Who has had traps stolen this year?

C

ColoradoHillBilly

New member
I went out this morning and found that apparently someone needed one of my homemade cage traps more than I did. I don't know if it had a cat in it or not, but in CO you need your name and contact info on your traps. I had mine on a copper name tag and those are easily removed. I don't know what else to do, the trap was not in a heavily traveled area but it was found and now has a new home. Is this common? I reported it to the Montrose DOW office and they said it is far from rare around here. A lot of people have traps taken each year. I use homemade cages, which has been recommended to upgrade to schroeder or camtrip to minimize losing cats, but then I would be out some expensive cages, and furthermore, the nicer stuff you have, the more people will try to take it.

I can replace the trap for $30-40 so it is not a huge loss but is there anyone who has "theft prevention" on their trap line?
 
Don't make them easy to get to. That's what I do, but I don't run cage traps, lol. Could be pretty tough to hide those, so try attaching a good anchor and cable. One that has to be Dug up.
 
I guess I look at it as the trap is replaceable for $30 and the stuff to ancor it would be worth $10-20. I guess I should buy some cable and locks to lock them down.
 
That sucks!! I've had animals stolen and shot in my traps but never had traps stolen, except for a few that the yotes wanted to take home and study.
 
I have had someone try to take 2 of my traps. One twice, I have anchors which has stopped the theft. You could maybe try and use a disposable anchor with cable attached to your cage. They would have to have cable cutters or a shovel to get the cage or trap out. The anchors cost less than a buck if you make them your self. There is a post on this thread on how to do it.
 
I figured on a lock, rebar, cable, and some cable ends. That was the best idea I had. I could chain them to a tree on some sets, others in the rocks aren't able to ancor w/ stake. Thanks and farewell from the great cage state Co
 
You do not have to have your traps marked in Colorado. But I do strictly for the reason of possible recover and having evidence that it is my trap. I use Berkshire disposable stakes or 1/8 cables around trees to minimize loss. I use the heavy S hooks that require a S-hook tool to open to attach to the trap. Most trap thieves are opportunists that will not work hard to steal a trap. I mark my traps with a welder or something that is hard to remove.
 
I thought I read that you had to have your name on your traps in CO. I will have to read agian. I hate to lose traps, but it is hard to justify cable, new tools, S hooks, locks, and so-on to save a $30 trap. Thanks though.
 
Berkshires with cables are less than $2 apiece, Heavy S hooks are way cheap and you can close them with Channel locks ( you just can not open them ) This is the least expensive alternative by far. You can stake or cable your traps for less than $4 apiece this way .
 
Its a Felony to mess with someones traps(i think). either way get your proof and put a end to this joker. The trap might only be $30 but bobcats are worth a lot more, and this guy needs to learn a lesson.
maybe set up trail camera or just camp out and get pictures of him in the act.
 
I found my trap and recovered it this morning. I turned him into [beeep] fish and game and they said that there was a small fine that wasn't worth imposing. I thought they would say that. My trap still had my name tag on it. The DOW or any law for that matter is pretty sorry around here. But I righted a wrong around here.
 
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