TRAPPING TECHNIQUES
Setting a killing trap for beaver and river otter. Photo: Serge St-Hilaire.
As with all occupations involving the use of technology, trapping requires not only choosing the right trap, but also knowing how to use it. The following video library aims to make us all better trappers.
KEY FIC REPORTS
Coyote killing snare best design, February 2024
VIDEOS: AVOIDING CATCHES OF NON-TARGET SPECIES
The following videos were produced by the Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec, in collaboration with the Fur Institute of Canada. 2024.
Avoid snaring domestic animals and birds of prey
As birds of prey hunt by sight, trappers should ensure baits are not visible from the air. As for dogs, they tend to head straight for bait rather than circling it first like wild canids. We therefore recommend a snare configuration that lets dogs and birds of prey approach the bait directly, without passing snares.
Avoid capturing domestic animals and birds of prey in killing traps
Elevated traps cannot be reached by dogs, but take care to avoid catching birds of prey. If the trap is in a box or cage, fix the bait to wire mesh at the rear of the box so birds can eat it without entering. If the trap has no box, camouflage the bait with twigs so birds can’t see it. Ground killing trap sets commonly used for raccoon and fisher consist of an oblong box with a trap inside. To avoid catching dogs, add a removable extension of wire mesh at the front, with a flap to reduce the size of the entrance.
What to do in case of accidental capture of domestic animals
The best strategy depends on the type of trap and who is releasing the captured animal. Dog walkers should carry cable cutters for snares, and rope to release body-gripping killing traps. Foothold traps can be released just using hands or feet. However, if a trapper is releasing a dog, the dog may be aggressive, so special tools that most trappers carry may be needed.
Trapping selectively – capture gear
Trapping instructor Gaétan Fournier outlines factors that affect the risk of trapping non-target species. These include the time during the trapping season, the duration of trap sets, what attractants are used, and the type of trap used.
Avoid capturing non-target species – semi-aquatic furbearers
There are ways to avoid accidental catches when trapping beaver, muskrat, otter and mink . These include floating muskrat traps that won’t catch birds, the “bottom edge technique” and “trapping box technique” for mink and muskrat, trail sets, and underwater beaver sets.
Avoid capturing non-target species – restraining traps set on land
There are ways to maximise the selectivity of restraining traps on land. For foothold traps, among various important considerations are the attractant used, and pan tension. We also look at foot-encapsulating traps for raccoon, live-capture cages for raccoon and skunk, and restraining sets (foot snares) for black bear.
What to do if you accidentally capture a bird of prey
If a large raptor is accidentally caught in a snare, your first priority should be protecting yourself from the talons and beak. For this reason, trappers should carry thick leather gloves, spare socks and adhesive tape to fasten the socks over the talons, a blanket, and a transportation box with ventilation holes.
What to do if you accidentally capture a cervid
Cervids such as moose and deer can be accidentally caught by the foot or muzzle in neck snares set for canids and felids. Strategies to avoid this, while minimizing the risk of injury to the animal, include placing snares where cervids rarely travel, and using snare designs and components that make capture unlikely or that allow a cervid to release itself unharmed.
