We can't use feathers here for bait or flagging if exposed and less than 30 paces or so from foothold traps. Feathers are considered "bait" in this state, and exposed bait regs apply.
I've seen some odd stuff used by other trappers around here for cat sets. Nylon stocking mesh stuffed with catfood and hanging from an overhead branch, for instance. One section east of here has a lot of those hanging in the branches along the edge of the field/wooded area mix. I thought they were bird feeders at first. Then I found some #220 box cubby sets baited with a variety of stuff just inside the trails. Not so cool if you use a beagle and are chasing rabbits through the brushy areas. Not so cool if they don't really have permission to trap there, either. On other hand, at $100 a pelt this season, it isn't any different than back in late seventies/early eighties when everyone made sets and everyone trapped everywhere for whatever was paying best. I expected to see some competition this year, but not like the levels that I've been seeing. Wow.
I've been guilty in past of some extravagant flaggings and other stuff, too. I hung a lot of cassette tape wads over sets, used fake fur in several colors, etc. I tried blinking lights, bright ribbons, shiny metalic objects, free AOL CDs, and whatever else someone mentioned to me in a demo or over a cup of coffee. I love experiementing, and will always try a new angle when given the opportunity. I can't say for sure though if any really added a true edge to my sets. If they did, great. I just haven't seen enough of a catch change to convince me otherwise.
I looked back through my notes though, and gosh a lot of the cats I've caught were taken in simple, traditional predator sets with no frills, shiny beads, etc.. I'm convinced cats are super easy to catch...but you have to have cats in the area and you have to make your sets on location, period. The old simple rule of trapping really applies in cat trapping...it's all about location, location, location. Traps have to be in working order, nothing frozen up, etc. then just set on sign and good travel routes. And of course, be patient.
Dirthole sets were my top producer, and double dirtholes (two holes, one trap centered in front of both holes) had more catches than singles. Maybe they had to move their feet around a little more in the dirt pattern to investigate both holes...I don't know for sure...cats are not diggers so its not like they really work the holes much like coyotes or foxes would. I like big holes, and load one up with bait and other with a good gland lure like fox or bobcat. Mink gland lure or urine is a good change up...and so is beaver castor. Bait types didn't seem to matter much...fish and rodent based baits seemed equally attractive.
I caught cats at post sets too. Not much eye appeal at these sets, but majority were fox urine or fox gland attractors used and not coyote-based. The traditional cat sets like walk-throughs, cubbies, etc. of course are tried and true proven cat takers. I like to wait for snow and find some tracks...then follow them to find good set locations. Its a great way to snare them, too.
Anyway, I think that flagging does work. Its a standard in northern regions for lynx cubbies. I am just not convinced its always worth all the extra stuff to carry to a set, time it takes to hang it, etc. and I've caught enough cats at those "low-key" and very low "eye-appeal" type sets like subtle dirtholes and post sets to make me believe that its probably more about being on location and getting their attention to come check out your set. If flagging or feathers would do that, then that would be key. I just don't think its always necessary. A good dirthole or double dirthole will catch their eye also. So will a big mound of dirt near your dirthole set. Mound of dirt, hole in the ground...in nature that means potential food to most predators. Why they seem to be interested in fox pee, mink glands, or beaver castor is beyond me...but I've had good luck with all three on cats. I have a lot to learn yet. But the more I do this, the more things seem to work for me and hopefully it makes me more efficient, too.
Does this help, too?
Jim-NE
