Only 1 Trap????

[Snow Walker]

If you could only carry 1 manufactured trap with you to help in food collection what would you carry? I say manufactured because I could still fish, hunt, and set primitve traps/snares.

My choice would be a 120 bodygripping trap also known as the connibear because of it's size. I would however prefer a slightly bigger 220, but it would be too big.

It can be set on logs that are downed over a creek, on the side of standing trees, in the water, on the ground, under the ice and it can also be rigged as a foothold if need be, but only in a survival situation.

It's size when folded up for carry is aprox. 5" x 51/2" and when in use (set) the opening is apro. 41/2" x 41/2" weighing aprox. 14oz.

Good for rabbits, mink, squirrel, muskrat, rats and some larger animals that have a longer body rather then a wider body. I trap Fisher with the bigger 220, but have caught them by accident in the 120.

[PT945]

I have never used anything but primitive or live traps, may look into the type you posted as a possible addition to my kit.

[Snow Walker]

I have never used anything but primitive or live traps, may look into the type you posted as a possible addition to my kit.

I really think you should check into these. They are cheap, don't need to be dyed (just let rust form on them to hide the shiny steel), pretty much impossible to break and they are very efficient at killing quickly rather then holding alive until you get there. They should still be tied or staked down. I just tie them off with heavy wire.

The best way to form rust on them is to wash them in the dishwasher and place them outside under some wet burlap or leaves and keep the covering wet. DO NOT WAX THESE TRAPS!!!!! IT IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE MISFIRES.

Here are a couple pictures of a Fisher and large Coon I caught in the next size up, the 220. As you can see they kill really quick by locking around the neck.

Now what I really need to do is work on my primitve trapping methods, it's an area I NEED to work on!

[hminus]

I never used the 220 or 120 for that matter. I used a Victor 110 Conibear and leg holds (single-double long springs, and coil spring traps).

Is the 120 the same as the 110 except for the extra spring?

[Snow Walker]

I never used the 220 or 120 for that matter. I used a Victor 110 Conibear and leg holds (single-double long springs, and coil spring traps).

Is the 120 the same as the 110 except for the extra spring?

Your exactly right hminus, it has an extra spring for a little more holding power and speed that's all. To be honest I forgot to mention they also have a size in between the 110's(120's) and the 220's. I think they are 160's with a 6"x6" opening if I'm not mistaken. I couldn't comment on these because I never used them.

Another advantage in having two springs is also for more stable setting.

[hminus]

ahhh.. good point.. I might have to get a coni or two.. All i keep in my pack is a dozen snares. One or two of the 120's won't be much of a load.

I haven't set a trap in over 20 years. I was into it big back in the 70's and early 80's.. fur prices were like silver prices are now. I could get 35-40 bucks for a good coon skin, more for a fox. Even possum was going for 6 or 8 bucks each..

I loved dirt hole and cubby sets.. FF&G was the best reading material around....

[Snow Walker]

Your right, the 220's could be packed easy enough and would offer a little more opportunity. Are you snares pre-made?

One of my favorite sets for fox was one 1.75 foothold with off-set jaws in a two dirt hole set or 2 1.75's and 1 dirt hole. All my Fisher sets are cubby sets.

[PT945]

Thank you for the info.

[Brother Bill]

This may sound a bit off but I have had luck with the large rat traps. I've taken rabbit,squirrel, possum and even a turtle. 4 traps are almost no weight and take up very little space. They're no good for anything larger but in a survival situation 4 small traps is better then none.

[Snow Walker]

This may sound a bit off but I have had luck with the large rat traps. I've taken rabbit,squirrel, possum and even a turtle. 4 traps are almost no weight and take up very little space. They're no good for anything larger but in a survival situation 4 small traps is better then none.

I don't think that sounds a bit off at all, there's no doubt your odds are increased with more traps. I like posting threads like this to hear what people have to say and get ideas myself. To be honest I have a few big rat traps myself.

Good point!

[Stitch]

I would carry a 100 yard spool of stainless steel fishing line for snares. That would be a lot of snares, not take up much space & be very lightweight.

[Curdog]

I would take a 220 bodygrip. Around here, I can keep a lot of meat coming in in the form of coons, possums, groundhogs, feral cats, etc. with this size.