Season opened today so I started setting traps. This is my second year but the first year using walk throughs. I did a lot of googling during the off season after TM kept coming up and there was a bunch of good images. So this is my best imitation. I'm headed back out to set a few more.

Looks like you are on the right track. I would strongly suggest you use two traps at each set. A one trap walk through will miss cats. I like to go 12 to 14 inches between the center of the pans on two traps. Pile some stuff between the traps that they do not want to step on such as small bushy twigs, cactus or pine cones. I want the trap pans to be the most attractive places to step. Your outside blocking looks good but in the first picture one of your sticks looks a little big. IMO if you use to big of blocking material cats will step on the blocking and step over the trap.
I like to use two different lures kitty corner in my walk through sets. It will keep the there a little longer and sometimes make them turn around in the set.
With a little tweeking you will be putting up some nice cats!

Thanks for the advice, I'll tweak them when I return. I saved the urine from last years cats plus I'm using some Caven's Feline Fix

Another suggestion is to narrow your sets down more. Cats are notorious for slipping around the edges. You can bring your springs tighter together and stack brush or rocks right up to the edge of the jaws. I like my side blocking to be shoulder high on a cat.Try to make your pan not just the best place to step, but the only place to step. They will still step where you don't think they can, but at least limit their options.

Alot of times I do not use any attractants, I do not want the animal to break stride. I learned this from some great Nevada cat trappers at the Wyoming conventions. Caution, you will catch more coyotes in these blind sets than if you use lures and flags.

Those are great looking locations.

I always admire a guy that comes to this site, shows pictures of his sets, and then says, TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT AT ME. :-)

Others have already said much of what I would say, but the idea is that you've left lots of places for a cat to step around your set. Not that the big trap pan isn't an enticing place to step, but Murphy's Law says if it can go wrong, it will. Here's just a sample. The red dots represent a cat's foot. In fact, after you get your set all made, stand directly over your set and look straight down. If you can see a spot where you could drop a golf ball between your stepping/blocking guides, then a cat could place its foot there.




Here is another photo that might drive home the point a bit more.

I'm 60 and just got my first year of trapping under my belt with no other help than the internet because I don't know any trappers. Most of my internet searches ended up here at Tman so I figured this was a good place for advice. So your critiquing of my sets is just what I looking for. Here's a few of the changes I made with more coming today.

Personally I am not a fan of the 2 trap set.... just doubling your chances of catching the lion if it comes through.

Another one I made this morning.

I caught this one this morning so I'm think I'm figuring it out

Man that is sweet, you’re getting it all right!!

This is the set before the cat. I've been busy and hadn't had time to double up on this set or remove the lure above the trap like suggested but it worked anyway.

Congrats, that's a beauty!

You'd be wise to join your state assn, Google it, then contact some officers from their website, asking for a mentor in your area. ALSO, go to the free trappers ed courses, meets, fur sales and conventions. This shows guys you are serious and opens many doors. At least it did for me!

Great start!

For what it's worth from a northern bush trapper your revised sets look very good. When I catch a cat I spend maybe up to 5 minutes before dispatch taking in the scene and putting together what transpired. I may not always analyze everything correctly but I feel it helps a lot of barely noticeable things get lodged in the sub conscious. Sooner than not those great locations seem to jump out at you.

Congratulations I see a lot of cats in your future. As mentioned above join a good trapping organization and expand your trapping knowledge, but maybe more importantly get some first hand help in learning how to properly put up those beauties so you earn all you deserve for your efforts.

Osky

I caught these guys also, not my favorite

I set this one yesterday, hope it works

If your main goal is to catch cats you need 3-5 pounds pan tension to not be catching skunks. If you do use 3-5 pounds pan tension you will miss ringtails and some grey fox.

NV Hermit, I hate catching skunks myself but the coloring on that one is SO COOL. I would have to skin him. LOL