cubbies vs. dirtholes

[michigan]

I have used both dirtholes and cubbies with 220's for years. This yr. I experimented with both in the same close proximity of each other (with-in feet) the results where in favor of the dirtholes. Seems a coon will pass up a baited cubbie to work the dirthole. Any of you have similar experiences before I throw out the cubbies (plastic square buckets.).

[clint]

I dont have enough experience with dirthole and cubbie's for coon to give you an answer. But thought i would bring it back to the top for you. TTT

Clint

[rascal (Joe Duncan)]

Mich;
  I can't speak about the conis since they are not legal here.  However, I do take a lot of coon in dirt holes.  Many are set for canine and a coon just can't seem to resist them.  I don't make a lot of cubbies because I did a little experimenting and it seems much quicker and easier just to set a dirt hole with the same results.  Plus, if I make the dirthole for a canine, I get double up chances.  If a coyote or grey fox gets there first, I may get it, if the coon gets there first, well, I am pretty sure it will be there when I check my traps tomorrow.

[RdFx]

They all work and some work better  than the other   possibly in an area where they have been over used improperly.....  I do find that  SOME coon will not work a cubby or box with conibear and that could be fm a bad experience of reaching in and getting whacked by conibear and then pulling out..... if conibear was a Belisle  he wouldnt have gotten away for example..... when i find  coon are going by or there hasnt been any action  i put in dirtholes NEXT to my cubbies and usually right  away i get LARGE coon..... Sometimes they just arent interested in bait or lure in  cubby also..... a change up of bait or lure  works wonders ...... Also in later part of season i find a canine gland lure works better on coon or if you can find or make yourself a coon gland lure that will work........  Use what works in yr area and always stay open to diff methods so you can   keep skinning fur.........

[Edge]

My experience was roughly the same as yours til I cut out the back of the square buckets and used cable ties to tie hardware cloth on the back of the bucket.Apparently being able to see thru the bucket alieves some apprehention on entering it.

Edge

PS I use the same buckets ffor fisher and marten(occaissionally cats.)

[rascal (Joe Duncan)]

RdFx;
  Totally right on about the canine gland lure on coon!  Most of the later season coon I get are on canine gland lure crossed up with a little something else I use :wink: .  Catch a lot of old big ridge running boar coon that way.  I also use a real "sweetie" sometimes just to mess with his head a little.

Edge;
  You mentioned the occasional cat with bucket.  Have been hearing a lot of talk here about the g-man trapper using buckets on cats.  He can use coni's where we can't.  Am told the buckets are working good for him on cat.  Wish I could find out firsthand. :roll:

[RdFx]

Cats and buckets go together......  i catch cats in same boxes i use for coon..  boxes are  9x9 x24 with 1/2 screen in back.... Last yr took a 34 lb female bobcat in one set for coon.....  i know some trappers that just use five gallon buckets or like in square.....  Have no trouble catching fisher in them also.... it works,,,, cat had to scrunch down and try crawling into box for sure.....

[Corey Hain]

Hey RDFX  do you ever notice any cats passing your buckets by?  I usually snag 10-12 cats per year in buckets, but i also notice that alot of cats are walking right by not even breaking stride.  I have also noticed that my gender % in buckets leans heavily towards toms 75%,  don't know why, toms braver more willing to stick their heads into the buckets?  What are you using for bait in your buckets?  I have tried about everything,  but the only bait i have consitant results with is beaver, i use a large piece usually 1/4 of a large beaver.  I also use a good skunky call lure outside the bucket, and a lure heavy on castor inside the bucket on the upper lip.  Sorry about the rambling, but i am addicted to those spotted kitties and love to ramble about them.  On a final note, just recieved my order from Asa yesterday, after work today plan on trying some of his famous bobcat all call with the dodo bird teeth in some dirtholes for cats.     Corey

[Asa Lenon]

From my experiences, it would be hard to find any set with as much consistent effectiveness on most any animal as a dirt hole set.  They offer natural appearance, set visibility, eye appeal and an animal has to work the set if he wants a closer examination of the lure or bait.  Even though coon and bobcats are not as wary as canines, there are still a certain percentage for some reason that won't be crouded into a bucket or cubby.  Crouding is one reason one will find a percentage of cats walking right by as though they didn't even see or smell the set.  I believe cat expert Slim Pedersen has pointed out the value of cubbies large enough so that a cat is able to turn around in them if they want more action at the cubby.  Crouding must be the reason, because as i've mentioned before, i've never seen evidence of a bobcat walking right by a dirt hole set of mine and i've harvested 800+ cats in my time.  Ace

[Edge]

Well Rascal,then you can come up HERE and get yourself a bucket full of kitty.I may have an occaissional refusal,but more likely than not,the cat will be in it the next check....PARTICULARLY if (and they usually are)my buckets are set near a big bait,bit only on the fringe;ie those wishing to dine alone(toms)have a quiet location to do so.Then,SNAPPO!
I'll be the first to say that if I had Asa's skills(which I DON'T)I would make a lot more dortholes than I do;its just bunches easier for me with the buckets;I don't generally allow myself a lot of time to clean up on cats,fisher and Marten;and during our season for fisher,we have lots of snow.

Edge

[rascal (Joe Duncan)]

Hey Edge;
  I might just have to take you up on that!  :lol:   As far as Ace's dirthole preference, well, I mostly agree.  I catch more cats in dirtholes than about any other set.  I guess that is because I like digging in dirt. :wink:  Actually, since I trap a lot for grey fox and coyote, the grey fox and cat dirtholes go hand in hand.  But I am going to answer another thread "favorite cat set", and my favorite will be different than a dirthole. It is just because of the ground and terrain that I prefer my favorite when possible.