Author Topic: mink (Read 468 times)

trapperboy6 · « **on:** October 09, 2003, 09:44:42 AM »

what is the best foot hold for a mink?

foxtail · « **Reply #1 on:** October 09, 2003, 10:48:51 AM »

The one on his foot.

Seriously, just about any size works fine on them, but I think a 1.5 coil is best, or a #11.
You will get coon too so you might as well keep them.

OldCoon · « **Reply #2 on:** October 09, 2003, 01:20:43 PM »

a 1.5 coils is the very best but you can use a #2 or even a #1 or an #11. a mink isn't a strong animal with lots of stamina. he will not test your trap like a coon or a coyote might.

TrapperRay · « **Reply #3 on:** October 09, 2003, 03:10:20 PM »

As Foxtail said, one on his foot, a 1 1/2 coil hard to beat, I make my mink sets tight, squeze them in, so I like a #1 coil. If a coon wants in, its a front foot catch. I believe in drowning sets, so no biggy, drown mink or coon! Caught a gray fox last year in a mink set, yes they sink too? later

Dan Mich Trapper · « **Reply #4 on:** October 09, 2003, 04:15:18 PM »

Some may disagree and I did too , but now I believe the 1 1/2 long spring is the best . It beds very nively and it doesnt tie up those coils that should be used on coons . :grin:

Mallard · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2003, 01:23:15 AM »

80% of my footholds for mink are 1 1/2 LS's. Heavy for quick drowning, easily bedded, and easy firing. I may use a 1.5 coil at a baited pocket for that incidental coon, but even a strong LS and a good drowning set up will have him at the end of the wire. Another thing I like about the LS is that it is a trap that is easily re-strengthened with auxilary springs or re-shaping of the spring bend. When I was just starting out with mink, I had a hard time getting a coil to fire under light pressure. It seemed the jaw pressure alone would not allow a mink to fire it, even when the pan is free dropping. Another thing I noticed was a 1.5 coil seemed much more prone to seizing up a bit at the set. I have learned the tricks to be comfortable with my coils now, but definately know there was a frustration curve that I went through. The #2 square jaw definately has its place on my line as well.