Trapping in TN

[m411b]

Any trappers here? Got a couple questions. I figure since we cant hunt them in the dark, I'm gonna set some traps that will hunt in the dark for me - LEGALLY! The laws are pretty vague to say the least and was hoping there were a few trappers here to help me out a little.
I plan on using Bridger #3 4 coil traps. My questions are if there are any other things I absolutely need to know about the traps before I put in a dozen or so sets. I know some states require laminated jaws and such. But the TWRA site doesn't specify and I cannot seem to find it anywhere.

Help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Diehard Hunter]

What are you trapping?

 

[8 POINTS OR BETTER]

If you set them on land they need to have the rubber jaws on them. Or you can use them in water sets without the rubber jaws. Get a copy of the hunting and trapping guide.

 

[pressfit]

I'm a lifetime member of the Tennessee Fur Harversters.. like he said.. on top of the ground they will need to be rubber jawed..

 

[m411b]

Yeah I've got the rubber jaws installed on them.

@ 8 Points or Better - Like I have stated in my OP, the guide and TWRA's site are both VERY vague on what is required, hence posting a thread here to get what I need from those that have actually trapped in TN, and that are most likely going to know what is required.

There are two traps specified in the guide:
Legal Traps & Specific Regulations

Steel leg-hold traps -
Leg-hold traps that have an outside measure of jaw spread that is 9 inches or less, as measured at the widest point, are legal. These must be placed at least 12 inches inside the entrance to a burrow or hole except in the case of a water set. Water sets are defined as traps set in water adjacent to and part of streams, ponds, lakes, wetlands or other water courses, and include floating sets.

Cushion-hold traps -
Cushion-hold trap means a commercially available springloaded trap with offset jaws designed to capture an animal by closing upon one (1) of its legs and that is so constructed that the edges designed to touch the animal are composed of nonmetallic pads that eliminates or mitigates injury to the trapped animal. Cushion-hold traps that have an outside measurement that is 9 inches or less, as measured at the widest point, are legal. Cushion-hold traps are the only steel traps legal for trapping in the open and on top of the ground provided that the trapper
has specific written permission from the landowner to trap.

Both of these are legal according to the guide. Same trap except for offset jaws, but the cushion trap has rubber jaws. The other does not, so what I am reading tells me I can use with or without rubber pads, correct?

Also, what I do not see in the guide specifically is whether or not I can legally bait a coyote.

I see this:
5. No person shall make use of bait to take
wildlife unless the bait has been removed
at least 10 days prior to hunting.

But that does not specify for what exactly or if is for everything. I completely understand baiting for deer or other big game is illegal, but what about coyote? Can we lure them if not bait them?

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[8 POINTS OR BETTER]

If the trap does not have the rubber jaws it must be set in water or 12 inches inside a hole.

 

[m411b]

If the trap does not have the rubber jaws it must be set in water or 12 inches inside a hole.

Ya know, sometimes I need to slow the hell down and read. :grin:
Thanks 8 POINTS OR BETTER

Anything on baiting/luring? Is it the same for yotes as it is for deer? Can I use lures but not bait?

 

[m411b]

I just spoke with TWRA Law Enforcement over the phone. According to them, we CAN legally use a dead rabbit to attract coyote to a trap set.