posted by Asa Lennon
Here is an excerpt from one of my Dad's old-time free trapping tips;
THE POST, FLAT OR BLIND SCENT SET
The blind scent set may be made in sand, fine grass, needles, moss, rotted wood, snow, etc. It may be constructed at a natural projection or one may be placed. The projection may be a clump of grass which stands alone, tiny tree, stump, log, or anything which is highly visible. In forestland, old weather-stained, hollow knots are excellent for placing as a projection. They are firmly planted back of the trap at a 45-degree angle facing the trap. Fox Nature’s Call #3, Coyote Nature’s Call #3 or Bobcat Nature's Call lure or plain urines are placed into the hollow part for protection from the weather. The animal is forced to come around to the trap side to peek into the hollow and smell the lure just like they have to do at a dirt hole set. Hollowed out corn stalks in farmland and old bones in the west as examples are used the same way for the same reason. An equal amount of lure or urine is placed on the outside of the projection nearest the trap so the odor will carry further.
Use all of the preparatory instructions listed in selecting a set location for the dirt hole set. First, carefully remove and lay aside the weathered surface. Dig the trap bed the same as the hole set except this bed should be deep enough so the trap sets only 1/4 inch below ground level. The trap is placed the same distance from the projection as it would be from a hole and slightly to the right. Cover the trap with available soil and finish very carefully with the natural looking weathered surface you have laid aside. When completed, all should look exactly the same as before disturbed. No ridges are used at this set. A few tiny twigs, pieces of bark, hardpan, or whatever looks natural may be placed as guides around the trap but don’t overdo it. Using your kneeling pad, carry all surplus soil away from the set and dispose it where it can’t be seen by the animal.
Herb Lenon - 1950
Edited by Asa Lenon (10/10/09 07:45 AM)
I've always understood that Asa and Herb used the terms post, flat and blind scent to describe essentially the same sets.