the regs in Alabama state the following:

220-2-.31 Unlawful to Hang or Suspend Bait
It shall be unlawful to hang or suspend bait over or within 25 feet of a steel trap.

I read this to mean, no meat or something hanging above the trap, but does this include like feathers for bobcat on a stick?

chris

I would image that's so you don't catch birds, hawks and owls in particular.
As far as the feathers, I would call the local warded and ask.

Try a thin strip of dark plastic bag on a very thin wire 2-4 ft above the trap. It’s a curiosity thing, not a food thing for most meat eaters. I doubt an animal can tell the difference between a thin strip of Walmart bag vs a feather. But they’ll be curious enough to investigate and then will find your set.

To me, Only meat or something prepared from a jar is bait, feathers, shiny crap is a lure. Check with you DNR and local agent.

A piece of meat nailed to a fence post is very effective

You’ll have to determine what your states defiinition of bait is. In Nevada it is defined as any part of an animal or fish both edible and non edible. So no feathers here.

I dont hang anything over my traps just to be on the safe side. Its really not necessary, I catch plenty of cats in a regular ol dirt hole meant for coyotes and using bobcat meat for bait.

Years ago, close to 20 I think, Bob Noonan told me via email that coon trappers used to nail or staple a 2-inch scrap of white absorbent material 10-12 inches above the ground and put lure in it. Trap was buried 10-inches or so in front of it. It’s not bait but it will attract. You could do this in holes or on a vertical bank along a stream. Or on the side of a tree. Or on the side of a fence post. Or on the pointed corner of an abandoned building. It could be grape jelly mixed with anise or it could be a couple drops of liquid smoke. Most states define bait as formerly living flesh.

I would not take the interpretation from a enforcement officer. You would be better off to find the written statute.

written law or definitions of words used to make the law are what the court would go by.,

Here in pa. A guy got wrote up for useing a dry bone for a post set.

Canines find 80% of there food with there noses, not there eyes.