How to Use Conibear Traps
Using Conibear, or body-grip-style traps, is a simple and effective way to trap muskrat, mink and weasel. The traps can be purchased at a reasonable cost at your local hardware store, or on the Internet, and other required items such as common tools and clothing can be found in the average garage. The only other things you need are a small stream, pond, or river and the landowner's permission.
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Things You'll Need
- 4-6 size 110-120 Conibear traps (depending on trap-line length) 4-6 trap tags Coil of 17-14 gauge carbon-steel high-tensile wire 4-6 metal stakes Large plastic bucket Hammer Adjustable wire pliers or side cuts Rubber gloves Rubber or waterproof boots
Instructions
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1
Write your name, address, and phone number on the trap tags and fasten them to the traps with a small wire or twist tie.
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2
Cut the coil of wire into 3- to 4-foot lengths. Attach one length on the end of each of the trap chains by looping through the last ring of chain. Use the adjustable pliers to twist the wire in the middle.
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3
Scout out the area where you will use the trap line to determine paths, trails and mud slides used by muskrats, minks and weasels; these are the areas you want to target with your traps.
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4
Place all of your traps, adjustable pliers, metal stakes, etc. in a plastic bucket. Wearing rubber gloves and boots, walk your trap line and start setting the traps by squeezing the handle, opening the jaws of the trap and placing the trigger mechanism to keep the jaws of the trap in the open position.
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Loop the wire around the tree root (if no trees are available, drive a metal stake into the ground and fasten the wire to the metal stake) closest to the slide or underwater hole and place trap in position. The trap should be placed to allow an animal to slide or swim through the trap jaws and release the trigger.
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Continue on the trap line until all traps are in place and ready for action.
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Proceed to trap-line area and check traps for activity. The wire will help you locate your traps and your soon-to-be-harvested pelts.
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Tips & Warnings
Trapping is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. Check the trapping regulations in your area for season opening and closing dates.
