Trapping 2012

[T Bone]

I called in and killed two bobcats last December. $200-$300 each.

I went out this morning in the snow and tried to find some more. I've lost my bobcat mojo.

I'm tempted to get a few live-catch traps and specifically target bobcats.

 

[1_pointer]

I called in and killed two bobcats last December. $200-$300 each.

I went out this morning in the snow and tried to find some more. I've lost my bobcat mojo.

I'm tempted to get a few live-catch traps and specifically target bobcats.

Are live traps legal in CO? Not saying your doing anything wrong, just curious as I was under the impression that trapping was forboten in CO or maybe just on public lands??

 

[Dinkshooter]

Live traps are OK. Alot of guys get bobcats with them around here. You're never gonna get a coyote in one though!

 

[1_pointer]

Interesting and good to know. Thanks for the info.

 

[sbhooper]

Cat prices vary widely here. Right here by the house, I have never gotten more than $150. These river cats are not that great mostly.

Cage traps work well, but are big and hard to transport in quantity. The one good thing (if there is one) about Colorado and Arizona banning foot-hold traps on public land, is that it makes the calling better for cats. Without trappers, cats have pretty much free reign. Cats are easy to call, but you have to be on top of them. They don't generally respond from too far away.

They are sure exciting to trap and hunt, though.

 

[elkantlers]

Cat prices vary widely here. Right here by the house, I have never gotten more than $150. These river cats are not that great mostly.

Cage traps work well, but are big and hard to transport in quantity. The one good thing (if there is one) about Colorado and Arizona banning foot-hold traps on public land, is that it makes the calling better for cats. Without trappers, cats have pretty much free reign. Cats are easy to call, but you have to be on top of them. They don't generally respond from too far away.

They are sure exciting to trap and hunt, though.

THERE IS NO GOOD THING ABOUT BANNING FOOT HOLD TRAPS! Or any other limiting of trapping methods.

 

[174in]

Caught two mink today this one was caught in a baited box set I had been after him for about a week.He stole my bait 4 nights in a row so I made some adjustments to the setup and ended up getting him. The other mink I caught in a blind set.

 

[sbhooper]

THERE IS NO GOOD THING ABOUT BANNING FOOT HOLD TRAPS! Or any other limiting of trapping methods.

I agree, but it is what it is. When wildlife management is put to a public vote, the antis usually win. If the foot-hold traps are banned, you make the best of it. Buy some cage traps, or go calling. Be glad that you (and I ) live where we still have the freedom to trap.

I still think that it will be fun calling in an area where there are no trappers chasing the cats! Back in the high-dollar years of fur, there were guys in southern Az that were just absolutely wiping out the cats and grey fox in some areas. It really hurt the varmint hunting. Unfortunately, I'll bet that there were quite a few callers that voted to get rid of the traps, too. People with bird dogs have historically been somewhat against traps also. I have to admit that when I was heavy into the calling, I did not think too highly of some of the trappers that ran those areas. I always had plenty of coyotes to call, as those areas were litterally overrun with them. One trapper took over 80 coyotes out of an area that we used to quail hunt and call and did not even scratch them.

I never had the time or the desire to get into trapping until I moved back here to Nebraska. I had issues with problem beavers near my house and I could not find anyone willing to trap them. I did my homework and started beaver trapping and the rest is history.

Those are some great mink!!

 

[174in]

Trapping and trappers have been givin a bad rap from all sorts of people over the years. I try to adjust my trapping methods with the times to be as effective,humane,and also people friendly as possible. More trappers are doing the same. I use multible swivles on my leg hold traps to stop twist offs and paw damage when drowning isnt an option.I also use bodygrips over leg traps when I am able to.When I trap public ground I know others will be using the land also and some with pets I only water set or use dogproffs.I also always leave enough animals for seed unless its a nusance situation. I try to do my part to keep others happy and hope anyone else that traps does the same. And yes I snap my fingers several times a year out on the line so I know what it feels like when it happens (not nearly as painfull as one would think). I just love to get out in the fall and trap something about it relaxes me and I learn alot in the process.I am always exited for the next day to see what I have in the traps and I get to move around all day instead of sitting in one spot.Everyone should give it a try if they are able to its a great pastime. Anyway keep posting pictures if anyone has any of the past or present.

 

[174in]

The boy spent last night at grandma and grandpas place so I ran the line solo this morning at daybreak. Came out of the creek bottom heavy for the little bit of traps I have out.The rats are really prime and should bring top dollar.The bigger coon has a great hide also,the smaller one had a rubbed spot.

 

[174in]

Wet and rainy on the line this morning.Picked up a possum and another mink this morning.I caught this mink in a pocket set that was originally intended for mink but couldnt keep the coon and muskrats out of it.I must have finally thined down the coon in that spot.

 

[Z Barebow]

Thanks for your thread and posts 174!

I have always told myself if I could no longer physically bowhunt, I would trap. I trapped as a kid, but I sucked at it. It is a miracle I caught anything. But I caught a few critters which started a fire which has never gone away.

 

[Elkmagnet]

I dabble a little, thank for all of the posts 174.