New trapper. Any suggestions/tips?

[BiscuitsandGravy]

My 13 year old Son is starting trapping. He is asking the INGO knowledge base for any tips etc. Not stick your finger/hand into the trap he gets.

Thanks.

 

[phylodog]

If you own a trail camera capable of recording video I'd suggest setting it up overlooking a set. This idea occurred to me a few weeks back and my hunting partner and I intend to do it. We're hoping to learn what we might do to improve our techniques by seeing how the critters are springing the traps without getting caught. It'll be cool to see the success stories also.

Aside from that all I can offer (as an extreme novice) is to focus on your scent control if you're after coyotes. I've had whitetail down range on several occasions and not so much as bat an eye of concern about my presence only to have a coyote walk into the same spot and tear outta there like his tail was on fire. Their noses are amazing.

 

[snapping turtle]

First get him a magazine call fur fish and game. Still one of my favorites.

If he has no equipment then about three to five of the dog proof raccoon traps. Maybe a couple of live traps.
A dozen 110’s and about 4 number 2 coil spring traps. Those should last a lifetime minus any that get away somehow.

the 110’s are for muskrat. The #2’s are for fox coyotes. The dog proof are great for barn sets. So are the live traps.
He will need to learn to make a dirt hole set. Find den holes in creeks. Ect.

He he is going to need other stuff. Trapping can be equipment intensive. Waxing traps. Small shovels. Hammer axe ect. Pack for
trapping. The list can get very long. I think the dog proof raccoon traps might be the easiest to use as a starter.

We still use use the old pack baskets but I am sure there may be a new way.

 

[BiscuitsandGravy]

He received a 'dog proof' raccoon trap for Christmas.

I may ask the bosses if he can create a 'SonofB&G' account as I am not his personal secretary.

 

[BigBoxaJunk]

One thing I learned when I started out trapping was to pick one set for one animal and work on that and get it down before I moved to another one. I started out using 110 conibear traps in a drainage ditch to catch muskrat. In the first season, I learned to use long poles pushed into the muddy bottom as trap stakes so that I always knew right where the trap was, and I learned how to find active den entrances.

Then, I moved to leg-hold sets for 'coon, mostly along the ditch or pond banks. Trap in shallow water with a scent lure or bait on a stick.

Then, I learned how to make a dirt-hole set for fox (we didn't have coyotes back then). The dirt hole set uses tainted muskrat meat, left in a jar in the sun a few days to get ripe, which is put in a hole about 3" in diameter and about 10" deep with a light covering of dirt. The trap is placed in a shallow spot, dug out right in front of the meat hole. The trap has a piece of cloth over the pan and under the jaws and dirt is sifted over it to cover lightly. The trap stake is pounded flush in the depression under the trap.

Here's 13 year-old me with my very first grey fox, in 1975.

 

[Winamac]

If you have not already. You might contact the Indiana DNR as they offer either one or two day trapping clinics throughout the year.I hear they are very informative. I think they may be free or at the least a very minimal fee. Just my

 

[Leadeye]

For live traps and smart animals, put a mouse trap inside the live trap. It goes off easy and startles the animal into setting off the main trap.

 

[bwframe]

For live traps and smart animals, put a mouse trap inside the live trap. It goes off easy and startles the animal into setting off the main trap.

Huh. What a great tip.

 

[jy951]

Be careful for neighbors pets.

 

[bwframe]

Be careful for neighbors pets.

Should the young man let the neighboring folks know he'll be trapping, so they can police their own pets?

 

[NVG]

BandG, sign up for Hoosier Trappers monthly email. Has videos with excellent tips and suggestions. Depending on your location, a visit to his store in Greenwood is well worth it. My son started trapping 6 years ago after I introduced him to Charlie @ HT. His success has astounded me.

 

[AndrewG]

For live traps and smart animals, put a mouse trap inside the live trap. It goes off easy and startles the animal into setting off the main trap.

That's an awesome tip. I'm getting the marshmallows out! Rocky's days are numbered.

 

[Leadeye]

The mousetrap idea comes from my wife after a long and eventually successful war on raccoons.

 

[fordfarmboy]

What are you going to do with the furs ? don't know of anyone that buys anymore .

 

[possumpacker]

BandG, sign up for Hoosier Trappers monthly email. Has videos with excellent tips and suggestions. Depending on your location, a visit to his store in Greenwood is well worth it. My son started trapping 6 years ago after I introduced him to Charlie @ HT. His success has astounded me.

thats good advice. i know charlie and he is always willing to help the youngsters out. he also hosts the one day event fo Furtakers of America every Sept. at his store at greenwood. he,s in new mexico trapping right now.also check out a forum Trapperman.com

 

[Hookeye]

There are furbuyers around.
How far away?

As for notifying the neighbors ................I wouldn't.
You will get blamed for animal disappearance or injury.........if somebody else is trapping, since you are the only one they know of.

Buddy gave it a go last yr, tried the DP coon traps. 8 the first night. Season ended up burning more in just gas, than what he made.
Had a great time he said

 

[Hookeye]

Edit of prev post:

This site might be worth checking out.......

Furbearer Education for Students, Environmentalists, Outdoorsmen

 

[Hookeye]

What are you going to do with the furs ? don't know of anyone that buys anymore .

Typed "fur buyer Indiana" and the first one is:

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-Fur_Buyer_List.pdf

Dunno how complete.

 

[bwframe]

[video=youtube;jF6t7aBopS8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF6t7aBopS8&feature=em-uploademail[/video]

 

[Hookeye]

Then the dog goes home to it's PETARD owner with a little cut on it's foot and the witch hunt begins.