I agree with Beav on hole size. 2,3 or even 4 inch whats the difference in terms of reaching coon?

Focus on the set back

You still need to restrict the opening, whether you call it a hole or the opening of the box. Needs to be addressed, IMO.

So what other critter might crawl in there as we enlarge the opening and screw this up? I'm thinking 'possum. I catch some small 'possum in the dead of winter. Small 'coon would be the next size critter up to be concerned about.

And when does this become a fisher box?

Thoughts?

In this case the set back Is going to be the deciding factor weather this flies or dies.
If you know anyone from the Fur harvest committee you might want to run this by them. They may also be a deciding factor.

The length of the extended check will also weigh heavy on this being passed. 2 day 3 day 4 day?

Why should the extended check be any different than what the weasel check calls for?

" . . . except that weasel boxes may be checked every four days given that . . . :"

I don't know.
But you can bet that there are a very few weasel trappers out there. But If we increased the size of these boxes and make them more mink friendly will It be more palatable to have a shorter extended check since there will most likely be more of these boxes being used. It's just something to think about.
I see there Is no set back restriction for the legalized weasel boxes. Is the hole size the deterring factor to exclude a incidental coon catch? I'm betting If a coon wanted that bait a 1 3/8" inch hole wouldn't stop It.
Come up with a resolution submit It at the spring hearings and we will see where It goes.
I would go with 3 1/2" hole with a 8" set back and a 4 day check.

Can a female fisher get into a 3 1/2" hole?

YES,this is a large male fisher in 3" restricted entrance mink box hole and trap setback of 8 inches:

Thank-you sir, now we know a 3" hole isn't going to keep fisher out, male or female.

Female fisher skull measures about 2 3/16" in width and about 2" in height. Add hide, tissue and fur and we get a little more room.

Mink skull measures about 1 3/8" in width and 1 3/16" in height.

Difference of about an inch.

Perhaps this is an exercise in futility.

That's why I went to a 2 3/4 inch hole which mink and marten enter but has been successful keeping fisher out, unless they decide to chew the hole larger.

I wouldn’t restrict it to zero tolerance. It is still a lethal set with a good chance any incidental would be legal fur. That ultra restrictive mindset needs adjustment. It’s a design for failure

I like to start there and work my way forward. It is usually the mindset of those who would nix a proposal of this sort immediately.

You do recall the colony trap cluster*&%# parameters a certain, now retired, individual inflicted on us, right? I want to make sure this thing is rock solid before submitting.

Okay, so let's start with 2 3/4", which has some history to it with respect to keeping fisher out.

Marten I'm not concerned about, since this set wouldn't be allowed in our marten zone anyway.

Another voice of experience says 2 3/4" for the hole.

Now the distance from the armpit of a large 'coon to its digits.

why even worry about incidental fisher. Every legal coon box or trail set body grip Is going to take fisher If your trapping In fisher country. And the only restriction Is check time. One day check or 4 day check dead Is dead. Turn em In just like any other incidental. Don't restrict the hole size just beacuse you might catch a fisher.

Anyone else feel this way?

The loss of a fisher is probably a boon to the rest of the ecosystem, not that the powers that be would see it that way.