Bait Stealers

[Trapnstud]

Ive found the right bait and the right location. I have built little walls of sticks up on both sides of the trap to try to guide the coon in to the trap. But every morning i come back and my bait is gone but my trap isn't fired I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!!!!!! I am starting to get very frustrated. Any sugguestions?
Here is a picture of my set


-TrapnStud-

[Deadfall_Paul]

Just some suggestions without actually seeing the set-up or knowing conditions.

1. Is bait exposed or covered? Cover it.

2. You don't need walls to guide the coon. A few sticks stuck on an angle or upright in the mud will do.
Reverse the angle. Tighten up the front so he has to go over the trap.

3. From looking at your drawing I would offset the trap a little and GENTLY guide foot placement with a stick in the mud or rock or whatever.

4. Make sure the bait is back far enough that he doesn't just reach in and grab it. Better yet fasten it down if you can. The idea is to make him work for ir a bit. Keep him there and odds are he will eventually step in the trap.

Try an think like him. "NOW WHERE WOULD HE PUT HIS FEET IF I DID THIS OR THAT?" Pursuade him to do just that.

GOOD LUCK !

[Trapnstud]

Thanks paul,
I will go out and try to dig the whole deeper the is only about 8 inches back in the hole. I will also try to change the sticks around as you suggested

thanks

-Trapnstud-

[TimWilcox]

Good post Paul !!!

[Trapnstud]

I have made up the sets and this morning when i went and checked them all of my bait was gone and none of my traps were fired What should i do?

-trapnstud-

[Deadfall_Paul]

trapnstud It is very dificult to give advice from a distance.

I realize it must be extremely frustrating for you to find the bait gone all the time.

Other than being sure it is covered and is staked down some way I don't know what to tell you.

Maybe there is too much overhead room. ?

What do you think about pulling that set and making another in the same area?

Go to www.traps4kids.com/ and go to the archives and look up sets for coon.

You should find instructions to make a bank set there that will help you.

The main thing is Don't give up!!!! You CAN figure it out just take your time and THINK !

Wish you the best of luck.

[Trapnstud]

Paul i owe you great thanks. Even though your tips havent cought me a coon i am learning many things every time i talk to you. i will go to traps for kids but i think i got it figured out. I will go see in the morning i put more cover in the hole over the bait this time cuz when i checked it before school all the cover i had used was laying next to the hole. every time i dont catch one i leatn something new. I will get him eventually and thanks agina paul and everone else for all the advise this site has helped me an unbelivable amount.

Thank you,
-trapnstud-