Question on DP

[deerfever]

I am new to trapping and had a question. I run Dukes and caught several coons the last two years . I use mini marshmallows , just put some on the ground then load the trap. Here is my question, I have noticed something getting the Marshmallows , even the ones in the trap except the ones below the pull trigger. What would this be? It's almost like it's smart enough to avoid the ones that would pull the trigger? I thought about setting up a camera but just wondering if anyone had this happen or had a thought on what might be cleaning me out down to the trigger? Thanks

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I have caught several mice and tweety bird once. Possibly one of those. Typically when it is picked clean, I have found it to be beetles

 

[deerfever]

I have caught several mice and tweety bird once. Possibly one of those. Typically when it is picked clean, I have found it to be beetles

That is what's strange it just leaves 3 or 4 marshmallows that would make the trap go off. Found two of my traps that way this morning when I checked them.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

That is what's strange it just leaves 3 or 4 marshmallows that would make the trap go off. Found two of my traps that way this morning whan I checked them.

My guess is a tweety bird. Anything with a paw will grab and get caught. I'd say a bird got down as far as it could go with its beak. The one I caught must have grabbed the trigger, as he was face-down in it dead . I just remember looking at it thinking, "man, that's a terrible way to go"

 

[wildlifefarmer]

Load your DP and try a golf ball on top. This'll help protect from rain as well

 

[TnKen]

I use the golf ball on top as a bait protector and eye attraction. Sometimes squirrels will take the ball.

 

[Andy S.]

Put a camera on it. I keep one on mine from time to time. It's always fun to see what snoops around the trap while we are sleeping.

 

[Shanman]

I use to have mice and birds clean them out, but they never left any in the trap. So I switched up and started putting the large mellows below the trigger and rest on top and around the trap. Still odd they leave what's bellow your trigger. Could be a cat or grey fox, they scoop out the bait instead of grabbing it. If so, they probably hit the trigger with their paw and refuse to go below it. Try a big mellow below the trigger and nothing else, atleast at the sets they are already visiting. Never used the golf ball trick, but that's a fantastic idea.

 

[deerfever]

I left both traps as is and went back this morning hoping whatever would be hungry and have to reach on in to eat, but nothing. I left them and will run again before Church .I May re bait and hang a camera if I have nothing again. Thanks for all the insight and advice. I am very curious to figure out what's doing it.

 

[Shanman]

The game of trapping can be frustrating but like any outdoor adventure, it can be addictive. Have fun and Happy New Year!

 

[deerfever]

Plan worked had one reach in for the remainder at one trap, the other trap was the same . I have re baited and I will hang a camera when I get back to see what might be getting the bait and leaving the last few. I only put out 3 or 4 on the ground. I have no clue what some of these racoons are eating but they are healthy to say the least. Hopefully saving some turkeys in the future!

 

[drake799]

I personally watched a coon take all the marshmallows out of a trap without setting it off and simply walk off lol. Trap was set in my yard and coon came during broad daylight.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I personally watched a coon take all the marshmallows out of a trap without setting it off and simply walk off lol. Trap was set in my yard and coon came during broad daylight.

They can be tricksters. I had 3 freshly cleaned traps this morning that I loaded up Saturday afternoon. They hadn't been set off. Thought about setting a camera up over a few just to see what it was that cleaned it

 

[Remington700]

They can be tricksters. I had 3 freshly cleaned traps this morning that I loaded up Saturday afternoon. They hadn't been set off. Thought about setting a camera up over a few just to see what it was that cleaned it

Mice and birds will clean them out. That's why some people put golf balls on top. A coon will knock it off to get inside.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Mice and birds will clean them out. That's why some people put golf balls on top. A coon will knock it off to get inside.

I actually caught a mouse when checking the traps yesterday.

 

[hammer33]

I use those cheap paper cups that go on water dispensers. Bait trap, sprinkle a little extra around and put cup over the trap. Coons and possums will knock the cup off. Cheap, fast, biodegradable.

 

[TNJones4530]

I actually caught a mouse when checking the traps yesterday.

Definitely can and will catch skunks in them too.. I always knew that, but confirmed it when I had a skunk back to back nights

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Definitely can and will catch skunks in them too.. I always knew that, but confirmed it when I had a skunk back to back nights

Skunks seem to like sweets. I definitely get the pucker factor when I get too close to them without seeing them. I actually hate when they're in the traps. Even when shot, I'll go check other traps just to give him extra time . Just being around them I can smell myself for days

 

[double browtine]

I can't remember what kind I have, but the push/ pull dog proof traps work great. A mixture of lucky charms cereal and dry cat food works great!

 

[TNJones4530]

I can't remember what kind I have, but the push/ pull dog proof traps work great. A mixture of lucky charms cereal and dry cat food works great!

Z trap is the push pull one

 

[tellico4x4]

I can't remember what kind I have, but the push/ pull dog proof traps work great. A mixture of lucky charms cereal and dry cat food works great!

Had planned on buying some Z-traps(push/pull) and drug my feet on it. Looked around online yesterday & most are out of stock. The few I found were $25 ea!

 

[hammer33]

There are a bunch of videos on converting a pull only trap to push pull on youtube. My go to bait is the cheapest dry catfood I can find and a .87 cent packet of berry kool aid. The kool aid puts out a lot of fruity scent which helps the critter find the trap.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I've been putting out dry cat food and a mini marshmallow. This past run, it was dry cat food and a sliver of peanut butter on the pull lever. We shall see

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Had planned on buying some Z-traps(push/pull) and drug my feet on it. Looked around online yesterday & most are out of stock. The few I found were $25 ea!

I couldn't find any before Christmas. All sold out.

Question for the z-trap folks. I've always worried about catching a house cat. We have a few roaming around I'd prefer not to catch

 

[deerfever]

I have never caught a skunk and I am glad I haven't, Lol. I have only used mini marshmallows which seems to work well on racoons. The peanut butter on the lever sounds like a nice touch to attract some visitors and make them pull the lever for sure.

 

[Remington700]

I have never caught a skunk and I am glad I haven't, Lol. I have only used mini marshmallows which seems to work well on racoons. The peanut butter on the lever sounds like a nice touch to attract some visitors and make them pull the lever for sure.

Typically you won't catch many skunks or opossums if you don't use a fish type bait.

 

[TNJones4530]

Typically you won't catch many skunks or opossums if you don't use a fish type bait.

Marshmallows and cat treats caught me two skunks! Lol

 

[deerfever]

Typically you won't catch many skunks or opossums if you don't use a fish type bait.

Yep, I had read that somewhere before I started, I have caught a couple of possums with the Marshmallows. I had put some vanilla extract on that bunch don't know if that had anything to do with it or just coincidence.

 

[JhnDeereMan]

For the ones having trouble with critters getting away put these in the bottoms of your DP trap. It will greatly increase your catch numbers.

https://www.minntrapprod.com/mobile...it-One-Dozen-Per-Pack/productinfo/AGRABSHELL/

 

[tellico4x4]

Skunks seem to like sweets. I definitely get the pucker factor when I get too close to them without seeing them. I actually hate when they're in the traps. Even when shot, I'll go check other traps just to give him extra time . Just being around them I can smell myself for days

Shoot them thru the lungs & they can't spray