I have never trapped before. I got my license about two weeks ago. So I have lots of questions.
1. What is the minimum number(and type) of traps you would start with? Does it depend on the area available to trap in/on?
2. How do you prep new traps? Dye/wax,dip/wax,dip only,wax only,etc.
3. Do you think that it is better to target specific species in the beginning? Why?
4. Depending on the target animal, is there a go-to lure or bait that you just can't do without?

That is just the beginning. I have at least another 50 on my list. I have read most of the archives and many of the other forums. I can't believe how much information is on this site. Thank you to all the members for sharing their knowledge and expertise.

1) This is entire dependent on how much time you have and how many places you have to trap. If you're just trapping your back 40 for coyotes a half dozen traps is good. Water trapping the same 40 a dozen will do.

2) New traps I just power wash, spray paint then fmj.

3) Starting out, concentrate on what is the most available to you then work on others as you have traps and time available.

4) A castor based lure like Backbreaker will catch any animal in North America. Just be careful if your using it during the closed season for beaver if your trapping the water.

To question #1, it depends on what animal your targeting,animal population, amount of ground you got to trap and finally the amount of time EVERY day that you have to trap and put up fur.
#2&#4 depends on animals being targeted and your personal preference.
#3 imho your learning curve we'll be shortened if you Target one species when you start. Also less equipment to start.

ARCHIVES !!! That will answer more questions than you have for right now.. It's a wealth of real knowledge and experience at your finger tips!!!

If you want to dye and wax your traps. I would be best if they have a coat of rust on them. That way the dye will hold better and then wax.As for how many traps on how much time you have and what you are trapping and trap what you have around you and then go form there .

A little more info..
I will have about an hour in the morning and in the evening to check my traps. I intend to set on the 12 acres we own as well as permission to set traps on the neighbor's 10 acres. I know that we have quite a few fox and raccoon. I would like to focus on those for now.
One thing..what is fmj? I've seem it mentioned before but I can't figure out what it is. Maybe I'm just missing it.

In my opinion if that is the total amount of land you will trap on you will not need a lot of equipment. If you are going to target fox and coon maybe start with # 1 1/2's - # 2's size traps. Both will be sufficient. FMJ is Full metal Jacket dip that some trappers use. Personally I wash my new traps and just spray paint them in usually flat black.

Dozen duke 11/2 double jaw traps and a dozen d.p s will keep you busy and teach you the ropes!Good luck on you maiden journey! Coons and foxs you wont need to get to elaborate on bait your first season! Your first season teachs you all the skills you will need. To further your trapping desires. Bedding and location are first and fore most

Get a dozen dp's and a dozen bridger 2 dogless. Not much fiddling with them, level the pan (simple) and shorten the dog a little. Boil the oil off of them and wax. They will have enough rust on them next year if you make a catch.

Focus on your little area and learn what you are doing right and figure out what you are doing wrong. Keeping it small will help with this.

You are right about the double jaw because of the coon,if you do not want to get them go with round jaw will work on both also.Because of the coon.But will work on the fox also .

Wow, some really good suggestions. I didn't realize that I was going to trap on a "small" area. lol
After reading the posts, I ordered 6 Bridger 1 1/2s and 6 dps. I'm going to order more dps but now I'm torn between another brand of traps or another size. I'll have to do a little more research.
Thanks everybody.

I'm sorry that no one warned you, so I will

Sell those traps and run away from trapping, it will consume you, and your money. Like any addiction



So , now you have been warned. Now follow what all the other guys said and you will have a blast

Stick with the Bridgers but def go with another size. 1.5’s are fine but I bet if you get a few of their 1.75’s you’ll see that they’re an amazing trap. I really like those and their 1.65’s for just about everything that walks.

Michigan Trappin, I am simply trading one vice for another. I can live with that.
wvmntnhick, The 1.75s are on my short list, but I thought they might be a big for what I'm going after. I'll see how the 1.5s do first.

I bought a dozen MB 450s last year caught coyotes cat coon and skunk in them and was real happy with them . One coyote bent the dog but it was easily fixed . They are more pricey than other brands though good luck to ya this year.

I think a dozen traps for 22 acres is more than enough... Get your feet wet, if you get addicted get permission for more ground and then buy the traps you'll need. The next place you might be trapping coyotes, or muskrats, or something else entirely.

Thank you all for the info and encouragement. There are so many good ideas on here that I can't wait to get out there and try them out.
I agree with starting small and working your way up as you learn. You never know what lies around the turn.

If I was trapping on a small area like that I would trap for all available species.Especially if you are just starting out,you will gain valuable experience.Depends on your terrain and what fur is present but for example you could lay out a fox and coyote line the first couple days,then each day add some new sets for other species,like mink rats and coon,until you have a good mixed line established.Then you can weed out unproductive sets,and move them around to maybe more promising spots as you gain knowledge of the trapgrounds and where the animals are using.Also mix up baited and blind sets as you go,to gain experience.

^^^
This is fact.

I have spent way too much money in 2 years.

But all.in all it's very worth the time and money.