It all depends on what the log Is crossing. if the ditch Is 15' deep or If It's 2' deep. Or If It's dry or has water running through It.

For those that use body grips on those logs you can carry your cordless drill with you and drill holes and plant some small branches to break up the out line of those traps. And can also be used as guides on those bigger logs.

I still would set all the approaches to these logs then the log It's self.

I have made log sets in the swamps of Louisiana for over 35 years,there is some very good information in the previous posts,above. Beav gives some very good advice about setting on land,where the ends of the crossing logs are anchored,fur funnels,for sure that can be easily gang set,on both ends of the log,solid information,don't just set on the crossing log,itself. There are other crossing log situations that have not been mentioned,yet,I will bring them to your attention. First,are the crossing logs that are used to cross swamps or low lying,wet areas,these are usually a series of crossing logs that may or may not touch each other,but,a lot of animals,coon,mink,fox,bobcat,etc.,will use these intermittent bridges to transverse these swampy areas. You have to look for tracks where the animals are going from log to log or where they first start log hopping,scat found on these logs will confirm that these are the logs for your sets. Second,there are the crossing logs on the creeks and sloughs that are two logs opposite from each other,but,there is a water gap between the ends of the two logs,forcing the animals to swim for a short distance,they do swim,at times,to get from the end of one log to the end of the other log,on the other side of the creek. Sometimes,there is only one log,that extends into the creek and the animals are just swimming to the bank,on the other side. Once again,look for tracks at the ends of the logs and look for scat on the logs,also. Third,are the crossing logs that are really two trees,one on each side of the creek,that have branches which extend above,intertwining,as they spread over the creek,allowing the animals to climb the tree and cross from one tree to the other tree,on the other side of the creek,without getting their feet wet. The ones on my lines are coon magnets and the trails to them are very good set locations,on both sides. Not all crossing logs are exactly the same,look for the tracks and worn areas,on the logs that the animals are using the most and don't forget about scat on the logs,too,those are the logs to set. Good Luck

I also like to set the bush at the end of a crossing log.In this pic you can see the tracks where the cat came across the snow covered log and went for the bait in the small brushy cubby constructed at the end of the crossing log.

TTT

Check to make sure these sets are legal in your state. I know that they are in NY. With the new regulations in Maine they are not. Cannot be set above the level of the ground.

I used to grass 'em up, but found that to be a waste of time with 'coon. The way those #220s are set up is the way I set crossing logs for 'coon.

The intent is for the 'coon to fall into the drink below, thus qualifying for the extended check on a drowning set. That's why there's extra cable coiled on the log itself.

Unfortunately, with the MTP 4" screw ins I use for #220 holders, a small percentage hang up on the holder and do not fall into the drink, thereby not qualifying for the extended check. I've been tinkering with solutions.

The one I'm looking to settle on for this upcoming season, providing I trap 'coon, and that's a big maybe right now . . . is a #220 holder that has a small-diameter dowel glued into the center of it. Scenario goes like this: drill small diameter hole into crossing log, push #220 holder's dowel into hole. There will be a small wire attached to #220 holder that will be stapled into log. Attach #220, staple end of cable to underside of crossing log, and be on my way.

'Coon fires #220, dowel breaks, #220 and 'coon drops into the drink, #220 holder is hanging from log to be taken home and outfitted with new dowel. New #220 holder with dowel replaces previous one, drill new hole if necessary. With #220 holder breaking off, no chance of #220 hanging up on log thus nullifying extended day check for drowning sets.

A bit more screwing around, but these sets are gold for anyone running extended checks on waterways in conjunction with regular water sets. Might as well set up several bodygrips on the same log. Easy to check as you run by the set. Weather proof. And 'coon don't mind attempting to crawl through 'em. The elevated #220 is a must, IMO, and keeps the 'coon from wanting to crawl over the trap.

Same log as traprjohn is showing, note coiled 7x7 3/32 cable stapled to log.



Same log. Notice the #120 on the lower log for mink? It works too.

MUSKRAT,did that coon come from the upper log or the lower one? and thank you for the pics!

The upper log. You can see the cable leading to the upper log down to the trap. There are #120s on the lower log for mink.

Did you see the DP in the first pic in the foreground? Four of those set in this location, all hooked to drowner cables.

Gang setting . . . 2 #220s, 2 #120s, 4 DPs and a #110 was buried in the roots at the point in the first pic. Easy to pull up next to the log, check the bodygrips, then look for the DPs.

Muskrat- very nice set-up.

Definitely a plus with the gang setting.

I have set logs that caught quickly and set other logs with no luck...... , but I do check them all for sign.

Nice info Mike!

chris

Just wondering but here in Mo we are only allowed the 5x5 conis and cable restraints. I know the cable wouldnt be legal but would the 5x5 set on the log work for coons? If so does anyone have pics of how the would set them up?

Use a foothold^^

TTT

Where did you buy those??

^^

Sounds like he made them to me.
You can buy these from MTP though.

ttt

Moderator please archive !

this is a really good thread hope it sticks around , we dont have coon but im sure fisher , lynx and fox would fall for those crossings , may have to try baiting the logs in fall get them useing them . good stuff

It's a lot easier to catch them before they approach the log.

There coming down that beat down trail that runs along the high bank or at the edge of the water before they even get to the log. In my way of thinking I would have all those coon caught before they even got to the log. And with a lot less work.