Novice has had a little luck

[tellico4x4]

First attempt at trapping in my 67 years this week. Put 5 DP's & 11 leg holds out Saturday. Nothing on Sunday; 1 possum, 3 skunks & 1 bobcat Monday; 2 coons & 1 skunk Tuesday; 1 skunk & 1 ? pulled out of one today. All skunks caught in leg holds which surprised me.
Questions:
With all the rain next couple of days will it be a total redo after it quits?
How long do you wait to relocate an unproductive set?
Not sure why I haven't caught a coyote yet. Dang sure have plenty. Have had this place for 20 years with extensive camera efforts, so all locations are known travel corridors...

Don't know who posted in the trapping forum recently about shooting skunks in the lungs, but Thank You!! Worked like a charm. If I hadn't read that I'd dang sure shot em in the head.

Also, don't know what I was thinking when I grabbed a gun out of safe to bring with me for dispatch. Brought a Belgium made Browning Automatic .22! Today's the first time it's been wet in 50+ years...stupid.

 

[tellico4x4]

Yeah, most of leg holds have long chains & drags. Friend already had most of the stuff. I contributed one DP that I'd bought years ago for a problem coon

 

[Smoke]

That's a heck of a way to start out! Love the cat.

 

[jman 125]

That is a darn sure pretty cat. That was me on the lung shots funny story on how i found out it works was my loving wife went for a head shot on a skunk in a cage trap and missed hitting the lungs and when i got home no smell so it was by accident i learned that little trick. Also on the coyotes catching skunks is a great way of having coyotes caught on next run they will check it out and work the set. We usually dont move sets till day 25 as we usually have really good results and as far as remakes after wet weather we usually dont have to unless it gets really cold but we wax our peat moss which helps a ton but in really wet locations we will remake
Good job and keep at it you will catch the coyotes soon
Another thing is coyotes are pairing up getting ready to breed it will be slow the next few weeks from our experience but usually picks up last week of February

 

[hammer33]

That is an outstanding trapline, especially for a rookie !!! Great job.

Don't worry, the coyotes will happen. A coyote can't step in a trap if there is already a critter in it. Thin out the varmints and that will leave the traps ready for when a yote comes through.

be sure to set the footies heavy on your best travel routes. With breeding season, you will have good chances for doubles.

 

[tellico4x4]

Finally!! + 2 more coons today.

Also, another novice question: Any concern about blood around the set?

 

[Shanman]

Good going brother, but watch out.....trapping is very addictive! Have fun and good job.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Doing great! Save some of the bigger cans of beans, peas, corn or whatever. Save the cans, rinse them out and set over the dp's. Keeps them dry and also raises their interest because they are shiny. Also make sure there is nothing they can grab in reach. Some of those boars can pull out if they have something to grab onto. Could even be some greenbrier. Keep it going! Best of luck!

 

[tellico4x4]

Good going brother, but watch out.....trapping is very addictive! Have fun and good job.

Thanks, it is fun. Gives an old man something to do as well!

 

[Shanman]

Thanks, it is fun. Gives an old man something to do as well!

It's a very proactive way to spend time outdoors and your turkeys will thank you, glad you're giving it a shot.

 

[Speedwell-Hunter]

Phenomenal catch

 

[tellico4x4]

Blind hog still finding a few acorns.

 

[hammer33]

dude! You are no novice anymore! Great catches.