Things You'll Need:
- Trap Stakes Hammer
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Step 1
Determine the best location to set your trap. Entrances to burrows and dens are ideal due to the high volume of animal traffic. Observe your location for a day or two to make sure that there is enough prey to make placing your trap worthwhile.
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Step 2
Clear the area of debris. Tree limbs, rocks and excess dirt can shift and cause your trap to be sprung before you catch any prey. Keep excess tree limbs and grasses handy so you can replace them around the trap once it is set.
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Step 3
Set your trap in your chosen location and arm it. Conibear traps work by compressing prey between two large sets of bars controlled by large, heavy springs that squeeze the trap shut. Lay the trap down, open the jaws and arm it the safety until you get the trap staked down.
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Step 4
Drive one stake through each of the hooks mounted on the sides of the trap. The stakes will prevent prey from dragging your trap away once they are caught. Large wooden dowels or heavy metal stakes work well to secure your trap.
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Step 5
Replace the branches or grass around your trap to make it appear as undisturbed and natural as possible. Animals can be very skittish if they sense any changes in their environment, so making your trap as difficult to see as possible will help you catch more prey.
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Step 6
Remove the safety latch to complete the setup of your conibear trap. Use caution when unlatching the safety to prevent the trap from being deployed and causing injuries.
