Trapping tips 101...Part 1 Where do you start?

...with Ted Mitchell

SO, you are thinking of trying your hand at trapping? Well, I highly recommend it as not only a very useful tool for predator control work, but also as a great way to spend some leisurely time in the fresh air. But first, you will have to figure out what traps you will need.

Two at a time.

 Foothold traps come in many different sizes. These can vary in size from # 1 sized traps often used for rabbits, #1 ½ size traps for cats and fox, #2 size traps can be an intermediate trap, used for cats and foxes, and also for wild dogs/dingoes. #3 size and up to #5 are mainly used for wild dogs. Traps also come in different shapes and styles. They can be ‘long spring’ traps with single or double springs, or ‘coil spring’ traps, with either two coils or four. Some are ‘dog on’, and some are ‘dogless’.

As you can see, it is not always an easy decision for the beginner. So first things first. What is your main target animal? Wild dog, fox, or cat? Of course, if your target animal is one of the smaller animals, then a #1 ½ size trap will suffice. If you think you may want to one day move up to wild dogs, then may I suggest you go straight to a #3 sized trap, as the larger dimensions in both jaw width and pan size will make catches a little easier on the smaller critters anyway. The only real downside to this is that the actual larger size of the trap will sometimes make it a little harder to get it into a tighter spot.

Personally, I like the ‘coil spring’ models, and would always recommend the same to anyone wanting to buy their first traps. They are much more compact than the ‘long spring’ models, and are generally easier to set too.

A Jake trap by J.C. Connor, a great 'dogless' design

I also have a personal preference for a ‘dogless’ design for the trigger mechanism. To me it is just one less thing to worry about on the trapline, as a ‘dog’ or ‘tongue’ can get chewed up by captured animals and then needs some minor panel beating. This of course doesn’t happen very often, but it can. I still do own and use a lot of ‘dog on’ traps. The ‘dog’ of course, is the piece of metal that folds over and holds down the jaw when the trap is set. Its end fits into a notch in the ‘till’, which is on the rear part of the ‘pan’ or ‘plate’. It seems difficult to explain, but I’m sure you get the idea. We have all seen the old style rabbit traps and had a go at setting them.

Next time we will look at chain systems.

Click here if you want to try some of Ted's quality predator lures..