Trapping season just started here in CNY, and I will be uploading pictures on this thread along the way.

Yesterday, (10/26/18), my nephew and I placed 4 dog proof coon traps along a creek bottom bordering a corn field. We found some nice trails from the corn to the creek and set on sign. Inside of the traps we put chunks of sardines in oil, then put a big marshmallow on top of the trap. We dumped some of the oil out of the sardine can on the ground around the trap and on the tree each trap was wired to. As we were leaving the farmer was pulling in to start combining the field; he informed us of another field down the road that he'd like for us to set when we are finished on this parcel.
This morning, we arrived at the site with 2 raccoons, and moved the sets that didn't produce to better sign. Hopefully tomorrow we will have some more! I will upload the pictures later on my computer.

Congratulations

Today my nephew and I caught 1 raccoon. The 2 traps that we moved due to inactivity were compromised due to the lovely weather we are experiencing here in CNY. 1 trap was robbed of it's marshmallow topper and some sardines inside. We freshened the set and moved on to another farm with 2 dp's in hand. My brother directed us to his in-law's farm where he has been successful with his coon hound before. My nephew had raccoons come up to his trail camera at this site just weeks ago. So with 1 raccoon in a tote in the backseat of my hatchback, and 2 hanging at the barn we had nothing but good vibes heading to the next site. I had heard of peanut butter working well as a bait that doesn't wash away as easily as fish oil so each dp was topped with peanut butter along with marshmallow and sardines. I'm sorry about the format of the pictures, technology is not my forte.

First Raccoon of the 2018-2019 season



Both our bounties on the first day


My nephew happy to get rid of some bandits


Today's catch


Today it was my turn for photo day


This is the new setup we are running, with fish oil from the sardine cans sprinkled on the ground around the set.


Thanks for reading and happy trapping!
zeffman

Good job guys!

way too go I will be watching

Nice!

Awesome start to the season, way to go!
Jim

Well yesterday, I woke up early to be able to check traps before I had to head to work. I picked up my nephew on the way through to assist. We pulled up to the new location with high hopes but unfortunately empty traps. We figured maybe they need to sit a couple of days considering raccoons travel. Onto location #2. We arrive, and unfortunately again we have no luck.

Today, I checked traps on my own. I left the house late and got to the farm; nothing there again today, (thinking about moving them within the next day or so, and open to suggestions.) I arrive at location #2 where we have been having luck, and I'm about 30 minutes behind schedule at this point. I begin walking through the thick buckthorn trees and tall brush, and I get a glimpse of eyes shining back at me off my light. A smaller coon, but nonetheless a raccoon. I honestly thought about releasing it so it could have a chance to grow but I am removing them to help the farmer. I take care of the raccoon, and set him at the field edge to check trap #2. Nothing in #2. I get back to the car and place the coon in the tote, and I remember that I did not reset the dp; so back I go with my 5 gallon bucket of sardines, peanut butter and marshmallows. So far the new setup is working. I decided to skin this one out before work while it was still warm, luckily my dad lives about 100 yards up the road from this location. I skinned it out and headed to work about an hour late, but at least with a smile.




zeff

Good afternoon everyone,

I'm sorry I haven't been able to keep up on this lately, been super busy.

Thursday night (Nov 1), my girlfriend had to attend a meeting for a job after work, so my nephew and I pulled traps from the farm and moved them near his house on another property his grandfather manages. They have corn standing down there yet so we found some raccoon trails and placed 3 dp's. Friday morning we checked traps in the pouring rain before first light. Nothing. Nothing at the first property either my girlfriend and I moved them yesterday (Nov 4).

Saturday morning, my brother decided to join my nephew and I on the trap line. I swear he was good luck or my nephew and I are getting better. We were able to catch these 2 raccoons feet from each other.



Thanks for reading,
Zeff

P.S. I'm taking pictures with my iphone 5 so if there's anyway to make sure these pictures come out right side up, I'd appreciate some advice.