Modifications For Standard Havaharts (save time)

[Lollipop]

cmom sez, Some one was catching skunks and releasing them in my area. I caught and disposed of 13 skunks.

Now that`s a critter I haven`t had to deal with. Hope the seige has ended.......Pop

 

[AHappychick]

oh thanks for this post, gonna try that today too!

 

[Wolfwoman]

May I ask why you folks are using live traps rather than snares or conibears to kill instantly? Even with relocation most of those critters will come back. Besides, fox, bobcat, coon and skunk all make AWESOME fur hats

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
Snares are illegal in some areas, with padded leg hold's being the only thing you can use if at all. Live trapping also allows you to let your neighbors cat free, or even your own cat free. Not everyone lives where you can put out snares or instant kill devices when you don't live on a lot of land where you can be sure someone's kid won't get their leg broken.

Can't speak for everyone, but any target species trapped here doesn't exit alive, and I'm pretty sure that is the case for most, as catch and release just makes it darn near impossible to catch again.

 

[Wolfwoman]

Quote:
Snares are illegal in some areas, with padded leg hold's being the only thing you can use if at all. Live trapping also allows you to let your neighbors cat free, or even your own cat free. Not everyone lives where you can put out snares or instant kill devices when you don't live on a lot of land where you can be sure someone's kid won't get their leg broken.

Can't speak for everyone, but any target species trapped here doesn't exit alive, and I'm pretty sure that is the case for most, as catch and release just makes it darn near impossible to catch again.

Gotcha, makes sense. I don't live where I'd have to worry about the neighbor's cat, and anything getting into my birds WOULD be a target species, so I didn't think about that.

 

[calista]

Thanks so much for the excellent tips and the clear pictures. I'll be using your methods for sure!

 

[moetrout]

Leg hold traps rarely injure an animal. They could still be used where other animals may get caught. In fact I would bet a cat caught in one would surely keeps it's distance after that unpleasant experience. Leg holds would require a bit more trapping knowledge though. I am back to setting my trap on most nights. I have a really old and wiley coon I have been after since day one. He is trap smart and I'm pretty sure that's who is getting my marshmellow bait. I am going to try your technique tonight. Wish me luck!

 

[mickistoy]

i have been doing nuisance trapping for several years and have had to make a few adjustments. your modifications are mind blowing! my hat is off to you and thank you very much for posting!!!!!

 

[ivan3]

Wolfwoman wrote: May I ask why you folks are using live traps rather than snares or conibears to kill instantly? Even with relocation most of those critters will come back. Besides, fox, bobcat, coon and skunk all make AWESOME fur hats

I think I mentioned using cheap, underpowered, .22 ammo so as not to damage the trap. The last person to wear a raccoon hat, to good effect, that I know of, was Ben Franklin.

Look, what works just fine out here in sparsely populated ag/forest land, might not work as well in more populated areas where raccoons are inured to humans. In Columbia, MO. some went on a daytime schedule. A series of break-ins, of older homes, serving as student housing, initially blamed on a `bad element' that had a taste for Captain Crunch was eventually ID'ed by an officer that recognized the scat on a carpet. So, work your own flourish as the shape of your threat demands. Then post up some more modifications that will help me cut down the time and effort even further

Good luck!​

 

[Tracyfeltsmills]

I also bought a h& h trap and did catch a coon i think, but it apparently did'nt like it's accomadations coz it worked a hole in the end of trap and left. Needless to say 2 months later (this am) i belive i finally got him and he was forced to stay coz i covered the trap w\\ hardware cloth and attached cut up chicken wire and made every move it may want to make detramental to it's well being lol. So to my suprise he was sitting quietly w\
ot much room to move coz he was a big one, So i suggest trying that along w a tuna can only open half way fill w\\ bait and drizzle honey on it. If it's hard to get food out it springs easier. Was a good day