So, I've never trapped a thing - except my wife. She fell for my wiles and now she's stuck. But, that's not why we're here.
For a couple of years I've wanted to get into trapping, but I haven't been able to scrounge up the time, cash or information. Now, to get this out of the way; I still don't have much cash, but I have a near-endless supply of basic materials, and I have the time to invest in building/setting traps. Well, more building, less setting. As someone 100% new to the concept, I'm still a little...hesitant to work with foot traps because I don't want to put myself in a position to trap something I'm not after with a foot trap and have it wounded. I'm sure there are SOME first-time trappers that experience this, too (Maybe?).
That said, I'm attacking this new desire in two ways. One; get informed. I want to find out what I need to have re: licensing and whatnot for trapping. Also, I want to build my own trap that will let me release an animal I'm not after. This morning I mocked up a quick design that I need you guys to shoot holes in, if you don't mind.
The idea is to basically dig a box-sized hole, camo the box, and let the animal weight overcome the tension spring. The right-angle wall of the hole acts as the 'door' until I get there.
Is this more trouble than buying a trap? Yes, but it costs less. Is it probably less effective that foot traps/conibears? Definitely, but the theory would give me peace of mind while I learn.
Thoughts?
PS - looking at this design now that it's on a screen and not right in front of me, I realize that the 'open end' needs to be LESS than 90, rather than more, for the geometry to work right, I think.
So, I've never trapped a thing - except my wife. She fell for my wiles and now she's stuck. But, that's not why we're here.
For a couple of years I've wanted to get into trapping, but I haven't been able to scrounge up the time, cash or information. Now, to get this out of the way; I still don't have much cash, but I have a near-endless supply of basic materials, and I have the time to invest in building/setting traps. Well, more building, less setting. As someone 100% new to the concept, I'm still a little...hesitant to work with foot traps because I don't want to put myself in a position to trap something I'm not after with a foot trap and have it wounded. I'm sure there are SOME first-time trappers that experience this, too (Maybe?).
That said, I'm attacking this new desire in two ways. One; get informed. I want to find out what I need to have re: licensing and whatnot for trapping. Also, I want to build my own trap that will let me release an animal I'm not after. This morning I mocked up a quick design that I need you guys to shoot holes in, if you don't mind.
The idea is to basically dig a box-sized hole, camo the box, and let the animal weight overcome the tension spring. The right-angle wall of the hole acts as the 'door' until I get there.
Is this more trouble than buying a trap? Yes, but it costs less. Is it probably less effective that foot traps/conibears? Definitely, but the theory would give me peace of mind while I learn.
Thoughts?
PS - looking at this design now that it's on a screen and not right in front of me, I realize that the 'open end' needs to be LESS than 90, rather than more, for the geometry to work right, I think.
What are you trying to trap? A dog proof trap for coons is 15 or less. A lot less hassle. A lot less time consuming. And you can kind of be selective on what it catches by what bait you use. Plus if you catch something you don't want you can release it with not much harm to the animal.
For coyotes, good luck getting one to go in a box. I mean, I guess it could happen. I've seen coyotes in cage traps before. But I am skeptical about them getting into a box hole in the ground.
Modern, offset, two coil footholds aren't that expensive. Under 10 bucks. And you can release the animals with little damage as well when they're set up right.
If you're dead set on using a trap you construct there are better options. Look into those rabbit guillotine door traps and upscale it for coons, possums, skunks etc. plus with your setup you're relying on the dirt to hold the animal in place. Lots of these animals are diggers. They may just dig out.
I'm not trying to discourage you or rain on your idea. I've made box traps and it's really cool to catch something in a trap you construct yourself. But I think you're more likely to get something with modern equipment and with a lot less effort and that will keep you interested in the sport.
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