Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: slyder06]
#1331121
05/04/09 01:43 PM
05/04/09 01:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488 Northwestern New York(Elder)
Jonathan
"Wilson"
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"Wilson"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488
Northwestern New York(Elder)
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They often do not work in some habitats on a regional basis, even when there is a reasonably abundant muskrat population in evidence - for reasons unknown.
Floats are normally used in the fall before ice up when muskrats are searching for and banking food for the winter. At this time of the year, they do not have to do that as the native vegetation is probably sprouting up all over the place for them to satisfy their dietary requirements.
Do you have a photo of the floats that you are using? Where are you placing them, and what are you using for bait and/or lure?
Is this an ADC job?
Jonathan
Camera Gear: Canon EOS 7D-MK-II, Canon EF-S 10-22mm, EF 28-135mm, EF 100-400mm and EF 400mm lenses.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: slyder06]
#1331131
05/04/09 01:54 PM
05/04/09 01:54 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,141 tornado alley, Okla
leo23
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,141
tornado alley, Okla
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ihad them out most of season Where i am located the lake doesn't freeze up real fast. They are just wooden floats like any others I used carrots with anise oil. I place them off of steep undercut banks in deep water. I know there are dens there Isaw the rats go under and disappear. Look around and see if you can find where they are exiting the water and put your float maybe 10 feet or so out from the bank to give them a purch to sit on and look the bank over before they exit the water, also if it is that close to the bank they might take your groceries for a cheap quick meal, you might also try some of the vittles they been feeding on in the general area, thats all i got for you. good luck
Please BAN THE ANTIS
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1331217
05/04/09 03:36 PM
05/04/09 03:36 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 800 NW Ohio 43551
BuckeyeRaTrapin'
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 800
NW Ohio 43551
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Smear a blob of fresh mud on the float. They are supposed to go nuts over the smell of fresh mud thinking another rat is in the area or building something. I think it's called sign trapping. I know it works in the marshes and on creek banks..Ask "CJ trapping"..
Todd '08/'09 Totals 1 Skunk 2 Coon 40 'Rats
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: BuckeyeRaTrapin']
#1331249
05/04/09 04:01 PM
05/04/09 04:01 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,079 Wisconsin
Blackdog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,079
Wisconsin
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I learned not to put all my eggs in the "float basket"
Just ask your mommy...
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Blackdog]
#1331254
05/04/09 04:04 PM
05/04/09 04:04 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,145 NE Iowa
trapperray
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,145
NE Iowa
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Be careful using corn, as it will attract waterfowl, which when caught attracts DNR personnal and their ticket books.
May your fur be prime.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: BuckeyeRaTrapin']
#1331286
05/04/09 04:34 PM
05/04/09 04:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548 Cleveland IL
muddyriverdogz
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548
Cleveland IL
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You cant get a ticket for catching waterfowl in a trap no more than you could get a ticket for catching an otter or a wolf in one.It just has to be released.
You only live once, so get over it!
Tactics may change but the goal remains the same.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1331294
05/04/09 04:40 PM
05/04/09 04:40 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,079 Wisconsin
Blackdog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,079
Wisconsin
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You cant get a ticket for catching waterfowl in a trap no more than you could get a ticket for catching an otter or a wolf in one.It just has to be released. I think its more of a question of ethics.
Just ask your mommy...
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Blackdog]
#1331306
05/04/09 04:55 PM
05/04/09 04:55 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488 Northwestern New York(Elder)
Jonathan
"Wilson"
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"Wilson"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488
Northwestern New York(Elder)
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In a similar train of thought, I call it routine Preventative Maintenance - why set yourself up for clutter by inviting undesirable incidentals other than the target species?
Jonathan
Camera Gear: Canon EOS 7D-MK-II, Canon EF-S 10-22mm, EF 28-135mm, EF 100-400mm and EF 400mm lenses.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Jonathan]
#1331320
05/04/09 05:09 PM
05/04/09 05:09 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548 Cleveland IL
muddyriverdogz
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548
Cleveland IL
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I use theose floats by the hundreds and catch very few waterfowl and i use corn.If you use a little 1 long spring larger ducks are unscaved by the incident.
I here all these people on here using larger traps to drown the rat faster,wheres your Ethics comments to that,These floats target Rats.Every time you set any trap you could say you are inviting incidentals because there is always a chance it could happen.
You only live once, so get over it!
Tactics may change but the goal remains the same.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1331508
05/04/09 07:13 PM
05/04/09 07:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 435 Michigan
BudtheTrapMan
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 435
Michigan
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You cant get a ticket for catching waterfowl in a trap no more than you could get a ticket for catching an otter or a wolf in one.It just has to be released. I believe in MI and dont quote me it states you cant have "visible bait" now while I have to dig the book back out and read for sure. I believe it was meant for meat baits to keep hawks and etc. away but im sure its the same principle for corn with ducks.
"Solitude shows us what should be, society has shown us what we are"...Robert Cecil
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1331517
05/04/09 07:22 PM
05/04/09 07:22 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,079 Wisconsin
Blackdog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,079
Wisconsin
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I use theose floats by the hundreds and catch very few waterfowl and i use corn. A little hardware cloth and very few could become none. I here all these people on here using larger traps to drown the rat faster,wheres your Ethics comments to that, Drowning faster is better ethics. Every time you set any trap you could say you are inviting incidentals because there is always a chance it could happen. Thats is true. BUT we can do our part and try to minimize them to the best of our abilities.
Just ask your mommy...
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1332049
05/05/09 08:04 AM
05/05/09 08:04 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592
Northern Maine
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I here all these people on here using larger traps to drown the rat faster,wheres your Ethics comments to that The muskrat drowns quicker with the heavier trap.
Nevada bound
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Bruce T]
#1332050
05/05/09 08:06 AM
05/05/09 08:06 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592
Northern Maine
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I also had the most luck using floats during the spring muskrat trapping season during breeding season.Never had much luck in the fall muskrat trapping seasons with floats.
Nevada bound
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: BBLWI 2]
#1332228
05/05/09 11:15 AM
05/05/09 11:15 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548 Cleveland IL
muddyriverdogz
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548
Cleveland IL
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Drowning faster is better Ethics
I think the point is to have a live Duck so it can be released...
You only live once, so get over it!
Tactics may change but the goal remains the same.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1332235
05/05/09 11:20 AM
05/05/09 11:20 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,649 Portsmouth Va.
aprophet
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,649
Portsmouth Va.
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Drowning faster is better Ethics
I think the point is to have a live Duck so it can be released... I think the point is to have 0 ducks
I TRAP PETA'S FRONT PORCH
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: aprophet]
#1332239
05/05/09 11:24 AM
05/05/09 11:24 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548 Cleveland IL
muddyriverdogz
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548
Cleveland IL
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Do you guys realy trap?
You set here nocking a float with your opinion with no real evidence to what you are saying......Good luck with that...
You only live once, so get over it!
Tactics may change but the goal remains the same.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1332241
05/05/09 11:26 AM
05/05/09 11:26 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592
Northern Maine
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Do you guys realy trap?
You set here nocking a float with your opinion with no real evidence to what you are saying......Good luck with that... Let me put it to you this way.I don't catch ducks and I want to drown my rats as fast as possible.
Nevada bound
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: ]
#1332253
05/05/09 11:36 AM
05/05/09 11:36 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592
Northern Maine
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Who wants to haul around a bunch of floats? Keep it simple and set 110's and stoploss - that's been my muskrat gear for years. Been doing that for alot of years with great results.
Nevada bound
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Bruce T]
#1332269
05/05/09 11:54 AM
05/05/09 11:54 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,895 Oakland, MS
Drifter
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,895
Oakland, MS
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Originally Posted By: City Slicker Who wants to haul around a bunch of floats? Keep it simple and set 110's and stoploss - that's been my muskrat gear for years.
Been doing that for alot of years with great results. Remember folks not ALL LOCATIONS and ALL STYLES work the same in all areas of the country. When we had rat numbers back in the 60s and 70s in this area floats shined . Some had stash spots they kept them at for years . Some conditions 110s in runs wasn't an option . I have taken beaver on floats before too so anchor your traps well . Match the hatch an old fishing bit of wisdom also works for trapping . I tried floats with corn in the river one year the rats hadn't seen corn before I guess but the beaver had . Drifter
Some individuals use statistics as a drunk man uses lamp-posts — for support rather than for illumination.
Andrew Lang (1844-1912) Scottish poet, novelist and literary critic
Life member NTA , and GA Trappers assoc .
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Drifter]
#1332274
05/05/09 12:00 PM
05/05/09 12:00 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592
Northern Maine
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Originally Posted By: City Slicker Who wants to haul around a bunch of floats? Keep it simple and set 110's and stoploss - that's been my muskrat gear for years.
Been doing that for alot of years with great results. Remember folks not ALL LOCATIONS and ALL STYLES work the same in all areas of the country. When we had rat numbers back in the 60s and 70s in this area floats shined . Some had stash spots they kept them at for years . Some conditions 110s in runs wasn't an option Drifter Might be, but around here I love it when my competition uses floats for the majority of his trapping for muskrats.
Nevada bound
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: ]
#1332275
05/05/09 12:02 PM
05/05/09 12:02 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,649 Portsmouth Va.
aprophet
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,649
Portsmouth Va.
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Who wants to haul around a bunch of floats? Keep it simple and set 110's and stoploss - that's been my muskrat gear for years. I live on the ICW I use a mix of floats and conis alot of what I trap is tidal at low tide I dont like stop loss I have quiet a few sloughs the floats work well on the larger foot holds the 1 1/2 long spring work good for me. I just tried corn one year I did,nt like catching nontargets greenheads and mergansers mostly I just don,t use it as a bait. I always thought merganser only ate fish/minnows maybe it was the color .??
I TRAP PETA'S FRONT PORCH
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1348186
05/18/09 12:51 PM
05/18/09 12:51 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,079 Wisconsin
Blackdog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,079
Wisconsin
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Do you guys realy trap?
You set here nocking a float with your opinion with no real evidence to what you are saying......Good luck with that... coon-38 rats-46 beaver-1 blanket beaver-4 mink-3 coyote-3 fox-0 grinners-1 With that total, Do YOU really trap?
Just ask your mommy...
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Blackdog]
#1348553
05/18/09 07:15 PM
05/18/09 07:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592
Northern Maine
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Do you guys realy trap?
You set here nocking a float with your opinion with no real evidence to what you are saying......Good luck with that... coon-38 rats-46 beaver-1 blanket beaver-4 mink-3 coyote-3 fox-0 grinners-1 With that total, Do YOU really trap? No,we don't trap at all.We catch them with our bare hands muddyriverdodz.
Nevada bound
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: crazy Eddy]
#1348969
05/18/09 11:56 PM
05/18/09 11:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488 Northwestern New York(Elder)
Jonathan
"Wilson"
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"Wilson"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488
Northwestern New York(Elder)
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Slyder06, All floats are not created equally, even if "just wood." The designs and function vary considerably. Have you seen this thread before: Muskrat Floats: An OverviewYou may get some better ideas for construction of them from here that might be more suitable for your conditions. Just a thought. Jonathan
Camera Gear: Canon EOS 7D-MK-II, Canon EF-S 10-22mm, EF 28-135mm, EF 100-400mm and EF 400mm lenses.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Blackdog]
#1359443
05/27/09 09:06 PM
05/27/09 09:06 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 56 Eastern, NC, USA
jhenney
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 56
Eastern, NC, USA
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Do you guys realy trap?
You set here nocking a float with your opinion with no real evidence to what you are saying......Good luck with that... coon-38 rats-46 beaver-1 blanket beaver-4 mink-3 coyote-3 fox-0 grinners-1 With that total, Do YOU really trap? now that's funny. Good one Blackdog
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: ]
#1359716
05/27/09 11:57 PM
05/27/09 11:57 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 77 Michigan, Bay City
GerryE
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 77
Michigan, Bay City
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Floats didnt work for me either. I tryed them in a large marsh, large ditches, and in snall ditches. Long story short gave up on them and went on to other methods. Cant get enough of the colony traps.
Give a lazy man a hard job and he will find a way to make it easy
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: GerryE]
#1360317
05/28/09 02:15 PM
05/28/09 02:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488 Northwestern New York(Elder)
Jonathan
"Wilson"
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"Wilson"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488
Northwestern New York(Elder)
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How does this antique, Funsten Submarine "floating" muskrat trap trip your triggers? Jonathan
Camera Gear: Canon EOS 7D-MK-II, Canon EF-S 10-22mm, EF 28-135mm, EF 100-400mm and EF 400mm lenses.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Jonathan]
#1360329
05/28/09 02:27 PM
05/28/09 02:27 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,015 Edgerton, Ohio 20 yr old
skunkdefuser
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,015
Edgerton, Ohio 20 yr old
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How does this antique, Funsten Submarine "floating" muskrat trap trip your triggers? Jonathan if i grind the teeth off, does it make it legal?
Trapped
Red Fox-0 Coon-5 Possum-0 Muskrats-3 Coyote-0 Grey Fox-0 Mink-0 Skunk-0 Beaver-0
Dogged
coon-8
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: skunkdefuser]
#1360343
05/28/09 02:42 PM
05/28/09 02:42 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488 Northwestern New York(Elder)
Jonathan
"Wilson"
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"Wilson"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,488
Northwestern New York(Elder)
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Yup! But, without that extra grip, I would encourage you to 4-coil it. Ha!
Are we having fun in the sandbox today, or what?
Jonathan
Camera Gear: Canon EOS 7D-MK-II, Canon EF-S 10-22mm, EF 28-135mm, EF 100-400mm and EF 400mm lenses.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Jonathan]
#1360364
05/28/09 03:00 PM
05/28/09 03:00 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,286 NY
barrington
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,286
NY
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many years ago i had lots of luck with floats.I had them set up like a swim through set .I found they work best in the lake. In the swamp creek ect there are many natural rests, stumps ,old logs and what not. I put them as far off shore as I can wade and pile sea weed on top and apple for bait. Biggest problem was rough water ,tips them over or washes them up on the shore. I will try and get some pics.
"Do it today,tommorrow it my be illegal"
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Jonathan]
#1360421
05/28/09 03:55 PM
05/28/09 03:55 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548 Cleveland IL
muddyriverdogz
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548
Cleveland IL
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Looks like a wall hanger...
You only live once, so get over it!
Tactics may change but the goal remains the same.
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Jonathan]
#1360468
05/28/09 04:33 PM
05/28/09 04:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,015 Edgerton, Ohio 20 yr old
skunkdefuser
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,015
Edgerton, Ohio 20 yr old
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Yup! But, without that extra grip, I would encourage you to 4-coil it. Ha!
Are we having fun in the sandbox today, or what?
Jonathan why, yes i am! I have been trapperman-deprived for almost 4 months due to my work schedule. Just got back on last week and I am having a ball. I just can't help my self. * * * * * * * * * Hi, my name is skunky and I have a trap chat problem. *"Hi, Skunky."*
Trapped
Red Fox-0 Coon-5 Possum-0 Muskrats-3 Coyote-0 Grey Fox-0 Mink-0 Skunk-0 Beaver-0
Dogged
coon-8
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: muddyriverdogz]
#1361467
05/29/09 10:41 AM
05/29/09 10:41 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,001 USA MN
Snowpa
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,001
USA MN
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You know this is the SOS if you trap a certain way and it works for you and its legal in your state please trap your way.If its deemed not so good by a CO it does not cost the rest one us one dime. Most states want the revenue and could care less why there getting it.
Never Confuse Stupid With Crazy
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Blackdog]
#1361475
05/29/09 10:47 AM
05/29/09 10:47 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41,592
Northern Maine
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I learned not to put all my eggs in the "float basket" I like that.I just feel there are better sets to choose from for muskrats.
Nevada bound
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Re: i can't catch anythin on a Muskrat float
[Re: Bruce T]
#1361539
05/29/09 11:37 AM
05/29/09 11:37 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548 Cleveland IL
muddyriverdogz
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548
Cleveland IL
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When trapping rivers exspecialy with rising and falling water levels you cant beat a float for rats.They are easey to slide right up along side with your boat and check without beaching and are always operational no matter the water level.
You only live once, so get over it!
Tactics may change but the goal remains the same.
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