thanks for the tips
i wasn't sure if i needed to be close to any open water.  I found a froze over breate hole for some animal, and chopped that open and put the traps close to that.  
by the way i don't go to school, you must have me confused with another mntrapper.  i'll let ya know how i do.  
one more question for bogman, do you trap the rats this late in the year, i have a few beaver sets out, but no takers yet.