#577577 - 02/13/08 03:12 PM
The cage trap thread
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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Gonna do my best to keep this going but let's hear some tips or trick on using these things. Here's a few of mine:
-PAINT YOUR CAGES: I paint all mine with a flat brown Rustoleum and even I have a hard time finding them sometimes. Of course this has no other benefit other than hiding them from people.
-BAIT PROPERLY: Some guys say to put some bait in a hold dug under the trap but this poses a few problems. Cats, fox and even coon can dig under the cage and get at the bait. If you don't have your cage securely stablized, what ever your trying to trap can knock them over or at least off your bait hole. Try suspending your bait from the top or rear of the cage using wire. If they have to fight the get the bait free, there's better chance all that fuss will cause them to step on the pan.
-STAKE YOUR CAGES: Well that sounds bit misleading but what I do that helps get rid of any wobble you WILL get if your trap isn't on completely flat ground is I take a piece a piece of 24" rebar I cut myself and just hammer it in through the top and down through the wire mesh floor. Use a couple if you want and you can also use your regular trap stakes of course.
-USE A STEPPING STICK/STONE: Use this especially for cats and fox. Just set it in front of the pan. When trapping fox or bobcat, also cover the floor of the cage with either dirt or long grass from thee area in which you trap. Just up to the pan is necessary.
-USE CHAIN: Some folks roll their eyes but I use a 6-8' piece of chain and a master lock when setting on most public land. Seems the deal with theft is if someone sees something out in the woods, no matter if they even know what it is or even have any use for it, thee may steal it. When confronted they usually say things like, "Oh, I didn't know it belonged to anyone. I thought it was just trash someone tossed out here". Make it all that much harder to steal. With the high cost of these things, it pays to take an extra measure against theft.
So..... whatcha got?
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#577602 - 02/13/08 03:24 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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Lugnut
trapper
Registered: 12/23/06
Posts: 244
Loc: Berks County Pa.
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Great tips, thanks. I would be targeting red fox. What is the common or best size cage for them?
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#577805 - 02/13/08 04:56 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Tsarevna]
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monstertom
trapper
Registered: 02/19/07
Posts: 235
Loc: Cedaredge Colo.
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I pre scout my fox country, I carry a 16"x40' piece of 5/8 plywood to pre build my trap bed, hard to do when the ground freezes. I may even stack some brush or wood there so it's ready when I come back to set
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#577814 - 02/13/08 05:00 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Tsarevna]
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Phil Nichols
trapper
Registered: 10/03/07
Posts: 27
Loc: SE Pennsylvania
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Tip #1:
Push the bottom of the cage into the dirt and grind back and forth, like a reverse dirt sifter. The object is to bury the wire floor of the cage. I may think about putting my paws on wire. Dirt is natural.
Thought #1:
Trap odor - debate worthy topic - may attract or repel? Maybe neutral (no odor, clean trap) is best.
Lugnut - I've not had much success catching red fox in cages - caught one fox in 25 years. Have not experimented that much. Try a very large trap, pre-bait, set around big hay bales, use a mouse squeaker, etc. This needs a research pioneer!
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#577827 - 02/13/08 05:03 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: monstertom]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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Good stuff guys.
monstertom, i like that idea but when I set my coon cages, if it's on dirt i move the cage back and forth to kind of dig it in and cover some of the floor. By the looks of the other thread you posted with your fir, I may try the plywood bit next year. Nice job.
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#577833 - 02/13/08 05:05 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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As far as odor, none of my traps hold more fur as the ones that have had skunks "poorly dispatched" in them. Maybe it kind of "seasons" them? I do however paint early so they have all spring and summer to sort of air out from the paint fumes. As the season goes on, the more animals I catch that make a mess in the cage, the more consistent my catches are.
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#577840 - 02/13/08 05:09 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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I was thinking about making a heavy canvas cover made specifically to fit my cages. Something where I'll have enough reaction time if a skunk sprays while I'm moving the cage. Also, the heavier and stiffer the material the better. I've had more than one over sized beach towel shredded when left over a caged coon over night.
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#577893 - 02/13/08 05:33 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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monstertom
trapper
Registered: 02/19/07
Posts: 235
Loc: Cedaredge Colo.
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live trap, Ground here can freeze hard over night if it's soft the cheese grater method works but not when rock hard. why do you move the cage to dispatch skunks? are you useing a skunk pole? as far as the bottom I dont add dirt and don't seem to have a problem with cats or fox walking on wire. Here the dirt will freeze and you won't pick the cage up till april.
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#577900 - 02/13/08 05:35 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: monstertom]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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Well I took some smaller 7x7x24" traps and cut holes in them. The holes are big enough for a rat or squirrel to get out of so I patched my holes. This also poses the problem of how to get a pole in there so I figure I could move the cage to water or cover and run hose from my trucks exhaust pipe to the cage. Any advice?
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#577905 - 02/13/08 05:37 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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Also, I am gonna build my own traps this summer and it's all pretty straight forward. I just have to get an idea of how to make a spring door on it. Any suggestions?
Also, Yancy and another fellow who isn't on here make and sell from what I can see is a very nice and effective cage trap. Gonna pic one or two of those this year also. You guys going after cats with cages should do the same if already haven't. I'll let Yancy chime in on his cages for contact info and all that good stuff.
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#577925 - 02/13/08 05:42 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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monstertom
trapper
Registered: 02/19/07
Posts: 235
Loc: Cedaredge Colo.
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In my ADC bussiness I use plasti-catches for skunks and 1 oz. Chloroform to dispatch. but with a 7x7 pick it up carefully set it on a garbage bag pull up add Chloroform or ether and tie it off. should not have trouble. A wood box built around the cage with a flip up door will also help.
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#577930 - 02/13/08 05:44 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: monstertom]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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Where do I get chloroform or ether?
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#577942 - 02/13/08 05:51 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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monstertom
trapper
Registered: 02/19/07
Posts: 235
Loc: Cedaredge Colo.
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Chloroform from chemical supply we have a supplier in Denver Pm me nad I'll get you an address. or use Starting fluid. get about 5-7 skunks out of a can.
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#578155 - 02/13/08 07:21 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: monstertom]
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monstertom
trapper
Registered: 02/19/07
Posts: 235
Loc: Cedaredge Colo.
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A set of short and long handel pruners are the most important tools for cageing.
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#578157 - 02/13/08 07:23 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: monstertom]
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Cameron2
trapper
Registered: 01/01/07
Posts: 907
Loc: Nevada
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Caught this one today, 16 minutes from my home.
 
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#578216 - 02/13/08 07:50 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Cameron2]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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Very nice. Care to share your set up? What kind of cage trap is that?
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#578823 - 02/14/08 07:57 AM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: npaden]
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TexA
trapper
Registered: 12/24/06
Posts: 2079
Loc: Estherville, IA
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I use Live Box Traps quite a bit on my Coon line.
There is one thing I haven't seen suggested and I do it ALL THE TIME.......
That is, when I've placed the trap and am baiting it, I ALWAYS put a little dab of bait outside the door of the trap, right on the ground. And a dab or two just inside the box and then a good smear of it (ground fish +)directly under the treddle.
I have tried hanging a strip of shinny aluminum in the back of box. It's usually torn down by the coon but it's still there to be re-hung and used again and again......
_________________________
TexA
Member Iowa Trappers Association
National Trappers Association
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#579259 - 02/14/08 02:31 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: TexA]
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LBEE
trapper
Registered: 01/08/07
Posts: 84
Loc: Missouri
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I have built a few Cage traps & mine have a small troft across the back to hold the bait. When I am trapping Coon I use the Cheap dry Cat food & smear some peanut butter in back & throw a few Large marshmells in for sight. I have no trouble catching Coon this way, might want to give it a try, it works.
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#579264 - 02/14/08 02:36 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: npaden]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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-BAIT PROPERLY: Some guys say to put some bait in a hold dug under the trap but this poses a few problems. Cats, fox and even coon can dig under the cage and get at the bait. If you don't have your cage securely stablized, what ever your trying to trap can knock them over or at least off your bait hole. Try suspending your bait from the top or rear of the cage using wire. If they have to fight the get the bait free, there's better chance all that fuss will cause them to step on the pan.
Could you go into a little more detail on this? I've set a live trap for raccoons a few times and failed each time. I tried a can of tuna and a can of sardines wired to the back of the trap and then tried a can of sardines wired to the bottom of the trap with the trap staked down. Not sure if the problem is me or the trap (the trap is a cheap Harbor Freight one).
I had a couple harbor freight cages but noticed on one that when the pan was completely bottomed out, the door still didn't budge thus giving the coons a free meal. Check that out first. I've caught more with just an opened c an of sardines in the back of the cage.
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#579267 - 02/14/08 02:40 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: TexA]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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I use Live Box Traps quite a bit on my Coon line.
There is one thing I haven't seen suggested and I do it ALL THE TIME.......
That is, when I've placed the trap and am baiting it, I ALWAYS put a little dab of bait outside the door of the trap, right on the ground. And a dab or two just inside the box and then a good smear of it (ground fish +)directly under the treddle.
I have tried hanging a strip of shinny aluminum in the back of box. It's usually torn down by the coon but it's still there to be re-hung and used again and again......
Ah, yes, I forgot about that. Kinda give them a trail to follow to the back of the cage.
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#580652 - 02/15/08 10:52 AM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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Anyone know where to get GOOD, AMERICAN MADE 1x1" wire for cage making?
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#584437 - 02/17/08 04:35 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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#584605 - 02/17/08 06:18 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: doghunter 4 life]
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casper26456
trapper
Registered: 12/26/06
Posts: 46
Loc: West Virgina
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live trap--- your cage is a LITTLE GIANT--- THATS THE BRAND i have one just like it
Edited by casper26456 (02/17/08 06:18 PM)
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C Ayers
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#584639 - 02/17/08 06:41 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: casper26456]
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trapfurfun
trapper
Registered: 12/23/06
Posts: 253
Loc: NE Kansas
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Not to hijack anyones thread but pictures would great it would be great to see pictures of everyones live traps and how they are made, to help us guys(and girls) that might be interested in making one since season has ended here.
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trapfurfun
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#584710 - 02/17/08 07:09 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: casper26456]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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live trap--- your cage is a LITTLE GIANT--- THATS THE BRAND i have one just like it
they've held up for me but are they along the quality lines of say a Havahart or are they more like the Tomahawks?
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#585013 - 02/17/08 09:15 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Livetrap]
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trapfurfun
trapper
Registered: 12/23/06
Posts: 253
Loc: NE Kansas
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TTT
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trapfurfun
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#585048 - 02/17/08 09:29 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: trapfurfun]
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Livetrap
trapper
Registered: 06/27/07
Posts: 739
Loc: California
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I agree, it would also be nice to see some sets.
_________________________
The only thing I like about trapping in California is the lack of other trappers.
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#585107 - 02/17/08 09:54 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: doghunter 4 life]
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Tsarevna
trapper
Registered: 09/23/07
Posts: 1501
Loc: Portland, OR
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on some of my live traps i put under bridges on backroads and put an ear of corn in the back. I put a aluminum name tag on the trap so people know it is mine along with my number. I have had none of them stole YET. I only have 4 cages but i cought somewhere aroud 20-30 coons in them.
I put an ear of old corn in there in the back of the trap, with a few dry dog kibbles just thrown back there. The ear is for eye appeal, it stands out in the dark. This coon was so hungry that he ate the ear, not just the corn off it, but the cob too!
It's common for them to reach outside the cage and try to throw dirt around, I guess they think they are digging out. It rained on him that night, so, it's possible to have a muddy coon in a cage. 
As I mentioned above, I pre-baited a month before season started, throwing dog kibble, dry, in the back. I wired the cage door to stay open.
I tried many baits, wet cat food, tuna, sardines. All I got were cats on the tuna and sardines, and the coons ignored the tuna for days. I finally just had to throw the rotten tuna out.
But dog kibble, they can't resist it. Sometimes eggs will make a nice attractor, but beware that skunks and possums like eggs too. I've had coons visit and ignore eggs, but they have never ignored dog kibble.
_________________________
I'm just a woman practicing the world's oldest profession: HUNTING!
Coons - 1
Roadkill - 1 red fox squirrel, 1 coon
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#585126 - 02/17/08 10:02 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Tsarevna]
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Vinke
trapper
Registered: 12/22/06
Posts: 1767
Loc: Pacific Northwest WA
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Public cage set
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#585137 - 02/17/08 10:07 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Vinke]
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Vinke
trapper
Registered: 12/22/06
Posts: 1767
Loc: Pacific Northwest WA
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This picture shows how a "White Pan" stands out at night....
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#585142 - 02/17/08 10:12 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Vinke]
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Vinke
trapper
Registered: 12/22/06
Posts: 1767
Loc: Pacific Northwest WA
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Castor and Cages........
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#585144 - 02/17/08 10:14 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Tsarevna]
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ADC
trapper
Registered: 12/25/06
Posts: 4445
Loc: Iowa
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Very common for them to dig outside the cage...
Here's how I set my coon cages. I put a chunk or three of fish under the trigger, under the cage not in it. I then make a trail of salmon oil and marshmallows from a few foot out side the cage to the back of the cage it's self right through the door. Just how I do it, it works great for me. I never have any stolen bait unless the mice get it.
Here's a few results, I usually nail 30-50 in cages every season...
~ADC~
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#585149 - 02/17/08 10:18 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Vinke]
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Vinke
trapper
Registered: 12/22/06
Posts: 1767
Loc: Pacific Northwest WA
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The "Culvert trap" in the back of the golf card was made to fit inside of a existing culvert that was a Muskrat Freeway
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#585156 - 02/17/08 10:22 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: Vinke]
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TurTLe
trapper
Registered: 12/29/06
Posts: 388
Loc: KS
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Wow, that culvert trap has really given me some ideas. Thanks for showing that. Now I have a new summer project.
_________________________
Seasons Catch:
1 Chubacabra
1 Unicorn
1 Albino Leprachaun
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#585215 - 02/17/08 11:03 PM
Re: The cage trap thread
[Re: TurTLe]
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scooter
trapper
Registered: 10/05/07
Posts: 12
Loc: colorado
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These are the double door traps that we make ourselves and use for bobcats; we by far catch many more cats with the double door traps than with single door traps.
With the double door traps we are able to set the traps in the cats natural line of travel.
Most cats that we catch; by observing the tracks, dont hesitate at the door they just walk right in.
We hang a small piece of hide on the inside side of the trap, with lure on it and pour urine on the ground inside the trap.
Not saying it is the right way or the wrong way, but this is what works for us.
My 4 year old son Dylan and trapping partner
Before and after setting this trap
More sets
Trapping has been a little hard this year. This is the result of the light breeze we experienced from our last storm that we had a few nights ago. All you can see are the doors sticking up
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