Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[yorkchick]

OK, now that the long story-telling compulsion is (temporarily) out of my system, I have questions for those of you who have used the Duke DP raccoon traps--I know Opa and Silly Chicken have, but anyone else feel free to jump in too. What hints do you have for me? What bait do you find works best? (I have barn cats so I am leaning toward marshmallows or something sweet that won't attract the cats, if you think that will work). How do you anchor the traps? Anything else that occurs to you? I did order the tool to help set the traps, and I know there are videos online, but there's nothing like the voice of experience! Thank you.

 

[NovaAman]

York, I stuffed some cooked chicken below the trigger, spooned in some jelly, anchored it good and caught a me a HUGE coon. Ok.. I think it was huge. Weighed a good 25#...

 

[yorkchick]

York, I stuffed some cooked chicken below the trigger, spooned in some jelly, anchored it good and caught a me a HUGE coon. Ok.. I think it was huge. Weighed a good 25#...

How did you anchor it?

 

[Opa]

Traps are expensive so you wouldn't want a coon to to run off with your trap attached to its leg. Most traps come with a short length of chain and you attach it to your anchor. I prefer using a spiral anchor that is used for dog tie out. You can be assured that your trap will be where you placed it when you go to check.

Checking the traps should be accomplished as so as there is enough daylight to do so. Allowing an animal to be in the trap any longer than necessary is cruel. I've trapped for years and have seen the unfortunate view of an animal chewing its leg off. I recently bought a couple of Coon Collector traps because of their claim that there product result in less trap stress. Most traps operate with a spring that closes with force. Coon Collector traps are similar to a Chinese finger trap. Their video of trapped coons show less trap circle which would imply less stress.

You don't have to worry about your family pets getting caught in dog proof style traps. They only work with an animal with the ability to grasp reaches inside the cylinder. I've found that for me sardines have been the most effective bait.

 

[NovaAman]

I used a an old metal sprinkler spike. The type that has that 8 inch spike on the bottom, and has the rod that stands 3 feet. All metal. Put the spike through the metal, then put a cinder block over that, with the sprinkler through the hole... Worked good.

 

[Amy PT]

Oh, Yorkchick, I'm sorry.

 

[snowflake]

Aw-some I LOVE THE SIGN, suppose the neighbors will object to that too You worked hard for that good job

 

[Scifisarah]

Not sure if this has been posted before, or is even already a Chickenstock event, but I had to share. I would love me a good game of "Chicken Poop Bingo" for some chicken schwag prizes.

We should of course feed the chicken during the game to keep things moving along and keep her happy...

 

[1muttsfan]

Yorkchick, so sorry to hear about your losses.

 

[Chambertin]

Anyone in the Saginaw area selling eggs?
I'm back in my hometown for a while and going through egg withdrawal.
Life without chickens is tough!

The stuff at the store cant begin to compare.