Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6261747
06/17/18 05:21 PM
06/17/18 05:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 21,049 St. Louis Co, Mo
BigBob
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 21,049
St. Louis Co, Mo
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Toilets, places they will use regularly, where they will deposit piles of fish scales/vomit.
Every kid needs a Dog and a Curmudgeon.
Remember Bowe Bergdahl, the traitor.
Beware! Jill Pudlewski, Ron Oates and Keven Begesse are liars and thiefs!
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: BigBob]
#6261901
06/17/18 10:37 PM
06/17/18 10:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,099 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,099
WI - Wisconsin
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Toilets, places they will use regularly, where they will deposit piles of fish scales/vomit. Wouldn't that look like an otter toilet?
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6261925
06/17/18 11:06 PM
06/17/18 11:06 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513
james bay frontierOnt.
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I always see where mink have shat on top of the end of culverts.Culverts are deadly spots to set for mink.Even if there is no scat.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6262467
06/18/18 10:19 PM
06/18/18 10:19 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13,824 central ohio
madcotrappwr
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13,824
central ohio
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Poo. Look for it. Spend a little time watching in the evening and morning. Its amazing how many cross over the bridge instead of going under it.
Will my toes ever warm up?
I'm Gonna die with my boots on.
Tim Henry.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6262950
06/19/18 02:47 PM
06/19/18 02:47 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,888 Ohio, Old fart to some.
ack
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,888
Ohio, Old fart to some.
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personally i don't scout. granted i have only targeted mink for the last 5 years or so but i don't bother with it. most places there is water at least a couple months out of the year will have mink. set traps.....
_________
I used to have superpowers… but a therapist took them away.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Boco]
#6262973
06/19/18 03:15 PM
06/19/18 03:15 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,831 central arkansas
the Blak Spot
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,831
central arkansas
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I always see where mink have shat on top of the end of culverts.Culverts are deadly spots to set for mink.Even if there is no scat. I see that here. Also look for cattails
the just shall live by faith
member FTA, ATA, EAFT 1776 - the year we told a tyrant we weren't to be under a dictator Caveat ater macula
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: hippie]
#6263058
06/19/18 05:34 PM
06/19/18 05:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851
Wisconsin
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Good chance there are mink there, not saying they will go under instead of over tho.
I look for tracks in soft mud along the creek. Now the hipster made some good points. Some of those smaller culverts are bit to restrictive and mink will cross the road Instead of going through them. The one thing about large culverts Is don't get to excited about the amount of tracks. Those tracks don't ever get washed out so they can be a bit deceiving. Boco also made a good point. Mink are always taking a dump up on those culvert ends.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6263342
06/20/18 01:48 AM
06/20/18 01:48 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,388 NWWA/AZ
Vinke
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,388
NWWA/AZ
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joe pennanti why have you been scouting 20 hrs a week?
Slightly used Shoes 4 sale……………
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6263346
06/20/18 01:51 AM
06/20/18 01:51 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,388 NWWA/AZ
Vinke
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,388
NWWA/AZ
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how do i distinguish between mink and muskrat in a culvert or a crossing? besides tracks?
Slightly used Shoes 4 sale……………
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6263380
06/20/18 06:38 AM
06/20/18 06:38 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,255 Port Republic South Jersey
Newt
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,255
Port Republic South Jersey
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I scout for fur everytime I'm out. I commercail fish for bait fish in the spring,summer and fall.I'm always look'n for animal sign.
Some of the best places to look for mink sign.Have not been talked about on this post,so far. Dont know if I'll open up on them here.
I WILL do a talk about what I have learned over the years at the MINKFEST this year.Also Those who have attended our SOUTH JERSEY TRAPPING AND SNARING SCHOOL.And those who will attend this year WILL get this information.
South Jersey Trapping and Snaring School January 19-20-21 2024 NEWT -----------------OVER---------------- www.snareone.com
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Vinke]
#6263514
06/20/18 09:05 AM
06/20/18 09:05 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,723 Maine
Mac
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,723
Maine
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Vinke
I know that I could really help you with your mink and muskrat knowledge. (Wink, wink) Probably even allow you to pick up your cage trapping game. (More winks) I do not advertise but I offer one on one instructions for many animals including mink. I have quite an area that I will exclude potential students from but I think you are far enough away.
Part of the instruction will include how to determine mink poop from muskrat poop. Believe me, I know my poop. I have tread through plenty, and some of it has stuck. You will learn where mink raise their young, which is typically not near culverts. You will learn about the fall migration of mink and how to take advantage of that movement. You will learn that you do not need to know a skinny million mink sets. You just need to know what the top two sets are and stick with those. And, those sets can be modified to work with cages.
Vinke, just private mail me and we can work out the details. For the record I have taken lessons from many of the best trappers in the country, past and present. You are really in luck that I am willing to fit you in.
Mac
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Vinke]
#6263805
06/20/18 05:00 PM
06/20/18 05:00 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,255 Port Republic South Jersey
Newt
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,255
Port Republic South Jersey
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how do i distinguish between mink and muskrat in a culvert or a crossing? besides tracks? When eather is in the trap/snare, you'll know. Just like otter trap'n/snare'n You catch a lot of beaver.
South Jersey Trapping and Snaring School January 19-20-21 2024 NEWT -----------------OVER---------------- www.snareone.com
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6263807
06/20/18 05:03 PM
06/20/18 05:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851
Wisconsin
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Actually I think It's pretty much a given If you stop at all bridge and culverts along the road system and do a little scouting your going to be able to tell If you have mink on that stream.
Taking long walks down all these small or large streams Is going to be a waste of time In my opinion. In most cases If there are mink on that water coarse they are going to make It to those bridges and culverts In their travels. Female mink will raise their young In small brushy areas that lead to those steams. But for the most Those mink aren't going to stay In those areas once they are weaned.
The way our road systems are today you should be able to cross most steams multiple times. Gang set every stop and you will be good to go.
Mink don't leave a lot of sign so not seeing tracks Isn't a game changer. And to be up front with you I have never seen where mink are up chucking like otter do. And I have trapped a ton of mink In my day.
This Is my parting shot.
Once the season Is over for you guys that have freezing conditions and snow. This Is the time to SCOUT FOR MINK. Tracks don't lie.
Last edited by The Beav; 06/20/18 05:04 PM.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: AJE]
#6263808
06/20/18 05:06 PM
06/20/18 05:06 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851
Wisconsin
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Toilets, places they will use regularly, where they will deposit piles of fish scales/vomit. Wouldn't that look like an otter toilet? Come on man a mink Is going to be up chucking like a otter. LOL
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Vinke]
#6263816
06/20/18 05:19 PM
06/20/18 05:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851
Wisconsin
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how do i distinguish between mink and muskrat in a culvert or a crossing? besides tracks? For the most part rats don't do much dry land traveling unless It's In the spring during the mating season. Rats during the trapping season have established their home turf and will have under water runs leading from their dens to their feeding areas. And for the most part If there are large culverts or bridges they will travel through them. Rats are preyed on by just about everything so they pretty much stay In the water where It's bit safer. But that only applies before the Little head takes over the thinking for the big head. LOL So If you find nice tight narrow trail through the grass leading around the culvert. You can pretty much bet It's a mink trail. So Instead of trying to hang snares or place body gripes In those trails just place a foot hold where the trail enters or leaves the water. Good luck.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6264236
06/21/18 09:31 AM
06/21/18 09:31 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,831 central arkansas
the Blak Spot
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,831
central arkansas
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Now when actually trapping them do you guys try blending in your conibears at all in blind sets? I blend in the sides a little. Another point i see is that mink like to travel cover(doesnt have to have water in the cover) between larger bodies of water.
the just shall live by faith
member FTA, ATA, EAFT 1776 - the year we told a tyrant we weren't to be under a dictator Caveat ater macula
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6264512
06/21/18 06:44 PM
06/21/18 06:44 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851
Wisconsin
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I would say no.
Mink can live in small streams and drainages and marsh land not so with the larger otter. You may find mink living in otter habitat but you won't find many otter living In prime mink habitat.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Vinke]
#6264842
06/22/18 09:27 AM
06/22/18 09:27 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,384 Central Ohio
LT GREY
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17,384
Central Ohio
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joe pennanti why have you been scouting 20 hrs a week? Water sheds change with the seasons as do populations that can die or migrate, so for me personally, it doesn't seem worth my time to scout during the spring or summer months. It will seldom be a true indication of the population, come late fall or winter, when mink are prime. If I have that much time, I'll spend it fishing !
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: The Beav]
#6265086
06/22/18 05:19 PM
06/22/18 05:19 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,487 Eastern Shore of Maryland
bad karma
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,487
Eastern Shore of Maryland
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I would say no.
Mink can live in small streams and drainages and marsh land not so with the larger otter. You may find mink living in otter habitat but you won't find many otter living In prime mink habitat. they do on Newt's line in Jersey. Otters and mink and rats in the same big marshes. Newt is the go to guy on that.
Never argue with a fool - they will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6265604
06/23/18 02:57 PM
06/23/18 02:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 19,719 pa
hippie
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 19,719
pa
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6266674
06/25/18 11:00 AM
06/25/18 11:00 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851
Wisconsin
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The fish cleaning station.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: The Beav]
#6266745
06/25/18 01:21 PM
06/25/18 01:21 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,825 Bland Virginia
2 TRAPS
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,825
Bland Virginia
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I set alot mink traps on bridges. Not all bridges are mink bridges. Some mink pass under a bridge never to return again. Looking forward to minktoberfest. As Don Powell once said mink don't always do anything. Don't ever forget that.
HMC Mfg. B.E.K TRAP TAG
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6266749
06/25/18 01:26 PM
06/25/18 01:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,825 Bland Virginia
2 TRAPS
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,825
Bland Virginia
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I will say the number one mink set for me is not under a bridge. Every trapline varies to some degree. Always keep an open mind and never get stuck in your ways.
HMC Mfg. B.E.K TRAP TAG
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: joepennanti]
#6267264
06/26/18 07:15 AM
06/26/18 07:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,255 Port Republic South Jersey
Newt
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,255
Port Republic South Jersey
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Nobody has came up with the first places I find mink sign. Okay Newt I'll join this game, but 1st level the playing field a bit: by "sign" you mean scat? Yes? No? Maybe? "Sign" In "Newt's World" means Tracks Scat Trails #1 -Places most likly where a target animal is most likly go as they make their way around their home range. With mink,on a salt marsh .Tracks and scat are seldom found.
South Jersey Trapping and Snaring School January 19-20-21 2024 NEWT -----------------OVER---------------- www.snareone.com
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6267414
06/26/18 10:49 AM
06/26/18 10:49 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851
Wisconsin
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who said anything about making any sets. We were talking about sign. I have even fed a few mink at those fish cleaning stations.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6267428
06/26/18 11:17 AM
06/26/18 11:17 AM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,293 PA
lumberjack391
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,293
PA
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I will remember salt water marshes the next time Im on a coast trapping mink...…. No wonder nobody got that one.
Last edited by lumberjack391; 06/26/18 11:18 AM.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6267648
06/26/18 05:27 PM
06/26/18 05:27 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,854 Pa
Wright Brothers
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,854
Pa
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Sign lasts longer under bridges protected from rain.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6267906
06/26/18 11:17 PM
06/26/18 11:17 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25,413 williams,mn
trapper les
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25,413
williams,mn
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I don't scout, I just set a likely line. Not just for mink.
"Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not."
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6268026
06/27/18 08:36 AM
06/27/18 08:36 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,723 Maine
Mac
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,723
Maine
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Whats the easiest way to tell how much mink activity there is along a stream that is very rocky making it hard to see many tracks. You can certainly go out with the theory that mink will be on any waterway so just set them up. In areas with good populations of mink that is probably quite true, so the trappers that suggested this are correct. But having said that I think that it is not a bad idea to confirm there are mink on a given waterway. I have talked to some very good trappers that cold rolled into an area only to find that they were not going to catch many mink. In the summer months a lot of mink are raised way back in the willy whacks up on feeder streams or in old ponds or bogs that have a lot of feed. Sometimes you can really luck out if you hit these areas early before freeze up. Sometimes they disperse early in the fall but not usually. If the back in area has a lot of groceries many of the mink do not venture near a road until things freeze tight, and sometimes not then. Finding sign as Newt described is what I look for. For me it is mostly tracks or droppings. Even on rocky streams there will be sand and or mud patches to find track on. Droppings are often left on culverts as mentioned or on rocks near culverts. Also you will find dropping on trees that lean out over or that fall across waterways. They seem to like to find a rock to deposit their droppings even away from roads. Mink trails? I have never trapped in an area with a high enough population to say you could find trails. I suspect there are such areas The exception would be one of those back in ponds or swamps I referenced above. If there are mink on a waterway you can usually find sign, if you take the time to look. mac
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6268072
06/27/18 09:39 AM
06/27/18 09:39 AM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,497 PA
PAskinner
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,497
PA
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Old muskrat trails through the grass are mink trails!Set them and be patient. Also mink trails are sometimes quite obvious in snow. The most obvious mink sign I've seen is where they are fishing like an otter and tunneling under the ice. Also mink dens with piles of scat.
Right now I’m having amnesia and déjŕ vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6268832
06/28/18 04:18 PM
06/28/18 04:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513
james bay frontierOnt.
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Beaverponds here are fur pockets,and beaver houses as well as dams are mink magnets. It takes hardly any extra effort to kick in a couple of pocket sets at a beaver house or dam if you are trapping some beaver before or at freeze up.
Last edited by Boco; 06/28/18 04:20 PM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: joepennanti]
#6268865
06/28/18 05:47 PM
06/28/18 05:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,293 PA
lumberjack391
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,293
PA
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I will remember salt water marshes the next time Im on a coast trapping mink... Lots of salt water marshes along the PA coastline? That was my point...….sarcasm.....
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6268911
06/28/18 06:58 PM
06/28/18 06:58 PM
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 38 Manitoba
Mbcoyote
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 38
Manitoba
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I caught 2 mink this year, bringing my life's total to 4 mink. 2 5ish years ago....1 I caught at a small seasonal stream in spring, 1 I shot along a roadside ditch while waiting at a beaver pond as he ran the bank. The other 2 I got this winter, late Dec, in -30C weather, in the same set,a mile away from any water in a foot of snow on my coyote line. Both were big males and one got me top lot at NAFA, the other a grade less. So why were they there? What kept them there...methinks I know. I have seen their tracks in the same locations on my coyote line in the winter for years and this year I set 1 box for them, thinking it was big ermine. In both locations, meaning woodlots, are many bunnies. One is new growth polar, lots of rabbit food. One is the dense-est h$#llhole of a bush I know, many rabbits live there, as there is a lot of cover That's my theory, anyways, as to why the mink are there.Food. And in both places there are many voles, so many I chase them from my boxes on almost every check. (I only had one box apiece where I saw the mink tracks) I believe the voles increase in population is also responsible for the Marten I'm now seeing and trapping in agricultural Manitoba. They go where they have the best chance of finding food, and where that is depends on your trap line's habitat...again this is just me speculating. I will see if I get more in those woods next year.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6268925
06/28/18 07:17 PM
06/28/18 07:17 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851 Wisconsin
The Beav
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,851
Wisconsin
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When I trapped In Ontario our go to mink sets were baited boxes along open water sources. WE even caught a few mink In elevated marten boxes set along creeks and lake shores.
The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6268928
06/28/18 07:18 PM
06/28/18 07:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513
james bay frontierOnt.
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In January and February I catch the odd huge bush mink in elevated marten boxes,miles from any water. I wouldn't scout for mink there. Feb 24,I bet he was travelling between watersheds like otter often do,looking for a mate,when he was lured in with the fish oil.
Last edited by Boco; 06/28/18 07:31 PM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6577395
07/19/19 11:17 PM
07/19/19 11:17 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513
james bay frontierOnt.
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Like otter,there are some spots that produce year after year. Good blind sets are often like that although a good baited set on target can also be a yearly producer.Often several mink each season. I start looking for scats and tracks in September while grouse hunting to see what kind of numbers are on the landscape in any year.
Last edited by Boco; 07/19/19 11:19 PM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Boco]
#6577513
07/20/19 07:51 AM
07/20/19 07:51 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,238 Illinois
ratbrain
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,238
Illinois
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I always see where mink have shat on top of the end of culverts.Culverts are deadly spots to set for mink.Even if there is no scat. What Boco said. I make a lot of mink sets around culverts and field tiles.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6577519
07/20/19 08:02 AM
07/20/19 08:02 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978 potter co. p.a.
pcr2
"Twerker"
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"Twerker"
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978
potter co. p.a.
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great post but come on newt and tell us the secret.
if i had to find mink sign,first place i'd head is one of the 2 trout hatcheries on my line.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6577641
07/20/19 11:07 AM
07/20/19 11:07 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,513
james bay frontierOnt.
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Good catches of mink can be made when trapping other water based furbearers without going out of your way or adding any extra expense to your operation. Never in my life have I set out a trapline exclusively for mink.I always take mink when trapping beaver.
Last edited by Boco; 07/20/19 11:10 AM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: lumberjack391]
#6577695
07/20/19 01:04 PM
07/20/19 01:04 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,238 Illinois
ratbrain
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,238
Illinois
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Most long line coon trappers take huge numbers of mink. They probably catch more by accident than I do on purpose. The trick is trying to keep coon out of mink sets. I had some baited mink pocket sets (water) out in February and still caught 4 raccoons!!
Last edited by ratbrain; 07/20/19 01:04 PM.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fisher Man]
#6577810
07/20/19 04:12 PM
07/20/19 04:12 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,099 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,099
WI - Wisconsin
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One final comment. I love trapping mink, but with today's prices I will not put much effort into chasing them.
I think that is the case with a lot of people. Too bad the prices are so low.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: joepennanti]
#6579851
07/23/19 08:17 PM
07/23/19 08:17 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,970 New York
proratman
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,970
New York
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I've been scouting ~20hrs/week for the last 2 months. What are the chances of mink, or other mustelids, having the same range in May/June as in Dec/Jan when there are few open waterways? That's 160 hours.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6581164
07/25/19 10:27 PM
07/25/19 10:27 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 870 Punxsutawney, Pa.
MinkGuy
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 870
Punxsutawney, Pa.
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Locations, Locations, Locations are the 3 most important elements in significant mink catches. Many good points in this thread. I agree even the rockiest areas have areas where tracks can often be detected. Mink in our area are have a low density so finding sign is often by good fortune as trail cameras prove that some of my areas may not have a mink go through for months at times and then during season it may be possible to catch a couple. Habitat can be a good indicator of a probable population (just as a cornfield often indicates that whitetails will likely be present). I like to understand where the water I'm trapping is coming from and where it is going to. Then the location gains value if above is a swamp and below is a bigger stream as an example. Are there fish and crayfish in the water? Mice and rabbit along the banks? Muskrats? Personally, I like to run my line throughout the year to know the amount of miles I'll be travelling, How far from the truck will I be setting and walking? What type of sets?- pockets, blinds, surface blinds, depth of water, types of anchorings and platforms needed as well as stabilizers. Will I hide anchors/ plates? I'm not a cold roller but rather a line developer with a progressive approach to cover more locations then add as I go down to check yesterdays sets. This keeps me adjusting- "Patience has no place on a mink line but rather diligence is what is needed". To many I have rode with take a peek and move on. Good Mink Trappers I have seen like Nittany Lion who is probably approaching 60 years of age goes down to the trap and breaks the ice, or makes the bed deeper or raises it up depending upon the need." WIN THE MOMENT and WIN THE DAY! All trappers face 4 concerns #1 A Mink may pass along your chosen location only once per season. #2 Trappers may not cover the course the mink may choose #3 Trappers may aid the mink in missing the trap by using poor guides or stepping sticks incorrectly. #4 Often weather may make a properly located trap inoperable because of ice or water depth #5 It is a numbers game and infrequent catches sap the energy from a potential minker - I Work to reach critical mass so each day I have something to show for my efforts. This catching of Mink After Mink On Purpose is more rewarding. - Just don't ask me how you can make a profit trapping them as I haven't figured that out yet.
DonP Minktrapping.com
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6581368
07/26/19 09:45 AM
07/26/19 09:45 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,251 wantage n.j.
eric space
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,251
wantage n.j.
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As usual, Don is 100% correct it is Location, Location ,Location. One thing I might add (I only use snares in dry land blind sets), is get down to look at your set location. The average trapper is viewing the set from an eyeball level of 5+ feet off the ground, the mink sees it from an eyeball level of 4 inches. Many times that height difference makes a blind set location look completely different. The 3 locations that I look for are a tree stump or log jam in the middle of a stretch of stream that has no obvious cover (see first picture). Every mink will explore around it for a time before zipping thru the area of no cover. Almost always there is a toilet spot there. Second is a pinch point between a rock, tree or in this second picture an old bridge abutment. Third is a beaver bank lodge, abandoned or active, either attracts every mink traveling the stream/river. Eric
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6581543
07/26/19 05:14 PM
07/26/19 05:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 13,155 Ky
jbyrd63
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 13,155
Ky
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6582646
07/27/19 10:26 PM
07/27/19 10:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,408 Ohio
Minker
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,408
Ohio
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I never look for mink sign , i look for mink set locations . Come to Minktoberfest , you will learn alot from stream line demo's .
Fur Trapping ; Its not about making Money, Its All about the Adventures you'll have on the Trapline .
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: Fmjoutdoors]
#6582872
07/28/19 10:18 AM
07/28/19 10:18 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978 potter co. p.a.
pcr2
"Twerker"
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"Twerker"
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978
potter co. p.a.
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you'd be hunting snipe looking for sign on 75 percent of my line.learn how to blind set a bridge or sluice right and go do that 50 times in a circle ending and starting at home.after 30 yrs,there will be places you don't go anymore,and ones you can't wait to get to.and just cause you draw a blank at a stop one year,don't think it won't have mink another year.
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: lumberjack391]
#6587454
08/03/19 11:09 PM
08/03/19 11:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,099 WI - Wisconsin
AJE
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,099
WI - Wisconsin
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I personally don't worry about finding tracks, or if there is a swamp above or below me, location or populations- how do you figure that out anyway? I just make sets that fit the situation and hope for the best. Concentrate on bridges, culverts, tributaries and pools and you will eventually connect. There are always a few around. What about ponds... Do many of you like trapping mink around the edges of ponds?
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Re: Mink Scouting
[Re: AJE]
#6587483
08/03/19 11:40 PM
08/03/19 11:40 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,497 PA
PAskinner
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,497
PA
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I personally don't worry about finding tracks, or if there is a swamp above or below me, location or populations- how do you figure that out anyway? I just make sets that fit the situation and hope for the best. Concentrate on bridges, culverts, tributaries and pools and you will eventually connect. There are always a few around. What about ponds... Do many of you like trapping mink around the edges of ponds? Inlets and outlets on ponds and marshes are about as good as it gets. Think pinch points, it's really no different than trapping anything else.
Right now I’m having amnesia and déjŕ vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.
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