Author Topic: First timer (Read 462 times)

Spencer · « **on:** November 14, 2004, 01:33:54 PM »

I trapped a little with a friend last year, he did most of the trap setting. This year he is too busy, so I went off on my own to try my hand at it solo. I got permission to trap rats out of a neighbors pond where they were doing their usual damage. I set out about 12 110's. Then I went to my backyard where I saw some path's without deer tracks in them. I set a few 220's on these. Last night when I was putting the horses in, I heard a different sound and noticed the horses looking in the direction of the back woods.
When I woke up this morning, I found I had gotten three muskrats out of the pond, but the bonus was when I checked the 220 in the back woods and found a big boar coon in the trap I had set.

I did not think that was too bad for a newbie.
I know I am a little late getting started, but I had been busy bowhunting. I just got a little bored sitting in treestands and needed to get out and about;)

Bogmaster · « **Reply #1 on:** November 14, 2004, 01:48:52 PM »

Spencer , a new trapper is always welcome. If you have questions please ask.
Tom

Spencer · « **Reply #2 on:** November 14, 2004, 03:15:06 PM »

Right now for coon, I just have 220's set up on trails coming in and out of the corn fields. They are just a trail set, no scent or lure. Should I use a lure? Is it just luck that I caught that one, are 1 1/2's better with a stepping stick? If I set a 1 1/2, do you always use a backing and lure in a hole or can you catch them on just travel path's as they are walking along. If I catch one in a 1 1/2 on land, not being able to make a drowning set there is no chance a coon would chew his foot off like muskrats do is there?? I hate to sound stupid with some of these questions, but you can't find this in a book.

IlliniTrapper15 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2004, 11:57:54 AM »

coon will chew their feet off in a foothold if you dont check it early morning

Spencer · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2004, 02:45:39 PM »

Thanks,
I had another nice size coon in the same 220 this morning. I wasn't expecting to see that, but it was rewarding.

IlliniTrapper15 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 15, 2004, 03:00:26 PM »

:grin: Thats always the best catch the ones that you dont expect lol sorry for being just only helpful on the coon chewin off feet i will try to answer some of your other questions for you to the best of my knowledge I dont think you should use lure if it is in a trail set if you were using a bucket set then you would want to throw some kind of attractant in the back of your bucket but i have never used bait on a trail set it might be luck that you caught one but if it is a good trail there is no reason you shouldnt have just remember not a unlimited supply of coon use 1 trail you may get 1 or 2 and it will slow down or you might get 3 or 4 but eventually you will get all the coons using that trail then you move on to another one 1 1/2s with stepping sticks work well in trails too but i would prefer the 220 it will kill the animal so you dont have to worry about losing it you dont have to always use backing or a lure in a hole on a trail set with a foothold but you can set it some bait in a hole slightly off the trail to make the coon stop and stay in the area of your trap longer yes coon will chew off their feet if not checked early morning if they are in a foothold trap so will most other animals dont know about bobcats or wolfs since they arnt trapped down here and dont worry you dont sound stupid it is good to find out these things especially if you are a begginer i have trapped a couple years and still have that many questions i dont know of any books that can help you out (i dont read much :oops: ) but i think the best tool is experience just remember when you are out on the line try new things out who knows maybe you will figure something out that none of us here on the forum know about yet experementation is the key to success so is practice dont worry if you dont tear it up right away these things take time to learn and eventaully master setting different sets also if you cant get one animal that is in the area cause it is trapshy dont focus everything on that one animal trapping is not about ego none of the other animals or trappers are really gonna care if you wasted a week or two getting that one animal when you could have spent the time and traps catching many others in other sets and locations being trap shy is not genetic let the animal go and reproduce then catch its youngens the next year :twisted: hope this has helped if you have any other questions dont be afraid to ask i will as will everyone here help you to the best of our knowledge

Bogmaster · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2004, 02:49:35 AM »

Coons feet will go numb in a trap.If you use a trap that is not to big,they are not able to chew.Thus a #11 or #1 1/2 coil work best.
Also a good trap to use is the coon cuff,there is no chewing when these traps are used.
Another good coon method,is to use pocket sets with slide wires.Set your trap and run the end into deep water. Once caught ,the coon goes to the deep end of the slider and expires quickly.
Illinois,you may want to add more swivels to your traps.
Tom

IlliniTrapper15 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2004, 11:01:51 AM »

I never have been real sure why you add swivels to the could you please explain this to me since i dont know why i would add them does it help with them not chewing off their feet??

Bogmaster · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2004, 12:02:29 PM »

When a trap is able to move freely with no bindin,it moves everytime the caught animal does.When your trap gets bound up--it doesnt move freely,you will encounter more chewing.I have never in my life,had a coon chew its foot off.
A trap that gets bound up and does not swivel freely,can cause broken bones.The animal continues to move and twist,and the trap does not--many animals that people think chew out--in fact twist out.
Extra swivels keeps the animal more comfortable,reduces injury and is all around better for all trapped animals---and trapper image.
Extra swivels,do not cost----THEY PAY.
Tom

IlliniTrapper15 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2004, 04:01:24 PM »

Thank you for explaining that bogmaster i appreciate it greatly i will have to invest in some swivels just one last thing will the animal stay in the trap longer if it has swivels on it so i can check it in the afternoon with my other traps or do i still have to get up at the crack of dawn to check them