controversial topics in older trapping book

[ratboy]

I would like opinions or even better actual experience on two subjects I found in a book on trapping. One was using rat traps for muskrats. I had heard about them for weasel. The other was using air guns for dispatching animals. The latter interest me as I most likely will be trapping in populous areas and want to keep a low profile. thanks

[Bogmaster]

 I remember reading about using rat traps on muskrats,body grippers or stoploss would be a better rat taker.I never even considered rat traps an option.
 I trap in some very heavily populated areas.Lot of public around.I dispatch my foothold caught muskrat and mink,with a 110 on a pole(my rat snapper) live coon are dispatched with a 160 on a pole. I never considered an air rifle as an option, still don't.
 Tom

[ken w.]

I have used rat traps for muskrats and for squirrels.I put a drywall screw up thru the bottom of the trap so it sticks up to catch the critter undernieth its jaw so they wont squirm out.I put the screw so it is just inside the wire and angled toward the dog.I haven't lost very many critters this way.