2 way havahart cage traps

Trapping skunks out of my buddies barn, i have a spray proof trap set in the barn and also a 2 way door cage that has been set off every night since i set it but no skunk inside. I started inspecting the trap and noticed that just a little pressure applied to the top of either one of the doors trips the trap. I'm assuming the skunks are climbing on top and firing the trap because i can see skunk tracks around the trap. anyone have any advice ?

Get a trap other than havahart.

I find it hard to believe that the skunks would climb on your traps. Coons yes skunks no. Use a trail camera.

Man, I second that...
I know there are trappers who use Havahart traps.
(There are two trappers on here that I respect a great deal).
I don't like them and don't use them for two reasons.
1) They aren't a quality trap , IMO.
2) They do NOT support trappers, which is what I am and do.
They are the 'animal rights' of trap makers !

Does Tomahawk make a 2 way door trap ?

That said, try using 'wings' on both sides of the trap or blocking !
Try sifting fine dirt over the bottom wire.

Tomahawk makes several 2-door cages. My favorite for skunks is 9x9x32. They make that cage in regular and professional models. I've

owned a couple for more than 30 years and they're still going strong.

If you're using the solid-door traps with the mechanism on the outside - yes, they are very touchy traps, and easily sprung from the outside.

Or Squirrels/Possums/Rats/Mice/Cats.

mice inside not on top..............

Do you know if it is a stripped skunk or a spotted skunk you're after? Spotted skunks could definitely be climbing, but I think it is more of an animal investigating an odor on the door and bumping it enough to set it off.

I agree with LT's comments and you do have several different options (listed by my preference),
1) use a different trap,
2) bed the trap so the bottom wire is covered by dirt
3) if going with a single door trap, put a piece of 1/4" plywood or heavy cardboard inside the trap on the pan so if something starts walking in to it, the trap will fire without them having to press on the treadle,
4) regardless if it's one or two doors, create wings or do some blocking to guide the animal into the openings,
5) and make a cover over the trap so if something is climbing on it they can't actually touch the trap.

FYI Tomahawk is all chummy with HSUS and attends HSUS' annual convention as a vendor.

thanks for the info. could be cats, there are several in the barn. i have several skunk proof traps,their awesome.this trap was given to me so i put it to use.

FYI Tomahawk is all chummy with HSUS and attends HSUS' annual convention as a vendor.

My qualification for a customer was the color of their money. I would ask you, if Tomahawk stopped doing business with HSUS would the trapping/nwco industry pick up the slack? And, do you have any customers who are animal rights kooks?

Yes the comstocks

Here is link to tomahawk double door -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGr10HxEXOY

Skunks will climb over traps. I have seen where mother skunks have released baby skunks that were caught in the squirrel size Havaharts before I could get to the customers house. They just keep jacking with them until they get lucky and move the bail that holds the door shut
or they can roll them.

And, do you have any customers who are animal rights kooks


I try to give those jobs to my friends.

good post.

ponyboy, you're going to run out of friends long before you run out of kooks.

I know guys that do use 2 way havaharts for small stuff, chipmunks I guess. For me I just don't much care for problematic external components that can and do catch on things. Had to laugh when one of Judy's friends husband was trying to catch a chuck in one. Went to take it out of the garage when the long external pan rod got caught in the bicycle spokes. Its nice to use flush mount gear with only flat cage wire to deal with that won't catch on brush, other traps in the truck or bicycle spokes.