Cub.. nice run on the marten.
On the wolf sets, 12" is really pushing it. I reset after 8"
even for the 9's.

On a previous line where I had wolverine I had the same problem you describe here. After many attempts at rebuilding cubbies and using different trigger arrangements I built a 2-3 ft double end 330 BG cubby made out of whatever, logs, boulders etc which was successful in catching this problem critter and I never had the problem again as I always used the double end cubby for wolverine thereafter, even a double end plywood box. Although they require two traps they are very effective. I have found that if an animal can see a way out the other end they are much less hesitant to enter the cubby.

I would think it's probably worth a try rather than fooling around with trigger positions.

Snow isn't consistent in texture so not a matter of inches really. Best wolf trap is bedded with just enough snow to conceal. A light fluffy snow in extreme cold is different then 4" that melt down in heat of day and then freezes at night.

I've never had much luck getting wolverines to stick their heads in plastic pales, wood boxes, etc. But for sure a hollow log with a couple 330's on either end is a gulo killer. You can manufacture with a chain saw on big logs as well. I see some guys replace the trigger and put a pan on instead. Throw a beaver in the middle for bait and odds are good you'll get him.

Back in the days I trapped wolverine I never thought of using pan triggers for anything. I now agree with the pan trigger and think it is an excellent idea along with the double end cubby. I would also suggest the pan trap be set recessed within the cubby about 6" in front of the bait for best results.

No. The forecast looks awful !!! 36 degrees on thursday ???? Gimmme a break !! Put a couple snares around the back side of that 330. So proud to see you using that Elan

For the wary gulo, try this:

That is a 3/8" plywood pedal. Helped me with a trap-shy colony.

you must have a bunch of wolverine if you are using a colony trap !! Good on you!!!

Awesome run on marten! Congrats.

In my experience it is very rare for a 330 to fire and not have a wolverine but it can happen. I secure the trap in the cubby, no wobble. Marten working a bait can set off a 330 so I wire the bait down. A cubby has to be tight or they'll likely dig in through the side or back. Good luck.

Nice run on the marten! Looks like a nice way to get around. Be safe out (up) there!

You better learn the official "white 17" snare pole set for wolverine. Sure worked for me trapping around Nome!
mt

Thanks all for the tips, feedback, and comments. I'm experimenting with more than just trigger configuration, trying different cubby types as well. I'm leaning towards developing semi permanent cubbies made from naturally occurring material (logs, stumps, rocks, etc). Also I'm thinking I need to bury the 330 deeper in the cubby as well.

I'm working on some snare poles as well, just haven't had one encounter one yet. My wolverine seem pretty adept at firing a 330 without getting pinched. My leading theory is they pull it out by the springs, I hope to get one on game camera to confirm what's happening.

Bushman: I don't have any logs in my country big enough for a 330, but I think I can modify that concept for the trees I do have.

For pan triggers on 330's what do you guys think the optimum size pan would be? I'd be worried the wolverine would end up stepping over the pan?

White: That old Elan is an impressive machine. For an old one lunger short track it just goes and goes. I am in the process of transporting a tundra R out there, piece by peice, but the Elan isn't going anywhere. What's your technique for starting an Elan at -30 or so? Mine won't start without heat down colder than about -20.

Not much going on on the line this week, still awful conditions, but picked up another dozen marten. Left some in the field I just couldn't get to with all the over flow. Our temps are finally coming down, so I've got high hopes for getting more gear out next week.

Please keep the suggestions coming, solving these problems is one of the things I love about what we do!

Agree with BCtomcat on the double ended cubby if you're going that route. Picked up a nice male 2 weeks ago that never even circled the box. Great pictures and thread-Thanks

I have poured hot water on the engine at that temperature to loosen things up but the Northern Companion or similar works real well.

For the pans, I had AKCowboy weld pans on some of my 120's using sheet metal. You can bend it up or down, I like bending them up so that when the critter goes in he actually pushes the pan down with it's body not so much step on it. I'd suggest a 4-6 inch long pan by 2 inches wide. All the ones I have are out in the woods right now, I will can post a pic tomorrow.

I have never used a pan trigger on a 330 but would suggest a pan of 8" width and 4-5" depth and the trap frame/jaws set about 7-8" in front of the bait. The pan should then be over back trap jaw and within a couple inches of the bait recessed deep into the cubby. In this position the animal will be stable at the bait when it fires the trap, not moving through it to get to the bait.

Scale your pan to the trap size. The pictures here are on a 120 Belisle trap:

Nice catches and pictures.

Do you know how to cut a 5 gallon bucket to hold a 330? It's on the archives I think. Then you also need to see piperniners elevated bucket/330 for wolverine.
Good chunk of beaver on the pole or in the bucket should get any wolverine in the area coming to your sets!!
mt

Unfortunately it looks like all the pictures on that thread are photobucket hostages...