Trap questions from a beginner

D

Duckgetter

New member
i have been looking at the different style traps and am wondering this:

in my state, #2's or 5.5" jaw spread you have to have offset jaws. would it be worth my while to use Dukes 1 3/4 non-offset traps for bobcat/fox? or would that be to small? ive heard of people using #2's and #3's for bobcats, but im on a bit of a budget!

and where is a good sight to buy traps and lures, and maybe a good book/dvd on trapping?

thanks alot guys!

-thomas
 
Also i might add this question

what are the basic i need to get started trapping?
i need traps and lures, but also do i need dye and wax and all the other stuff? i good starter list would be greatly appreciated!

-thanks

-tom
 
1.)i would say that all your traps need to have atleas 3 swivels in the chain if going after fox, and #2 offset bridger traps are a dang good trap.
2.)also you will need to get some was and dye. but dont get the speed dip.
3.)join http://huntinglonewolf.proboards.com/index.cgi you will learn alot of valuble imformation there.
4.)for bobcats get some straight castor from a guy named marty or huntinglone wolf on that website i just gave you, he sells it the cheapest.
5.)if going for grey fox get lots of bacon grease! you cant beat it. also check out some good mouse bait or fox gland lures.
6.)some pee is a good thing to have but you dont need to much.
7.)you should probally invest insome disposable stakes and skip the rebar stakes or get some good cat drags.
8.)you need to make a sifter (you can just staple some mesh wire to a frame) and a good trowel or small shovel and a hammer and a driver for the dispossible stakes is a must.
9.)replace all the factory chain on the traps with #2 straight link chains.
10.)Get everything through www.fntpost.com/ i think they are the easiest people around to do buisness with. and quick shipping

also dont stop asking questions. i learned alot of valuble imformation just from the first website i gave to you. I hope this helps and good luck!
 
thanks for the info on a good book and all the great info.

chain i can get at my local hardware store, and i was recommended to F&T a few days ago, and have been compiling my list on there. i will probably order tomarrow. i just want to make sure i have everything so i dont have to order again for a while ( save on shipping, which is getting crazy lately )

heres my partial list

#2 Duke Coil Spring Trap (Offset Jaws) - Dozen
O'Gorman's Long Distance Call Lure (2 oz.)
Marsyada's Beaver Castor Lure - 1 oz.
Standard Wood Sifter
Sleepy Creek Coil Spring Trap Setters
Propylene Glycol - Pint
Carman's Bobcat Gland Lure - 1 oz.
Bobcat Urine - Pint
Red Powder Logwood Trap Dye - 1 Bag
Pete Rickard's Odorless Trap Wax - 5 lb. Bar

i think that should be good, along with the before mentioned book.

-thanks again

-thomas
 
You need something to dig with such as a hammer or a trowel.

You need anchors - best bet is to go with super stakes.

You dont need so much lure - just one bottle is fine since you only have a dozen traps.

I would get bait as well.

I've read a ton of books but you will learn a heck of a lot more with a DVD. Since you are after cats I would recommend Bob Wendt On the Cat Line or his On the Fox Line DVD.

If you change your trap to the MB 550's you wont need to modify them - you can use them right out of the box (once you set pan tension and wax them)
 
the MB 550's were a bit out of my price range, but i conceded and ordered Bridger #2's with the Laminate kit, and the 4 spring kit. i also ordered some of those super stakes. i am anxious to see how they perform! they look to be alot better than my idea, which was some sharpened 2x2's about 30" long! i also ordered the 5lb of wax and a bag of dye, along with cat urine and some gland Lure.

i will probably be using my alice pack frame and/or a bucket with a organizer on it, untill i have the money for a trapper pack.

i will buy a trowel and anything else i need locally, hopefully.

thanks for the good advice.

-thomas
 
Last edited:
you can use any trap unmodified after you dye and wax em.
Also if you have sage brush around don't waste $$ on dye just put some sage in the boiling water and they come out nice and dark.
I know it don't sit well with some to use unmodified traps but I have done it for years. Plus until you get some experience you won't know which mods you really want on your line in your conditions.
I use a framing hammer for all my digging and pounding.
Rebar stakes work well also.
Just my $.02
I'm not a wizbang super gizmo high end trapper.
TS
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top