Trap types

[auscraft]

Trapping is a very controversial subject and is done for a variety of reasons, it is used for food or fur procurement and now more commonly it is done for wildlife management (pest control).

Trapping has become questionable, because of allegations of cruelty. Trapping by any method has a very negative public image and generally is disliked by all. All trapping should be done in accordance to state/federal and local regulations and laws. Not all traps listed here can be used in all States, Please check your own State laws to what traps can be used and laws that obtain to there use.

Trapping maybe safe and inexpensive but requires a lot of time and energy to be efficient. Trapping is regularly used for pest control in order to limit damage to households, food supplies, farming, wildlife, and property.
Currently most common type of traps used for mammals can be divided into five types: foothold traps, body grips, snares, cages, and glue traps.

Foothold traps
The foothold trap is made up of two jaws, one or two springs, and a trigger a round pan in the middle. It is the most commonly associated with trapping. The trap is triggered by pressure being added to the pan the trap closes around the foot, securing the animal from escaping. Lures/baits are used to position the animal, or the trap is set on an animal trail.
Modified traps are now available with offset jaws,or lamination, or both, both of which decrease pressure on the animals legs.Traps are also available with a padded jaw, which has rubber inserts inside thejaws to reduce animal injuries.
View attachment 12236View attachment 12237View attachment 12238Double long spring, long spring, coil spring with padded jaws

Body gripping/ Rat and mouse
Body-gripping traps are designed to kill animals quickly. They are often called "Conibear" traps. Animals that are caught squarely on the neck are killed quickly, and are not left to suffer orgiven a chance to escape.
It is extremely important the target animal is guided into the correct position before the trap is triggered. Lures and baits canbe used or traps may also be placed on an animal path to catch the animal as it passes including water ways.
View attachment 12235

Snares
Be aware, that snaring is illegal in most statesunder the various animal cruelty acts...
Snares are anchored cable or wire nooses set to catch wild animals commonly used for the capture and control of surplus furbearers, and, especially, for food collection.
Snares are one of the cheapest, simplest traps and are very effective. Snares are widely criticised by animal welfare groups for their alleged cruelty.
View attachment 12234

Cage traps (live traps)
Cage trap should be used with shade cloth to protect animal from heat.
Cage traps are used and designed to catch live animals in a cage. Cage traps usually have a trigger located in the back of the cage that causes a door to shut the closure of the doors and the falling of a lock mechanism prevent the animal from escaping by locking the door. Supporters of cage traps say that they are the most humane form of trapping, and in some countries are the only methods of trapping allowed.
View attachment 12233

Glue traps
I will not talk about these as mostly used for small animals like rats and mice, and my general opinions are not humane.

I will add there are traps for fishing yet to be discussed.

 

[Dusty Miller]

If you choose to use traps, they must be checked regularly, and not left set when you leave the area. Even humane cage traps can kill animals through thirst and heat stress if not checked before the heat of the day arrives.

 

[auscraft]

Good point DM
I will also say that the above statement is covered by the laws pertaining to trapping.
Another thing in reference to trapping laws by state, is there are also Federal and local laws (council/Shire) that need to checked and understood as well.

 

[Aussie123]

Thanks for the description of the traps.

 

[auscraft]

Live Traps/cages

Generally speaking when discussing these types of traps we think of pre built traps of different sizes and closure types, in order to trap a single animal, could also include spring nets. But live traps can include traps designed to capture many animals at a time and usually constructed in the field depending on the type of targeted species and the numbers that are in a area. To many these traps are seen as the most humane as well due to the fact you can release non targeted animals easily and safely also cause little stress and discomfort to the animal.
Below some pics of sizes from Pig to mouse cage in size
View attachment 12693View attachment 12694
Live traps have their own unique advantages and disadvantages like all trapping methods:
Advantages:
able to release animals unharmed.
can cause no pain/discomfort.
few tools required if any (site and animal dependant)
safe for user.
Disadvantages:
Size and weight (some may be collapsible)
more obvious to animals (harder to trap)
Does require bait and lures.
may require time to set and camouflage.(interfering with location)

Like other trapping methods basic skills are still required such as knowing where/how to set, scent control and targeting a species knowledge plays a big role in successful results. You still need to be aware and take steps against accidental release , animal well being while in trap and regular checking. Also Not species specific
View attachment 12695View attachment 12696Both of these caught in same trap 1 day apart
Common lock mechanisms in cage traps for mammals include:
Swing door with drop locks
View attachment 12697
Drop door
View attachment 12703 from google images
Internal drop door
View attachment 12694View attachment 12698
another type that I can think of which are used for small animals like rodents or birds a fish is the funnel type allowing an animal in but can't get out.
Below mouse cage and crab pots
View attachment 12699View attachment 12700View attachment 12701
In picking these traps some things to beware for is the quality of cage, the locking device, the size and how the activate. it is possible to get a cage that is almost perfect but will cost $$ where you can buy very good quality only needing a few simple modifications saving big$$, and can be also be made/modified to specific needs. As mentioned No trapping is target specific so you need to evaluate what other needs you may want in the use of the trap. For example you may buy a Rabbit sized trap that may be just right also to catch a cat which may mean you need to peg the trap down to prevent the cat tipping the cage and escaping also may cause injury, the other thing is your bait may get removed by another smaller animal like a rat is the wire close enough not to allow the rat to escape when triggered.
below a safety catch added to prevent door opening (the bent flat tin attached to top)
View attachment 12698
Already mentioned traps of this sought can be made to any size but can also be made from many materials as well.
This pic is of a pig trap only using a roll of wire and star pickets a re made door could be added
View attachment 12702 From google image
Some of the tools that maybe required would include:
cutting tool
Spade
hammer
stakes
And like all traps good sets of gloves for safety and scent control (two pairs)

I will post another thread later sets and setting the trap. Please return again as I still need to add pics and currently out of free time (tonight)