I sure appreciate the help guys. I'll keep practicing. Might try making waxed dirt this summer as well.

I made an attempt at some dirt holes with small holes and digging a trap bed for the chain/baseplate swivel was next to impossible. We had single digit temps for awhile with little snow cover so the frost is getting deep. Like digging concrete. I may get a Pulaski and try bullet stakes instead of wolf fangs since I could bash in a pilot hole then drive the cable stake. Or I will just have to get my anticipated line holes dug and cable stakes driven prior to heavy freeze time where I live.

I know It's a lot more gear to haul around but a cordless drill with some type of a 2" bit will get the job done pretty fast. I have never used a hammer drill but that may work better then a regular rotary cordless drill.

I just had a brain fart. Why not just use a 2" hole saw . Cut a few holes then just take a large screw driver and pop out the plugs.
Never tried It but It might just work.

Last fall I bought a Milwaukee rotary hammer drill. What a game changer. I use it with a 11/2 spade bit to make trap beds, a 1 inch masonary bit for pilot holes for earth anchors and a ground rod bit for driving the earth anchors. I already had 4 batteries for Milwaukee tools is reason I bought it. I trap off a side by side, so weight isn't an issue. Best money I've spent in a long time. I think it was $199 on E-bay for bare tool if I remember correctly.

I have been using a mason's hammer to pound out the trap bed but also needed a face shield. Luckily I have a great trowel that I can beat on for the dirt hole. While this ground is still like concrete I guess I am going to practice on the pipe dream setup. Never used it yet. But doing dirt holes right now is ridiculous.

that was a straight up steal I was going to buy one but I couldn't justify spending 700$ on a drill! I wish the gas ones would come down a few hundred bucks. I haven't had very good success with cordless batteries and extreme cold conditions lol but a good gas one might twist me up like a twizzler!

I also use the inch bit for making mouse holes rather than trying to dig a regular dirthole. Usually make a double mouse hole set with 2 different smells. Also use waxed sand, can't imagine trying to trap without it.

Ttt