Muskrats??

So I got a call from a farmer this weekend he's having problems with muskrats digging up his dikes agreed to help him out for trapping rights later on he has 10 ponds I've never used bait or lure for muskrat and wondering if floats would be effective this time of year as the dikes are very deep right off the edge what would you recommend

I would try colony traps in the underwater den entrances at the dike.

Thank you steve should have been more specific I have 18 colonies about four doz 110's and quite a few stoploss 1.5's and assorted longsprings looking for an effective way to use them all

With all your colonies and 110s plugging bank holes you might not need any other traps. If there is lots for the rats to eat they might not come to baited floats. If there is not, maybe baited floats would be effective.

These ponds are pretty big and I don't think 7 traps per pond will be enough any suggestions on bait or lure is appreciated thinking of doing some pocket sets and a few floats but like I said never have used bait or lure for rats but want to get done quickly as thos farmer is well connected and may lead to better things

You will have your work cut out for you. Lots of options as far as equipment goes. Depends upon your experience and knowledge with clean out work.

We covered this topic not too long ago. Might be a good idea to look in the archives for topics of trapping rats in ponds. I never had any success with float sets doing ADC work. Takes too long for them to accept the presentation or other food habits have a greater attraction for them.

I posted some photos on the last topic we discussed involving this type of work.

Trap Setter- Here is the post that Bob Jameson referenced- http://www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthrea...le#Post5183234.

Try some floats with footholds. Rats in open water and steep banks don't have anywhere to climb out and sit.