Hey wetdog It's no big deal. I really didn't take it seriously.

So what do you think about my latest box design? We learn by trial and error. BUt I don't want to put to much pressure on Eagleye .

Testing is the only true measure to find out what works and what doesn't
I test all of my traps with my hand. It does sting a little. Lol
The only reason I call my boxes gen4 is because on 3 I only caught myself to the wrist. On 4 I suitcase my hand every time.
Keep at it, and I hope you get the results your after

Eagle eye that is some fine craftsmen work you do.
Keep us updated

Heading out tomorrow and beaver trapping the central part of the state before I head north- I'll set the boxes over the weekend and keep everyone posted the best I can with limited service.
Testing is the best way to learn- I always like what Thomas Edison said... " I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work".

I tried to go as tight as I could while still being able to get my trap "twisted" in there, because of the construction of my box. You don't have that obstacle. But you have other goals than I do.

I'm happy to help out in anyway I can... If you guys like my birdhouse craftsmanship - I'll start posting some of my woodworking projects lol. You can make about (7) boxes out of (1) 4 x8 sheet of $18.00 plywood... $2.50/per box is not bad. Try to be nice to one another until I get back!

Good luck.

1/4 inch slots will hold your trap rock solid even when you set the box opening down,staked above the end of a running log 4 feet out from the beaver dam

When setting off the ground have you ever tested opening up vs opening down? Curious on advantages discovered. Thanks!

Have not tested.Likely no difference to the mink set that way on land.However off the end of a running log the opening has to be down and close to the log.Mink ends up in the water before freeze up.

Well when I was I Canada all of our elevated boxes were set with the the open end on the high side. My buddy said he thought that It was easier for a marten to climb up and go In from the top. The other reason was that the bottom of the box was covered In 1/2" screen. The birds would hang on the screen and pick at the bait. The crumbs from the picking would fall to the ground and attract voles and mice and other critters and that would In turn draw In the marten.

But maybe you were just questioning the trap action In the 2 different positions. If so I don't think It matters.

I can also see advantages that way. Just no experience. Thanks Beav

Unfortunately my instincts aren’t always on.

Here is a box that I set upright on the dam,and it caught a mink.The deepwater stake had rotted off and I was in a hurry that day so I set it that way temporarily,until I had time to change the deepwater stake and re set it properly out in the water above the end of the running log.

Nice. Mink are great investigators, lol.

I'm betting you could make a 100 sets just like that In WI and never catch a mink. I just think things are bit more skinny In Canada.

I think no matter how you set for mink,location of the set is prime consideration.I like the running log off a dam,close to the spillway,because it presents a chance for double or triple catches of different species as long as there is open water.I often notch the running log and set a couple of 1.5 ls besides the bodygrip in the box.Often get rat in the foothold and mink in the box at same stop,especially if I use a rat for bait in the box.Not a bad set if you are allowed extended checks.Although the footholds are limited by weather,the bodygrip in the box keeps working unaffected by cold or snow.

I totally agree Boco but you have never trapped In the farm land of WI. Trust me It's different.

I have never trapped in Wi either but I have trapped in the BC lower mainland Fraser valley farm lands which have a climate similar to western Washington state. It's there that I started using restricted entrance holes on mink boxes to basically keep barn cats out and determined that they were also an attraction to mink as the boxes seemed to work better for mink with them.

Why can't I see any of the pictures? Just a Black Xin a box and the words linked image.

All the pics are gone on the whole forum.

I'm thinkin' it's Putin or Lil Kim.