A couple of years ago I made up batch of waxed dirt. Used a cement mixer and propane torch. I like to do things fast and dirty, so my wax came in big solid pieces which I broke down into little pieces. I took a while to melt the wax in the mixer and when it came out it was hot. At that time I did not know that you could over cook the dirt. I stored the dirt in plastic 5 gallon buckets with tops. Well, you know what I got was a solid pale of dirt. Since then I have been busting the solid waxed dirt in smaller pieces and the grinding those smaller pieces into usable fine dirt. The dirt works fine on keeping my winter traps working, but is this waxed dirt burnt ? Does it give off a sent that alerts the target animals ? Should I throw away the rest of this waxed dirt and make a new batch a different way to avoid over cooking the dirt ? How do I tell is the waxed dirt is OK or burnt ?

Sounds like it was way over waxed. Normally you would heat the dirt then add the wax. Maybe you just need to slow down and do it right the first time. It sounds like you created a lot of work for yourself.

Get a lazer thermometer to monitor the temp off the dirt. Melt the wax before ya add it to the dirt. Melting point is 130 so never let it get above 150. I will have a burnt wax smell if its scorched. Take the heat source off before ya dump it until its below 100 then dump and cool before ya store it.. Then it won't clump.

Thanks for the information. I know that I need to improve my process and it will save time in the long run. My real problem is not keeping my traps working, it is the amount of snow that we get living in the snow belt area. We get 15 ft. of snow a year. I can't beat the snow. I have worked hard at it trying to keep Coyote and Fox sets working, but the snow keeps coming and the sets can't stay working long enough to make many catches. For those of you that trap in deep snow, you realize that it can change by the day or hour. With the changing character of the snow and then having a foot of snow dropped on my sets, I only have a few sets out where I can check them quickly and reset as needed. I guess that why they made Beaver. Trapping them this time of year keeps me occupied.

Shave or pre melt your wax , then tumble till it’s cool after mixing . If you burn the dirt or the wax it will always smell burnt.

Always melt the wax , them pour it in

A better approach is to make sure your dirt is dry and shifted. Give pounds of wax will make ten gallons of waxed dirt. I use two large roasters which will hold close to five gallons of dirt. Using the above ratio, mix the unmelted wax in with the dirt on a tarp covered table. Full the roasters 2/3 full. Place on top of the stove (or in if you prefer) over low heat and cover. Check frequently. When it starts to look wet around the edge, stir and remove. Now dump it out on the trap of a surface that won't be ruined as the dirt will be hot. Stir frequently..Using heavy gloves can be used so as to break up clumps. Do not put it into a container until completely cool or it can clump.

Good points. Thanks