How to Build a Live Coon Trap
Using a deadfall-style live trap is an effective and low-cost method for trapping coons for their pelts or eliminating them as pests. The traps can be constructed quickly and easily with no cost for materials, and bait for raccoon usually is readily available.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 large stone
- 1 large metal wire basket
- 2 long sticks (approximately 1/3 longer than the length of the stone)
- 1 short stick
Instructions
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1
Determine where you are going to construct your deadfall trap to capture the raccoon. This should be a well-used or frequently used trail or area.
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2
Obtain your heavy metal cage along with the two long sticks and the short stick to be used for the trigger mechanism.
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3
Place your bait (peanut butter works well for raccoons) on one end of one of the long sticks.
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4
Place the wire basket bottom up with one end off the ground at an angle of approximately 45 degrees while propping the other long stick under the front edge. Place the stone on top of the balanced basket as a trapping weight.
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5
Rest the basket 2 or 3 inches down the trigger stick (the long stick with bait attached) just below the point that the other long stick is placed to support the weight of the basket and stone.
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6
Place the short stick at approximately the same angle as the longer support stick just above the bait on the long trigger stick.
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7
Now the weight of the stone and basket is eased into place and your trap is ready for action.
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Tips & Warnings
Deadfall-style traps are a very effective trapping method for small game, but make sure that you use this only in areas not frequented by house pets. Further eliminate the possibilities of catching the wrong prey by only placing this trap at night near where you have been seeing the raccoons.
