Would imagine that's dry dirt that was trucked in.

Is that trap set below the surrounding ground or level.

The different "color" soil is an attractant all on its own. It is usually from a combination of things arranged by a trapper's individual sense and instinct from experience for trap bedding and cover, usually weather directed in the name of freeze/thaw conditions at a set.

In some areas of the country, where frozen ground is not a factor, but wet weather is, different approaches are taken for the bedding/cover element to contend with.

In either extreme, the color difference is from importing dry dirt from another location where it is available, and often involves a mixture of some type to keep the trap bed dry on both top and bottom of the trap to keep it operational. Those possibilities may include a waxed dirt preparation, or a mixture of any dry dirt (anthill soil included) mixed with peat moss or either cover hulls from buckwheat, rice or canola seeds.

That is about the best that I can describe that consideration for now. A thorough search of the Archives should yield more information on detailed aspects of this topic as I have mentioned the options.

While thinking about locations, this is another one often overlooked - took this photo a couple of days ago to add to this discussion.



It is a "dead furrow" from a plowed field made earlier this fall after a crop was turned under. When one is near the edge of a dense hedgerow, thicket or wood line, it is the ultimate "Trench Set."

For this location pictured, I would place two carefully bedded blind trail sets in the trench bottom proper - blended in as best that I could make it look as natural as possible about ten to twelve feet apart; one trap favoring the right, the other favoring the left edge of it. Then, where the sod grassy edge projects into the plowing on the left, a dirt hole or flat set would be planted there about 6-8 feet in from the plowing.

Over the years I have caught many red fox at blind sets in the bottom of these dead furrows.

Jonathan

bowhunter1, I didn't make that set, and can't vouch for Phil Brown who did, but it has all of the characteristics of a "Trench Set" where the pan is below grade from the adjacent ground. That one is not as extreme in depth as this one from another seasoned fox trapper from PA, T-man member Deadfox. This is his version of a "Trench Set" that consistently produces for him.





Jonathan

jonathon was this set directly above used for yotes or fox or both? the angle of of that hole is pretty darn steep.

Thanks Johnathan for the great pics and info.

Auker, The trench dirthole set works for fox and coyotes. I am almost positive that Deadfox uses that set for either one that happens by as shown in that last photo, but I believe John's main focus for that set is for red fox.

If both of these species are in your trapping territory and are vulnerable to capture at any of your sets, select a trap size that can handle either one. This selected trap size for both is liable to open wounds for debate around here. That decision will have to be yours alone through trial-error and observant experience. I use Victor round jawed #1.75 and #2 coil springs, and just bought two dozen MB 550's to try for comparison.

A classic, basic dirt hole set has a hole angle of something close to 45 degrees, with the pan nearly level with the ground. The hole angles used at any trench set vary widely with personal preference, usually depending on the target species, the depth and length of the trench, the diameter of the hole, soil type and the distance from the hole where the pan is oriented.

For the lack of a better way to describe or express this detail, it basically comes from experience and the "feel" for what works best in your area. That aptitude doesn't come easily for most of us - it takes time and practice.

Jonathan

Big round bales in those hay fields are extremely attractive? i have read that they are and i believe it because of all the mice that live under them. I have a perfect spot where there is a (wide) point that goes in the field. on one corner there is a line of bales. the path for tractors goes right along the edge. hope to catch coyotes and fox at that spot this year.

Grove, You are right about the hay bales. The large round, square or smaller rectangular ones are mouse havens and canine magnets. I have posted my comments about setting near them on this forum a few times over the years.

Up until recent years, many farmers did not have balers that wrapped the large round bales in plastic or some kind of water resistant fabric. Without the wrap it wasn't uncommon to find red fox droppings on the top of them - a sure sign to confirm being on location.

As you may well know, there are potential hazards of setting traps at the bases of any hay bales that are still scattered around in the field that haven't been picked up and moved for winter storage. Very few farmers leave them in the field as dropped, picking them up as needed later. Most move them either into the barn or line them up outside near it - some just line them up along the edge of the field.

The "hazard" of setting near those left in the field or those lined up next to it is that you never know when there might be tractor and loading activity around them that will more than likely end up with crushed traps. If you have a good rapport with the farmer/landowner you can work within and around their bale moving schedules to avoid trap damage.

The ideal is to find bales, intact or damaged that might be 2-3 years old or older on the edge of a field that will never be picked up because of spoilage.

Thought this might be worthy of mention for those who have never set at bales - something to consider before getting too over eager.

Jonathan

great thread. good to see threads like this still going, it couldn't happen without folks taking time to answer (and i know its been done over and over) these questions for the "newbies" on this site.

jonathon, GREAT POSTS!

thanks for this post waltp.this was a very helpful topic.i for one as a rookie am very glad that help like this is around for us.and again thanks for starting this one.

Thank you.

Jonathan

I'm far from an expert fox trapper, but in these parts when it comes to red fox trapping setting the high spot in a field is a respected strategy.

south side of a hill works great there all ways sunny theselves in the morning shot and trapped alot of fox doing that

These recent photos were taken while scouting and fit this thread's hay field theme. They are natural " dirt holes" made by fox digging for mice, voles or ground squirrels in separate hay fields.

Jonathan

Great post guys

Deadfox, Thank you for dropping by. I was hoping that this thread would have caught your attention, even though I didn't start it. Your photos of the set/catch additions certainly will significantly contribute to "waltp's" learning curve - it did mine! I knew about your red fox catch successes with trench sets from a few years ago, but was not aware of their larger size as just illustrated.

I was hoping that T-man member FlatSet from Wisconsin would have seen this and chimed in with his version of a dirt hole set. Yours is close to being a midget compared to his.

Jonathan

I am new to this forum and i must say i am amazed at all the knolage here. I realy like the picture of all the fox that phil cought. thats a lifetime of fox for us here in alaska.
I dont know of a place where you could get that many fox up here. I use the snow hole set its just like the dirt hole set but in snow and insted of setting the borders of the feilds
i use the edges of lakes and streams. My ?? is i am looking for a good lure to use from Dec to Feb. What did fox pelts go for last year. Johnathan i am glad to see that you are willing to share all your expert advice to all of us keep it comming.
Lance..

looks like you have alot of choices on good places to set

deadfox, what are the dimensions on that set. im talking about as far as the depth you dig it and how much the fox has to step down. how far back from the hole is the trap? do you have any more pictures of your sets. i know you have posted quite a few but i am very interested in that type of set.
thanks