Trapping Thread 2025/2026

[Lostinthewoods]

I found a spot that looks really good for maybe a blind set of two. Possibly with a few strategic guides.
Maybe one blind set and something else? I have no idea. I’ll get creative.



I’m going to Florida this weekend to hunt deer and hogs, then I’m coming back and going crazy from Feb 10th until April 15th.

I was very encouraged when I counted nearly 40 hens on my big farm today as well as many flocks on all the others.

 

[Jbotto]

I have just been running a few 220 buckets lately. Slow going, but caught a good one today.

 

[sigpros]

Ice is thawing pretty good. Might be able to get some beaver sets in next weekend

 

[NoWiser]

Warming up here. Ordered a dozen more dogproofs. Time to hit the coons hard. They are everywhere, even after all I trapped last year. The kids and I have enjoyed snaring rabbits during the last couple weeks of cold weather. We have plenty for a big batch of stew.

 

[Nick87]

Warming up here. Ordered a dozen more dogproofs. Time to hit the coons hard. They are everywhere, even after all I trapped last year. The kids and I have enjoyed snaring rabbits during the last couple weeks of cold weather. We have plenty for a big batch of stew.

Wish we could run snares here. Would certainly make my time off on the coldest days of the year and the kids wanting to trap a little easier to make happen.

 

[Sask hunter]

One coyote in a snare that I forgot to take picture of. This was a cool find tho

 

[Jbotto]

Warming up here. Ordered a dozen more dogproofs. Time to hit the coons hard. They are everywhere, even after all I trapped last year. The kids and I have enjoyed snaring rabbits during the last couple weeks of cold weather. We have plenty for a big batch of stew.

Which DP’s did you order?

 

[Jbotto]

Wish we could run snares here. Would certainly make my time off on the coldest days of the year and the kids wanting to trap a little easier to make happen.

Dang, I forgot about how many states hate snaring. Man, snaring rabbits in the snow is so much fun. Snow, shelter belts, and brush piles make snaring rabbits almost like a grocery run!

 

[Nick87]

Dang, I forgot about how many states hate snaring. Man, snaring rabbits in the snow is so much fun. Snow, shelter belts, and brush piles make snaring rabbits almost like a grocery run!

Would be great on the creek bottoms for coyotes too here but its not allowed.

 

[NoWiser]

Which DP’s did you order?

I ordered Dukes. I’m happy with the ones I have and Scheels had them cheap with free shipping.

 

[NoWiser]

Dang, I forgot about how many states hate snaring. Man, snaring rabbits in the snow is so much fun. Snow, shelter belts, and brush piles make snaring rabbits almost like a grocery run!

I caught my dumb@$$ dog in one of my rabbit snares the other day. He was running and somehow centered his snout in a 3-4” loop set 2” off the ground. He was practically screaming (as much as a dog can with his mouth snared shut.). I walked over, called him some names, and freed him. Still don’t know how he pulled that off.

 

[Jbotto]

I ordered Dukes. I’m happy with the ones I have and Scheels had them cheap with free shipping.

I have about half Dukes, and half NO-BS. Haven’t even scratched the paint of the NO-BS DP’s yet. Dukes have been working good for me, though some of their chains/swivels seem weaker or thinner than should be. Those are pretty easy and cheap to replace though.

 

[shb]

Ok guys. What the &@$? is eating my pelts? I have the dry ones hanging in the rafters in like a mezzanine area. Jumped up there today to hang some more and found this. Mice? Suggestions for deterrence or better storage?

View attachment 400416

Tanned or raw?

 

[Hunting Wife]

Tanned or raw?

Still raw, just waiting for the last couple to dry so I can send to tannery.

 

[psinclair]

Still raw, just waiting for the last couple to dry so I can send to tannery.

Sounds like carpet beetles to me. Mice will usually crop the fur from the outside and pack it off for nesting. Beetles will work from the inside on the hide itself.

The best solution is after the pelts are dry is to get them in the freezer if you plan on carrying them over to the next season...

 

[Hunting Wife]

Sounds like carpet beetles to me. Mice will usually crop the fur from the outside and pack it off for nesting. Beetles will work from the inside on the hide itself.

The best solution is after the pelts are dry is to get them in the freezer if you plan on carrying them over to the next season...

Should I be able to see these beetles? What am I looking for?

And would it be worth freezing them for a bit before I send them in?

I appreciate the advice. Never encountered this before.

 

[psinclair]

Should I be able to see these beetles? What am I looking for?

And would it be worth freezing them for a bit before I send them in?

I appreciate the advice. Never encountered this before.

Carpet beetles will leave a shell as residue, usually on the inside of the hide. The hide will be perforated and thin, making the hair fall out.

Back when I was fur trapping, anything I carried over to the next season was put in the freezer before spring. I found out the hard way that leaving them stored in a cool, dry place was not the answer, even if they were hanging off the floor.

Defiantly freeze them if you have the space.

 

[shb]

Mice damage looks like baby lawnmowers on the fur, with the missing fur packed off.

Bugs will get in the leather leaving holes, and such.

 

[Hunting Wife]

Thanks @shb and @psinclair for the tips. Really appreciate it. Didn’t realize beetles could be an issue. It’s definitely the skin that’s disappearing, with the hair left behind. Checking them all now, and most of the damage is restricted to one or two hides. One in particular I can see/feel the thin skin in places. Will throw them in the freezer.

 

[shb]

At least it didn't happen to a $1600 dollar cat.

Ive seen that before.