Attaching Trap Tags

Here's a tip for attaching your trap identification tags so that they won't fall off or get torn off by an angry 'coon.  A kindly old trapper taught me this little trick.

Curl up one of the ends of the copper trap tag using long-nosed pliers, like this:

Hook the curled end of the tag around a link of chain, like this:

 

Using your fingers, roll up the tag around the chain link:

Finally, once you've rolled it up as far as you can with your fingers, use your pliers to crimp down the end of the tag so it is rolled up tightly:

Then just boil your traps with the tags attached like this.  They will turn dark and blend in with the chain.

Simple Lure and Bait Holders

Randy from Elk City, Idaho, put together this well illustrated article on useful additions to your pack basket.  Randy is a professional hunting guide and trapper who spends a lot of time in the field.  Thanks, Randy, for sharing your insights! 

The Tele-Trap Notifier

We've come a long way in the technology we use on the trapline, and here's the latest example: the Tele-Trap Notifier.  It's basically a device that can be attached to any cage trap that will send a cell phone message to you when the trap is fired.  I don't think the average trapper will find much use for a device like this.  After all, walking your line in the early morning light to check your sets is half the fun of trapping (plus the fact that this sucker costs $350 a pop).  However, I can see how this device would be useful to professional ADC trappers.  It may save a lot on costly trips to visually check traps in remote locations, and time is money to the professional nuisance trapper.  I can also see how this device would benefit wildlife control companies that put out many traps in multiple locations throughout suburbia.  The device would seem limited to use on cage traps, too, although the manufacturers claim it can be used with foothold traps and conibears (I can't really see how that would work so well, but that's what they claim).  But cage traps, of course, are one of the main tools of nuisance trappers.  You won't see me giving up the pleasure of checking my traps, but I can see how this technology would be a great benefit in some situations.  You can check it out here.   

Dental Floss and Trapping

 by Tom Sabo in British Columbia

Dental floss is a very important trapping item for me. I do not go out on the line or work in the skinning shed without a roll or two. It is light, compact, and very strong for its size. I prefer the waxed variety as it is the easiest to work with. There are many uses for it on the line and in the workshop, such as sewing beaver and otter leg holes and accidental cuts in hides, hanging cat cubby set attractors and bait/lure holders as well as positioning snares.

Have you ever had a problem hanging large loop snares in the position desired, or have snares that want to twist on you? Dental floss provides a quick and efficient answer for these problems. Simply pull off an appropriate length for the situation, tie a half hitch around the snare loop in a suitable location, lift the snare into the desired position, then tie the other end of the floss to a bush, tree or tree limb. The dental floss looks like a spider web, is virtually invisible and will not alarm the animal you are trying to catch.

Before

After
The floss is highlighted between the red lines

Many trappers use mono-filament fishing line for various purposes on the trapline. I find that dental floss can be used for the same purposes, in most situations, and is, in my opinion, easier to work with than the fishing line. 

Making PVC Pipe Sets for Raccoons

by Hunter in Minnesota

Tools needed...Sawzall or hacksaw, hammer, drill, tape measure, sharpie, pliers and PVC piping with 90 degree angles.  All pics can be enlarged.

 
Take your measurement and mark you PVC were it is to be cut.  I cut mine so that the end you push into the ground is at a 45 degree angle.

I make two sizes: 12 inch for hard ground and 18 inches for soft ground.  Mark the tops of them with your sharpie if you wish.  I do so just to make sure I grab the right one when I'm in a hurry.

If you have problems with coon pulling them out you can drill a hole through the center and wire it off to a disposable stake and then drive into the ground. This really helps if you are trapping a river with a fast current where your pipe could float down stream.

And here is the trap placement in front of the baited pipe (trap would be under shallow water).

Homemade Earth Anchors

by Jeremy Fairchild from Millville, PA

I decided to try to make my own chain stakes and it turns out they were simple, yet worked great.  I used 3/8th black pipe cut on a 45 degree angle at 3" long.  I dropped a nut in the plugged end and filled it with weld to keep dirt from plugging up the end and causing my driver to stick
.
I bent my first link of #3 chain to nearly a 90 degree bend, tack welded it to the top front of the pipe, smacked it with a hammer to a true 90 when it was hot (so the link wouldn't crack), and fully welded the link to the pipe. This eliminates any need for drilling or using a rivet, a nut, or an S-hook. This connection is super strong and low profile. I really like it so far as they set everytime and hold like....well...a chain.

I welded a short piece of pipe with the same 45 degree cut to the end of my driver. The driver is 5/8" grade 8 all thread with the end ground down to fit inside the pipe.  This has been by far the best driver I've ever used. I usually go through at least 6 "cold rolled" drivers a season, but this one is still straight as an arrow after driving superstakes all last year. I beat the snot out of that driver. Find some grade 8 material and add a soft grade 5 nut to the top to wail on.

Pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them

I also thought of welding a fender washer to the bottom of the pipe for more holding power in soft ground or mud, but so far it has not been needed. It would sort of be like a finned stake.  You could also weld a nut to the back side for a retrieval boss.

Make Your Own Catch Pole

This is a helpful little video that gives step by step instructions on how to make a simple catch pole.  Just click the play button at the bottom and the movie will start.

Trapline Journal Software

Many trappers keep a journal because we like to keep track of our line, watch for patterns that emerge, and keep notes on what works and what doesn’t. If you want to take your trapline organization to the next level, Mark Alexander of Arkansas has come up with an innovative computer program called Trapline Journal. This software looks like it could be a great help to professional ADC trappers as well as weekend hobby trappers, and everyone in between who likes to run an organized, thought-out trapline.

Ruger Bearcat as a Trapline Gun

     A trusty firearm is an important tool on the trapline.  I rarely use a firearm for dispatch because there are other methods that do less damage to your catch and less to disturb your set area, but I still find a sidearm useful while trapping.  Some situations do call for a firearm to dispatch.  You may also have feral dogs in your area to worry about, and if you happen to be trapping during small game season you may find furry little targets of opportunity while you are checking your line.  Besides these uses, I think it's always just a good idea to have a sidearm while running your trapline.

     I have carried a Ruger Bearcat for the last few years and it has proven to be a reliable, lightweight, accurate little pistol.  If you are familiar with the Ruger Single-Six, just picture that pistol scaled down to about half size.  It has the same classic single-action design that is reminiscent of Remington Civil War era revolvers, with a one piece frame and a six shot cylinder.  The four inch barrel has a fixed sights, which some may find to be a drawback, but the gun is not meant to be a 50 yard tack driver.  My sights are dead on at 25 yards with certain types of .22 ammo, which took a bit of experimentation.  The gun is very lightweight but all steel and built sturdy.  You don't even notice it on your hip...speaking of which, Ruger also has an excellent leather belt holster made specifically for the Bearcat.

Durable?  I almost don't know how to describe it.  I've carried mine on my hip through swamps and snowstorms, and my kids and I have put untold thousands of rounds through it.  Still looks like new and works like a champ.  This little gun will do just about anything a trapper needs a gun to do.  Besides that, I'm just a sucker for the single-action style of revolver.  It's got class!

More info is available at this link.

Pack Basket Modifications

by Scott C. in Minnesota

Modifications include:
Hardwood runners on the bottom of basket for stabilization
Plywood piece on bottom of basket which reinforces the bottom of the basket
I filled in the holes in the bottom of the basket and drilled new ones on the opposite side.  If left unplugged the old holes will allow water to drain out and while carrying the basket it will result in wet pants
Bait containers made of PVC the size of normal 1 oz. lure jars were riveted on.  This keeps it organized and keeps everything from bouncing around and/or breaking
I also bolted on a section of PVC for my hammer
Those alligator style clips hold my gloves onto the side of th basket

Home-Made Trapper's Cap for MB Traps

Mark Earl from Michigan provided these pictures of the trapper's cap he made out of PVC pipe to fit the pan of an MB 650 trap.  I personally love using a trapper's cap as it enables you to pack dirt very tightly inside the jaws of the trap and eliminates the need for a pan cover (provided you are not dealing with freezing conditions).  I have only seen them marketed for #1.5, #1.75 and #2 sized traps.  It's probably only a matter of time before someone starts making them to fit the excellent MB traps, but until then Mr. Earl's innovation looks very promising.

As you can tell, the cap simply consists of a proper size piece of PVC pipe.  Mark adds, "You will notice the grooves cut into the PVC. I had to cut them so it would fit all the way down. When you get one and set it on the trap you will see what I mean. The corners of the pan and the dog are kind of in the way."

Thanks for this tip Mark.

The PogoStick Anchoring System

There are quite a few anchoring systems available to trappers these days.  I've been using the Berkshire stakes lately but have been considering others.  While researching a bit I found this demonstration of the PogoStick system which highlights some of its positive features.  You'll want to watch the video to the end where Dan Reich tethers a horse to the anchor, and tries to pull it up with a tractor!

Ron Marsh's Retrievable Cable Stake

review by CJ Williams

     A member of the Pennsylvania Trapper's Association, Ron Marsh, has started a small but innovative business in his hometown of Oil City, PA.  "Ron's Cable Shop" carries a full line of trapping equipment and also a few innovative tools which Ron invented, including the retrievable cable stake.  This caught my eye because, like most trappers, I find it a real pain to pull up cable stakes at the end of the season and end up leaving many of them, only to have to make dozens more for the following season.  This tool that Ron invented looks promising, and I plan to purchase one from him at the PA Trapper's convention in June.  I'll follow up on this post once I get some hands-on experience with Ron's invention, but in the meantime I thought I'd post this to get the word out, especially if you plan to go to PA's convention this month.  Here are a few pictures from Ron's website showing how his retrievable cable stake works, and his contact information is below.  I hope Ron will come along and make a few comments, too!

Ron's Cable Shop

11 South Park Avenue

Oil City, PA 16301

814-677-2564

Visit Ron's Website

Edited to add:  Ron got in touch with me to let me know that he has incorporated a few improvements to the retrievable cable stake:

"A change on the RCS this year is that 6" of chain is available on the load line. The anchor has changed from a washer to a solid disk. This was for uniformity from stake to stake.  The all cable version will still continue to be available."

While you're at Ron's website you'll also want to check out his J-hook tool, which he says has been his best selling item for a few years now.