Best predator trapping tips

[JohnSouth22]

With trapping season coming to a end as season is about to open here in the south I thought I would compile some of the things I learned this year that has allowed me to be more effective, I am in no means a expert just posting what I've learned and wish I knew when I started. I have trapped 76 nest predators in 32 days and this is what I have learned
1. If trapping where there has been supplemental feed/corn during deer season. Most critters will eat up all of the corn on the ground before messing with the traps. When corn runs out they start to hit the traps a lot harder
2. Nest predators LOVE marshmallows. And as the season went on I would commonly find the critters picking out the marshmallows and leaving the cat food behind, this lead to a higher concentration of marshmallows as season went on
3. Tear a large marshmallow in half and stick it on the trigger prior to setting the trap. This gives a softer feel to the trigger and is probally the best tip for trapping more critters in general. I would also stick the other half of the large marshmallow on the mouth of the trap sticking out to spark curiosity.
Hope this helps someone that may be just now getting into trapping or just looking to up their numbers.

[ltprod]

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[Chris O]

With trapping season coming to a end as season is about to open here in the south I thought I would compile some of the things I learned this year that has allowed me to be more effective, I am in no means a expert just posting what I've learned and wish I knew when I started. I have trapped 76 nest predators in 32 days and this is what I have learned
1. If trapping where there has been supplemental feed/corn during deer season. Most critters will eat up all of the corn on the ground before messing with the traps. When corn runs out they start to hit the traps a lot harder
2. Nest predators LOVE marshmallows. And as the season went on I would commonly find the critters picking out the marshmallows and leaving the cat food behind, this lead to a higher concentration of marshmallows as season went on
3. Tear a large marshmallow in half and stick it on the trigger prior to setting the trap. This gives a softer feel to the trigger and is probally the best tip for trapping more critters in general. I would also stick the other half of the large marshmallow on the mouth of the trap sticking out to spark curiosity.
Hope this helps someone that may be just now getting into trapping or just looking to up their numbers.

Sounds like you did pretty well!!! Some guys I know put rubber hose over the dog of the dog proof so it feels more appealing to the coons , this might save you some marshmallows? One friend puts strawberry jelly on top of his marshmallow because sometimes multiple smells and tastes makes them work the trap harder when they get finicky.  On rainy days or if mice keep cleaning out your traps you can put a styrofoam cup or wrap tinfoil over the trap to keep your bait fresh. Just a couple of little tips that might help some people. I wish there was a better fur market because I really enjoy trapping also, good luck on your line


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[Parrot Head]

I save my bacon grease from Summer BLT's and put it in an old Ketchup bottle.   The then apply some bacon grease around top of DP trap.

[btomlin]

I split my marshmellows and put an envelope of cherry kool aid(dry) in the bag to coat.  I put 1 under the trigger before I set the trap and then add some fish flavored cat food.  I put the trap dead center of the trail.  Make them run their nose right into the smell and makes an easy snack.   I wouldn't compete with the food source they are heading to like a cornfield or the feeder you describe.  "Iowatrapper" on youtube has a nice series on raccoon trapping.  He catches around 1000 ringtails every year.

Coyote/cat trapping rule 1 for me- Location and set trap on sign.  Sign = Tracks or scat.  It's hard to catch what isn't there.  Rule 2: learn to bed a trap.  If the trap isn't bedded solid(moves/rocks under foot), you just as well not leave it there.  Bait/lure and flat, dirthole, etc set construction are all down the list from 1 & 2.