Random thought for small animal traps

I'm new here, and this is my first post, but it's something I do know about.

I have been using rat traps since the late 70's and they work great. One thing you want to do though is drill a small hole where the animal will be trapped and screw up from the bottom a very very pointy wood screw.

When the trap is tripped by anything larger than a squirrel, you will want to impale the animal onto that screw so it doesn't get away. You don't need much, but a 1/4'' or so sticking up will do the trick.

Also, when you set them, scrape the ground down to dirt in a five foot circle. It makes it very easy to find the trap and also makes the animal wonder what the hell is going on down there. Set the trap, baited with peanut butter and place it in the middle of the bare ground and you will catch a squirrel.

I have set five traps and filled them each twice in a day if there are squirrels around. It is a good idea to have the trap tied off in the event you catch anything larger than a squirrel.


I have also used this same trap set under water to trap fish. I screw the trap to a stick and set it on its side and bait it with crappie nibblets. Those babies are deadly. A fish will swim up and take the nibblet and the wire bale will slam the fish against the wood screw and hold it tight.

I like rat traps as they can be used a couple different ways. I have never had any luck snaring fish, but I have trapped them. ;)
 
If I carry a trap with me, it is a #110 conibear. it will take many kinds of small game. it can be set in many locations, including under water. you could possible catch fish with it. it also is very compact & lightweight.
 
I could totally see why having a Rat trap in your kit is a good idea. I enjoy making traps like the figure 4 and Pauite, but yes they need to be tweeked here and their to work. Most of the time you don't know what needs to be tweeked till the trap has failed...

Mr Pan, welcome to the forums and thanks for the info:thumbup:
 
Good ideas all, it is fun to improve skills and trapping interests me. However, I think it is a bit far fetched to think I am going to be lost in the woods long enough to have to rely on naturally occuring foods, game, fish, or plants. Barring a TEOTWAWKI type situation I am going to walk out long before starvation sets in. For the weight I would rather carry a couple of power bars. Chris
 
Neat post Mr. Pan, I like the idea of the fish trap & screw. Very creative.
 
QUOTE:" I have also used this same trap set under water to trap fish. I screw the trap to a stick and set it on its side and bait it with crappie nibblets. Those babies are deadly. A fish will swim up and take the nibblet and the wire bale will slam the fish against the wood screw and hold it tight."

That's a new one on me....great idea !!!!
 
Welcome to BladeForums MrPan. The idea of using rat traps is not new to me, but the screw idea is, and it's a good one. Thanks for that.

And canadiantrailman, thanks for bringing up the subject.

As far as Fig. 4's, L-7's, etc., I don't think making them is all that difficult, but perhaps, it's because I really love trap triggers.

Doc
 
MrPan
Welcome to the forums.
Thanks for sharing your great idea.
I look forward to trying the fish trap idea when I have the chance.
 
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