First off, it is really tough for anyone to make an accurate judgement from one PIC. A fellow just can't tell if this is an isolated bluff or a side draw of a 10 mile canyon. An isolated bluff would be one dandy focal point to just about every critter and would, in my opinion, demand a more thorough coverage. On the other hand, a side canyon in 10 miles of bluffs would just be another location.
Secondly, the shear size of things is diffiuclt to tell from this PIC as are some of the details. I did mis-judge the Ponderosas on top they are much closer to 50 feet than 60. There is no real travel way to the top of this section, well none I could get through. As a matter of fact the idea of climbing to the top of those cliffs on a daily basis winds me!... let alone doing it 30 or 40 times a day. Now if a fellow could get around to the top, the upper rim should produce cats. It has been my expereince, however, that the bottoms of bluffs out produce the tops but that maybe just because I set alot more bottoms than tops.
Often, cats take awhile to "cycle" (sometimes not) and the weather becomes a major consideration for me. My soil types form froozen crusts, when wet, that can support the weight of a pussy footing cat. I have found that a highly contrasting color line can cause a cat to side step things guided or not and I always blend things to an even colour. Soooo, I like some potection...trees, alcoves, undercuts and I like all of these to face south west to boot.
With 10 inches of snow, at least in the desert, critters gravitate to those snow less spots, especially cats and the base of cliffs and those "under tree" locations seem to really pick up in terms of cat visits after a good snow. Also, there is a bigger demand for calories...and the prey seems to always be active in and about the boulders on the south facing sides. One last point 10 inches of snow makes climbing over and around those "rocks" a, how should I say, more arduent chore.
Then, the classic spots would be all those that have been mentioned by those who braved a post of their opinions above. And, are so for all the reasons stated. Top, bottom and any travel routes to the top or bottom along with, what Slim calls the "3/4 zone" If you look you can see the ledge running along the base of the "top" cliff...this would be a good location for those of you who are amoung the young and nibble. Also that alcove, center right is where I would expect to locate a toilet and the over hang would provide good protection for traps.
Traps vs snares...I'll hang snares every chance I get. I like to "cluster" my snares in an area covering every possible passage from bottom to top (if I can make the climbs that covering the entire line requires, and if the temps permit...gotta be cold to prevent greenies). Routinely, I'll hang obvious sites and make a couple of sets both for cats and coyotes (some of us who are working for the ranchers have to be concerned with the coyotes). On return trips I'll add and subtract as needed ending with only snares (I have no check on snares...all my snares have dispatch springs and BADS just in case).
At this particular location I tracked a Tom across the narrow of the mouth of this side canyon...right to the base of those two large center boulders after a 10 inch or so snow. Here are PICs from the base of the boulders:
The back drop of this PIC gives another view ot them thar cliffs :wink:
...a close up of the sage / passage
End result (first check...better lucky than smart)
I removed the snare from Mr. Tom and rehung it. Can you see it in the closeup photo?...neither did this Tom heh heh heh!
I trust everyone had fun doing this maybe we can get some more going...seems to be a good way to sharpen our thoughts and tactics. One last thought, a trap can be used ALMOST any place a snare can be hung.
Hope this helped some :wink:
