Author Topic: What do you use to keep dirt sets from freezing  (Read 388 times)

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Offline shotgunner

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What do you use to keep dirt sets from freezing
« on: November 09, 2004, 07:25:11 AM »
Here in North central PA we get a lot of melting and freezing. It is difficult to keep dirt sets working. I have tried several methods to keep traps from freezing without coming upon one I really like. What do you guys use?
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Offline Bogmaster

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What do you use to keep dirt sets from free
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2004, 10:20:02 AM »
Have you tried,propylene glycol mix,sprayed on sets?
 Tom
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Offline RdFx

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anti freeze
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2004, 11:58:18 AM »
You can use peatmoss,  or things that will cause yr traps to rust if not waxed or treated which are  salt and  calcium chloride.  It just depends on what you like or prefer to use  after using them for awhile and how much work you want to do with them.  Waxed dirt is my favorite when it is thawing and freezing constantly but that take preparation before season.

Offline jim-NE

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What do you use to keep dirt sets from free
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2004, 01:36:14 AM »
Next year I'm going to try the glycol...read that fox article in a recent Trapper & Predator caller on it and was intrigued.
This year, since I didn't have time nor $ to acquire any, I will be using my own tried and true method of a lot of hard work remaking sets when needed and carrying a couple ton of dry dirt, one gallon jug at a time.
When the ground is wet, and no forecast for rain or snow in next few days, I use plastic baggies and mash them into the bottom of the bed, then pour in the dry dirt on top. The plastic is a barrier to keep the saturated surrounding wet soil from soaking up into my dry dirt. It works for a few days, but then frost will eventually crust over the set and I remake it.
I set a lot in the shade, shadow side of bales, logs, fencerows, etc. to keep the sun from hitting sets, too. Keep dry dirt cold and it never has to go through freeze/thaw. Let it thaw or warm up and moisture in the air does its thing that night when things cool down.
Again, this isn't the most efficient way and is a lot of work but its cheap because all my dry dirt is free...save for my time put into sifting, putting it up in clean milk jugs, carrying it, etc. etc.