wood) would work for the upper end of a drowner? An example would be to use them at a log crossing set.

I meant to clip the trap to the drowning lock to speed things up for me.

I know, the smaller ones would probably be fine, but I would rather have too much than to little holding power, my question was not related to yours, sorry for the confusion

Almost 42,000 views, great post LT

Lots of 'coon trappers on here, I guess.

Kind of wondering how the market will hold up and how all the DP traps will fair...

Thanks everyone who posted, I learned a lot.

I cannot see the 15th page, is this a problem for anyone else?

Yeah. This thread has been messed up since the last glitch.

this will be my first season trapping, and ill be going after coons, among other things, and just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the great info. haha.

i do have one question, however, that i cant seem to find anywhere.... when using coilsprings, what do all you guys/gals set your pan tension to, for coons?

I loosen the nut up all the way so there isn't any. In case a mink visits my set

Or if you are trapping fox and dry land coon you can cut a chunk of 2x4 and weigh it, for fox and dryland coon you want about 1.5 lbs of pan tension

i am going to be trapping for fox as well, so maybe ill probebly try 1.5 lbs. maybe less on some as well.

Thanks guys!

Now ona waterline I prefer to have no tension for the chance of a mink like already said

A broken finger I believe.

Who still has 'coon pelts at the auction houses, anyone?

Sure would be nice if I could read the NEW replys !!!!

I still got at Furharvesters... Anyone else ??

Just got done going through this entire thread and all I can say is WOW and Thank you!! I learned a lot and realize that I still have more to learn once I can get out there. I'm going on my 2nd season trapping and still looking for my first coon. Didn't get out too much last year with all the snow we had and also didn't have a lot of property to trap, hoping to change that this year. Although I can only use cages and snares, I still learned a lot about lures/bait/locations which is all great stuff. Really hope to be able to contribute to this post come the season.

still have some at NAFA

how long does it usually take for a seasons catch to clear out of an auction house?

I've had pelts in for as long as 3 years...usually the first two auctions though.

Control job at a poultry farm.

Grizz or Duke DP? Tom

Grizz by the stake! Correct me if I'm wrong LT.

Yep, Lil' Grizz !

We can start here in Pa. this weekend. Hows the fur lookin for all you guys that have started already?

Still hav e coon at NAFA since 2009

tlake, yep, I've heard guys say that...which makes me believe 'coon are going to start out low this year.

I HOPE I'm wrong...

I hope you are too LT!

Was told by buyer the day before our dryland coon opener to expect early carcass coon to top at $8-$10...mostly size dependent.

The big boys look pretty nice...but they all have a little ways to go in general IMO. But got a few that don't look half bad

The big boars have some finish but are still off a little bit. The sows and young need some time yet to fur out. They pretty much look like they always look at this time in my part of Wisconsin.

still a ways off here to on coons stop at a fresh road kill today (we cant pick up) and cut a strip off his back still blue and stoped at a fox on wed. (cant trapum in NC but im curious) it would have been purple if it dryed buts its cooling off here in a hurry few more cool nights and well be fine

checking roadkills regularly here some of the sows are still thin and see through once fleshed but the boars are real close. no i'm not saving them yet can't till nov 17 but just getting into the fleshing thing i been selling in the grease for all these years but with there being no money in "in the grease" hides these days... had to get a warm up on the beam then they get exchanged for yote bait

.

Todays catch of ADC 'coons caught on London's 'Very Berry Cherry!'

I have a question guys, in my state i cannot use a conibear with a jaw spread greater than 6" without a beaver/otter permit. It must also be set below the water line or the high water line in tidal water. Here is the question while trapping muskrats along a vast tidal area i have seen more coon tracks in the mud at low tide than i ever have anywhere else. They are running the bottom edges and climbing up the steep banks. If i put some 160's on the banks below the waterline to be legal should i catch coon in them? Not sure about the size. thanks for any help guys

...but, you CAN snare in Jersey !

I'm no big shot trapper but any info is good info when used properly right?
I didn't take the time to look through all 16 pages of this thread lol but wanted to add my two cents...
First off, I can't use any game fish (or any part there of) as bait here, so always make sure to check your regs!
Second, rather than commercial baits/lures I buy sardines, tuna, oysters, and clams IN OIL. I also recently came across Clam Juice in my local grocery store. I drain the oils into a spray bottle then put the meat into an empty baby food jar. Gives me several different "flavors" to put into my different sets and between a couple of cans and the Clam Juice my spray bottle is full and all set for sprayin some trails.

BTW LT, Thanks for starting such an informative thread! This is part of why I love this site!

I make a clam lure as does Katz bros.

They work really well on the ringtails.

Does laying down a trailing scent help to get coons to your sets?

Yes, absolutely it does !
I use trout oil that I make during summer months.
It will really 'suck in' a 'coon regardless of what type of trap or snare you're using!

i am by no means a large numbers guy but a fair share pretty quick this year, what i learned was that if youre anywhere near a major food source, mainly corn fields put out alot of sets and most of the time a farmer will let you trap coon right on the field. Also i found corn in my dps led to less clean out, dont know why but it worked amazing for me! Everyone says fish is good bait, and it is but a smoke smell with it is even better. Also a simple lure that i thought performed as well as anyone i bought was molasses, honey, bergamot, and persimmon, it had a strong piercing odor. I also used a butter pecan food flavoring for a trailing set and i honestly believe i had a coon at every set i used this at. I found, corn, smoke and sweet piercing odors really helped me out this year. ALSO DONT OVER LOOK BLIND SETS!

Alright thanks.Ive never used trailing scents so I will have to try it.

Straight trout oil is my #1 'coon trailing scent.

For SDTrapper13

Trailing scents lead these big guys to buckets yesterday.

I agree with LT and the others, trailing scent for me is a must!! Trout oil, fish oil, and used peanut oil work for me.






This year I used fish food pellets and a squirt of trout oil in my dp's and caught about 75% of the cooons by both feet.

Im a serious longliner and target mainly coon this is the first time ive seen this post and it took about 2 hours to go through and i learned alot of new things to try out on my arsenal next year thanks alot everyone who posted. And like said before dont limit your self to one style trapor set there is a time and place for many differnt traps sets i run dp legholds connibears and cages. use alot of conni bucket sets or blind connibear sets i take quite afew of my coon in connibears. Gang setasmuch as possible and get some dps you shouldnt be dissapointed.

Wow great post! Lot of reading though! Thanks guys!

Posted this on the trapper talk page but wanted to post here as well. Thanks to Forrest,LT and all the guys who helped me with my bait making this year. Been having a blast !

Great thread read all 30 pages great info!Didnt see one of my favorite oold school tricks,cover your trap pan with slightly crinkled piece of foil and set in shallow water,I usually use this when moon is bright where creek crosses a pipeline,works best in rippled water.Also catch coon and cat on a walk thru with only fox pee sprayed on guide stick or bushes next to trap

Never used that foil trick, but I've heard guys say they caught a good many of 'coon that way!

Wow guys, thanks so much for this thread. I learned a lot.

Anyone still trapping raccoons in Feb. ?

I caught my first coon ever the other day in feb.

All of these were caught in dirtholes in bank of creek with duke 1 1/2 about 6 inches in front of it and with a pvc pipe about the same setup as dirthole. I also tried some dp's but never had them out long enough but they are also good traps.

i was now i am in marck kind been slow i am reluring and baiting today i will see if i get some pics

how would you guys go about catching a coon that keeps digging up my traps and stealing my bait?

Set a secondary trap in the same general area so that if it digs the trap up its in danger of steppin in the other trap.

i did that... i had two dug up traps

wow ok maybe try settin some other traps in the area...he may mess up eventually good luck

Anybody know why Ohio's season ends for coon so soon. Right now the weather is just starting to break and the coons start running again? Other states its still open, just curious. Also, are rubs that bad, I mean they're on the back of the neck but not down that far and they still have the main backside fur I just don't understand why they dock so much for that? Is it just a reason to dock but not a good one?

maybe breeding season in your area?

Bass10, they loose their fur. It doesn't depend on the temperatures.

You need a DP style trap or a conibear in a bucket set or box cubby.

So after Feb. 28th in Ohio the fur starts to degrade? but iys fine in other parts of the country? I know breeding season
is starting but I feel we should still be trapping until the end of March. Too much bad weather during our short season.

Here the season ends Jan 31st. Some coon will have rubs at that point and buyers won't take them. Very shortly after jan 31st they start losing fur. I'm not sure about other parts of the country. Our season usually has 3-4 weeks of good coon trapping.

Last fall DP traps were legalized in Ontario Canada. We have only been allowed to use conibears on land. 2010-2011 season we can use Grizs @ Duffers (only 2 certified) on land (no other legholds). This opens up a lot of property for us where people didn't want killer traps.I am new to your site and see that without a doubt the Griz works great.What I would like to know is how you set them, do you dig a hole, lay them on the ground, stand them up, use a drag, s-hook@ rebar. You seem to have great success, just hoping to be as good at it with these new traps. Hope to hear from someone DAVE.

what would be a good trap leg hold wise to trap them just staarting out on my own and just would like to know the best leg hold style and size to use. any input would be helpfull.

Lil griz have a v shaped stabilizer on the bottom, you stick that in the ground and run a stick through it, pinning the trap in place. The trap itself stays above ground. I anchor them with 3/32 cable looped around a sapling and quick linked to the chain.....fast and works great.

some great stuff here

Lil' Grizz is said to have four (4) new designs coming out this year. Can't wait to see those.

Clam shells found along the bank can be kept for eye-appeal at sets.

I use both clam and oyster shells as a bait holder in my cage traps.

That last pic is a great one!!! I hope I see some like that this year.

Put marshmellows, liquid smoke, syrup, and Jack Makeral into a pot, mix well, store over summer for smell (if storing over summer, do not put in syrup). Marshmellows need to be cutup. Marshmellows for eye sight, liquid smoke, syrup, and Jack Mackeral for smell. I made 1 set, caught a coon in 1 night. Report back to me on how well you did with the bait.

X2

Kevin, I think you would follow me to the ends of the earth..

Brennan,

Have you actually tried letting that sit as is "over the summer for smell"???

I would think thats something you maybe want to make fresh.

Then a answer to the problem is don't put in syrup. I never thought of that. But in winter it won't matter. Thanks.

Me personally, I think there are a lot better, simpler, and more versatile options out there than what you listed. But if it works for you then go ahead.

Regular table syrup is not the best to work with in cool temps, in my opinion.

I like cut up bullheads and fish oil/shellfish oil mix. Or mini marshmellows and a coon lure (I like Caven's Moonshine or Carmen's Coon lure)....both are sort of fruity.

I use the fish in boxes and pockets, and marshmellows in DP's and boxes.

It happens at times, like last season, where one works when the other doesn't. For example, we had higher water here and the corn was out longer....just couldn't interest coons in fish and pockets. Switched to DP's on the banks and picked up a good run of coons right before freeze up when I thought it was already over for the season.

Would you suggest taking out syrup? It might not be making any difference.

I'm not an expert, and don't want to be.

But a concoction like that might be good if you mixed it right before you use it. I just think if you used a chunk of fish (or marshmellows), a little commercially made coon lure, and a shot of fish oil at a set....you'd be happy with the results.

Don't worry about being an expert. No trapper knows everything.

I just would like to be able to have something made up on my own. That way I'm independent.

Okay....

Just my opinion, but I think its better for a new trapper to focus on learning the animals and know how to trap them inside and out, before trying to re-invent the wheel when it comes to lures.

I would work on getting to the point that you can go out and stack a truck full of coons before you start worrying about making your own lure.

But thats just me, and what I focus on.

Ok I will do that. What would you say to focus on? I would like to do fox, coon, yote, beaver, and rat.

Brennan - don't take this wrong way, but you are over thinking it. Keep it simple. A chunk of fish or fish paste, a shot of fish oil or shellfish oil, and a dab of lure and you will catch coon. MNCedar makes a good point and that you should learn this animal before you start making your own baits or lures. Kowing how to catch the animal first will help in what you are looking for in a lure or bait and might change your opinion.

Ok, I will do as you guys suggest.

All I use is a can of sardines

I bet you can catch a coon with almost any type of bait.

I use legholds #2 Vic dbls and #11. I start around ponds in pastures I am coyote trapping my set simpel poke a hole with steak give a shot of fishoil set drowning cable and move on.
I hit the creeks after the first weak most of my
compatition has quit for the season.I use the same set in creek. I always set the runs the more sign the more traps I set. I caught 6 coin out of 8 traps 4nights in a row all traps set caught coon I pulled after the 4th day

For you guys, how many coons do you need to average to get 100 a year? I'm homeschooled so got plenty of time for it.

That all depends on your coon densities. If you want to catch 100 coon in a season, well you will need at least 100 coon to catch. If you are determined to catch 100 coon, then set out and do it. It's all in your work ethic when it comes to trapping.

Is there anyway to determine the coon densities? This last season I caught 2 coon. One that I caught all I did was throw some 1 longsprings on the ground and caught one in 2 days. Had plenty of misses. Learned alot though. Last season was my first.

If last season was your first, i would try to catch 25 in a season. How many traps do you have available to set for coon? I like it when a person sets his goals high, but they also need to be realistic.

Well, based solely on how you phrased your question........

Brennan you need .274 coon per day. 365 X .274 = 100.01



If you meant a 100 coon season.....then you should be able to figure it out.

lyonch is giving you some VERY GOOD advice....

I'm a firm believer in goal setting.

LOL do you know the season for NE? I can't find it.

Agreed completly.

Can't you call your DNR? Some bait or gun stores carry regulation papers for hunting, trapping, and fishing.

Before you even set a trap, i recommend you read all the rules, regulations, and laws pertainging to your state. If something is confusing you, then ask a question and im sure some of the other fellow trappers from nebraska will help you out.

http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/guides/furbearer/furbearers.asp

Ummm......No.

Didn't get around to memorizing other state's trapping regulations this year. Had a few other things going on.

I just was confused and couldn't find it. Not the biggest computer guy.

Found the seasons guys.

Yup just haven't got one yet.

LOL - now that is about as honest as a guy can be right there!!

I love trapping coons

What would you guys reccomend as the most basic coon set?

Water: Pocket Set

Land: Blind Trail Set

Does anyone have any pics of coon tracks in deep snow?

A Duke Dp. Bait it, set it and stake it. It that easy. You can set 10 Dps up faster than most can dig out a trap bed. They are great for road trapping.

Has anyone tried melted butter for a trailing scent? Been testing it out at local creeks and it seems to get coons to travel where you want them.

really, never heard of that. Just butter, no fish or oils mixed into it?

You can, might even make it better! Don't know if it is better than fish oil, but it is cheap! Melt it in the sun, put in a shampoo bottle, and give it a try. Never hurts to try somthing new.

thats really neat, gotta try it next time

i know when i have caught coons before when i showed up the area was so tore up it almost change the flow of the creek LOL, when a coon makes that much of a mess do any of ya'll remake that set, the reason i asked is; i never have it seemed to tore up but have i been working to hard when i should have just throwed some water up on the bank and smoothed things out and reset, help me because i am already planning an all out assault this winter, LOL.

I always reset those "tore up" areas. It doesn't seem to have any adverse affects to the next one that walks down the creek. I am almost aways setting blind sets on creeks. If there was a reason for me to put a trap there in the first place, that reason is probably still there after a catch.

Believe it or not, I have had many trappers claim that once a 'coon or two is caught, the set goes dead...I had this conversation with Clint Locklear, as to his thoughts...I wish I had the answer for those who have had trouble with it. I think it may be the "killing" of the 'coon inside that circle...It's just a guess.

What sets do you guys use to target specificly for coon?

I dont know if anyone else has said this but a good bait and lure for coon is crawdads. Right after they peel in the summer you freeze them when you get them. Then let them sit out and they put out the best scent. Also freeze fish carcases after you have cleaned them you have good smell and if the moon is out and no snow is on the ground they are good visual attracters too

I'm only just getting started in reading this post, but wanted to thank everyone who participated in it. And to bring it back to the top for anyone who may have missed this. I certainly hope this post ends up in the archives, it's a wealth of information!

Where are the skulls of the 30 pounders? PM me if you want to sell some.

TTT

ttt

Good stuff fellas, learned a great deal! Thanks!

some coon pics

#11 at an old mink tunnel i put in a few years back


Another at the same spot


DP traps are quick and simple, however paintjobs dont last long


Nothing is sacred to these guys... even dog proofs


This one was one slushy day


This was a hawg!! caught underneath a concrete bridge


This was an odd double, live trap and dp but im not complaining


Early morning checks! This one scared the crap out of me hiding in the weeds up on the bank


Another hawg in the night


One mornings catch, may not be alot but im proud of all the hardwork i have sitting there!!


This one was first of the 2010-11 season


Gotta love pocket sets, full of burs and frozen what a combo


Thanks for looking and sharing some of last years memories cme

Never limit yourself

I use dps...







pockets









snare



fishsticks







blind sets





results

Fuzzytail, thanks for showing these guys what can be done when you put your mind to it....

No problem, I love catching coons.