Trapping Technicals

Identify a natural pinch point, narrow runway, or trail where animal travel is constricted.
Bed the trap firmly in the path without using any bait or lure.
Ensure the trap is set so the animal steps on it during its habitual movement.

Locate a spot where a vertical bank meets the stream bed underwater.
Place a body-grip trap firmly on the bottom against that wall.
Intercept muskrats, mink, or beaver as they hug the corner while swimming.

Find a natural travel way or "crawl-hole" under a fence.
Suspend a specialized regulated cable loop at the correct head-height for the target canine.
Ensure the loop is positioned so the animal passes through it.

Pile a mound of mud and peeled sticks on the bank at the water's edge.
Saturate the mound with castor lure.
Place a large trap in the water in the direct approach path where the beaver will put its feet down.

Build a three-sided enclosure using rocks, logs, or evergreen boughs in the deep woods.
Place bait or lure at the very back of the enclosure.
Set the trap at the entrance so the animal must step on it to reach the food.

Dig a small, 2-to-4-inch diameter hole into the ground at a 45-degree angle to mimic a food cache.
Place bait or lure inside the hole.
Bed a concealed trap 6 to 9 inches in front of the hole.

Place a visual or olfactory "scent post" like a bleached bone or tuft of fur on flat ground.
Bed and conceal a trap nearby.
Catch wary animals investigating the smell without the suspicion caused by a hole.

Use an existing floating log or a small raft.
Cut a shallow notch into the wood.
Bed a trap into the notch where muskrats or raccoon are likely to climb up to rest or feed.

Find a fallen log that spans a creek and acts as a natural bridge.
Bed a trap into the top surface of the log or at one of the ends.
Catch furbearers crossing the water on the log.

Dig a hole approximately 10 to 12 inches deep into the stream bank right at the water line.
Place bait or lure at the back of the "pocket."
Set a trap underwater at the entrance of the hole.

Secure a pole so it leans at an angle against a tree.
Attach a trap and bait to the top surface of the pole several feet off the ground.
Target climbing species while avoiding non-target catches or deep snow.

Select a prominent vertical object like a stump or clump of grass.
Treat the object with a territorial gland lure.
Bed a concealed trap at the base where a predator would stand to mark the spot.

Identify a "slide" where animals consistently enter or exit the water.
Place a foothold trap directly in the center of the path where the animal's feet hit the bottom.
Use a submersion wire to ensure a quick, ethical catch.

Locate a small spring or tributary that stays ice-free during winter.
Bed a trap in the shallow water at the confluence.
Catch predators attracted to the open water and potential prey.