When I started the post, Sleepy Creek, REALLY????, a few years ago, it seemed that there were a LOT of trappers with the same issue I had with one of their brand new long springs traps. I wanted some BIG longsprings to try for winter coyotes after lams added, etc.
I opened the box, grabbed a #4, put it on my thigh, pushed down on the springs to "lock" them into place, allowing me to engage the pan and dog.
While pushing down on the springs, the jaws popped out right in front of my eyes! I had bent the 90-degree-turn parts of the frame where the jaw tips go through the frame, allowing the jaw tips to pull out.
I was shocked. I ain't that strong!
I contacted them and received NO reply.
I just had Stalker fix them when I had the other mods done to them.....he based plated them and made that 90-degree-bend strong.
Guess how many I've bought since then???? Correct.......zero.
I USED to use the 1.75's when they first came out.....and then modified versions of the #3 and #4 for coyotes. GREAT traps....I just got away from used traps with dogs for coyotes. All dogless for me......
So, I was shocked at the result and lack of interest.
Fast forward a year or two....I walked into their tailgaters tent at a convention. Introduced myself and brought up the "Sleepy Creek, REALLY???" post. To say I got a luke-warm reception would be an understatement.
They smoked their cigarettes while informing me that I was "setting the trap incorrectly", and thus my technique of setting the trap was at fault, not the trap design! Um....OK.
I told them I have Newhouse traps from 1880 that are as strong as they day they were built, and frankly, I cannot set them on my thigh! You could drive over them with a Skid-Steer and NOT bend them!! LOL
They handed me a pair of body grip setters for my troubles, dismissing me from their premises. I donated them that night to the convention auction......
Plenty of trap manufacturers are doing great right now....because their products are great. And, I'd guess, their customer service.......
If I broke a piece of equipment from J C Connor, they'd be so troubled by it that they'd replace it, apologize, and they'd keep getting every penny I could send them.
In fact, one time, I had a Pro Tracker drag (the one that pivots) that somehow lost the "stops" on the pivot point, allowing the hooks to spin 360 degrees, leaving the drag worthless for its intended use. I mentioned it in passing.....they freaked out, had me ship it to them, fixed it, and reimbursed me for the shipping to the shop. THAT's how you handle a situation like that!
I am a positive guy, don't look for a fight, certainly like to bust chops, but pretty much stick to the ideals of: If you don't have something positive to say, don't say anything at all"
Well, based on my dealings with them, and assuming others have been treated the same, I'd guess whatever bad situation they are in is probably self-inflicted......
I certainly don't wish them harm and hope they survive, as there's certainly a need for their products with some trappers out there.....
Just not THIS trapper.....
MZ
Last edited by Zagman; 06/11/18 09:23 AM.