Author Topic: Otter trapping on big water?  (Read 482 times)

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Offline four coil

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Otter trapping on big water?
« on: October 27, 2006, 12:32:55 PM »
Tomorrow at first light I'll be setting traps for rats and mink as our water trapping opens in the southern zone in WI. Will be trapping some bigger bodies of water. Next week otter opens. I believe there are otters in the same area. How would I go after them? I'm thinking about digging some pocket sets in one area. But in another area, the banks are flat. Would man made cubbies work? What should I use for bait?

Offline Bogmaster

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Re: Otter trapping on big water?
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2006, 05:50:27 PM »
 Your best bet,is to set 330s in pinch points.
 Tom
If you need trapping supplies---call ,E-mail , or PM me . Home of Tom Olson's Mound Master Beaver Lures  ,Blackies Blend--lures and baits.Snare supplies,Dye ,dip,wax,Large assortment of gloves and Choppers-at very good prices.Hardware,snares,cable restraints and more!Give me a call(651) 436-2539
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Offline RdFx

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Re: Otter trapping on big water?
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2006, 02:00:51 AM »
Pinch points are where a creek or waterway narrows down. Alot of pinch points are found in small creeks that otters travel... also  a hint where to set... any old or active beaver pond set above and below pond in water ways in narrow areas.  Alot of times you wont find any otter sign in the creeks BUT the otter travel them.  Also if there is a shorter way to reach water way; otter will go over land to reach a spot they are heading too. Alot of times when it snows and otter are traveling you can find these spots or trails.   Bottom edge sets are also very good.  Get your self a book on bottom edge sets  and read it over.  Ken Smythe has book out on that subject.   You have to get your sets out BEFORE the otter comes thru and WAIT, sometimes it is a patience game and making sure your sets are in working order.  If you find bvr ponds, you WILL have otter.  Good luck.

Offline four coil

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Re: Otter trapping on big water?
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2006, 12:42:46 PM »
Thanks for the tips. When I was setting my traps for rats Saturday morning I had two curious on-lookers. Two otters where watching me! I found a trail through the cattails that they are using. Found otter scat there. Looks like this is a place they enter the water. Plan to set a #14 with teeth on a slide. Also found another place where the water narrows down. Here I plan on setting two #330 side by side. With a little added debris I should have this neck down covered. Hope this works. Made 30 sets in this area for rats Saturday morning, checked them Sunday morning, caught 14 rats. Again thanks for all the tips.