pan covers

[Tim B]

I have been using wadded up wax paper under the pan for K-9 sets this year.  With the freezing weather I missed a lot of animals cause the traps were frozen down.  I saw on both NTA videos and Herb Lenons Classic video that most use a pan cover...This looks like it would work better for harsh conditions.  I also have tried using salt.....and Im starting another short line today and will have to deal with the temps in the 20 again....
enough rambling....ill sum-it-up...
WHAT ALL CAN I DO TO INPROVE MY CHANCES WITHOUT ANYTHING BUT SALT AND DRY DIRT AND WAX PAPER???  
Thanks
Tim B

[Mallard]

For what it's worth Tim, I've learned to night latch and have since stopped using pan covers all together. I simply use buckwheat hulls or ant chaff under the pan. The pan movement required to fire the trap is almost non existant, but not to be confused with pan tension. As far as the temps in the 20s go....I would think a 50/50 mix of propolyne glycol and water sprayed in layers on the set would work for you. I have had freezing difficulties using this when temps fall below 8-10 degrees, but had good luck with anything warmer.

[Mallard]

Mike, I don't know if I can honestly answer your question about the thawing. One thing I should point out though is I only use the buckwheat or ant chaff inside the jaws and under the pan and use dry dirt for the rest. Once the temps get real cold (8-10 deg) I will be using waxed dirt, while still using buckwheat hulls and ant chaff under the pan. I'm no expert on the wax dirt making, and actualy have to buy it. I use it sparingly but this season has not been brutaly cold yet, and so far the glycol has worked. I would guess it thaws, but don't really know. I only have had 3 nights that froze my traps out (that's when I determined the 8-10 deg.), and I was ready for a move anyway.

[Wackyquacker]

I now use waxed dirt, but in the past I have used the dirt from under juniper trees.  Both methods work well.  What made the biggest difference was going to night latch triggers and fiber glass insulation to plug under the pan.  I did away with pan covers a while back...they freeze when wet and preclude solid packing around the inside of the jaws.  When in wet conditions, I don't know of any way around carrying some dry dirt.  Antifreeze methods only prevent the dirt from freezing when it gets wet from whatever.  This late in the season your best bet is probably the glycol or poly...glycol misting that Mallard referred to and I plan to give it a go for long hikes to cat sets.  Also, I would guess that the misting method would hold up under repeated freeze thaw cycles as long as no significant rain or snow melts diluted it.  I understand that it works very well; maybe Asa, T-man or Steph can reply with first hand knowledge.  

To make waxed dirt is fast and easy if you have a cement mixer and weed burner as per Red Fox.

[Asa Lenon]

I started out trapping using waxed paper.  Over they years i've tried about everything on top of the pan and underneath the pan.  None of the trial ways proved to be of any added value in my opinion so eventually I went back to good 'ol waxed paper from then on.  I cut my papers in advance, the right sizes for the traps i'll be usine, with a slit for the trap dog.  Both ends are  tucked under the trap jaws so no sand gets inside the jaws.  Waxed paper is clean, quick, proven and effective, I see no reason to change.  Ace