Here in MO we are limited to 5x5 body grip traps on land. Are these even worth messing with for coon? Can you actually catch any real numbers with a trap this small, or best to just stick with dog proofs and footholds? I've got some locations where body grips would be ideal but don't want to waste my time. Thanks for any feedback. Really wish we could use the 160 size!

I would think spring strength would be the limiting factor otherwise placement is everything.

Yes, that size is doable!

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Spring strength isnt a problem. Except for the few kit coons that managed to get hip caught, 5x5s are instant DOA.

We have the same here. I've used the 5x5's and caught some, got a lot of refusals too. I don't much use them anymore accept some groundhog situations.

U catch a few in real heavy brushy trails but lots refusals, I use 220s, a few 160s early in season before snow cover weights down weeds an grassy tunnels, grassy tunnels , where tight or small path, is only place, pretty much where catch many coon,i wouldn't waste my time on it, if u an stick DPs early in season an footholds in open water when coon are moving, unless just set a few or best well travel heavy trails with them in small openings though trail where trap jaws blend in well , u get a few , but that about it, just to small of opening

They work fine in boxes, but not so good for trails.. I use them in barns to catch coons, baiting with dairy feed, so i don't catch the house cats.

Settings In trails. Yes you will have refuses but It's doable.

First of all try and find brushy trails so the coon can be forced through the trap. But the main thing you have to do Is keep that trap at least 5" off the ground. You want that coons head In line with the trap opening. To low they will be climbing over every trap.
The other thing you need to do Is close up that space between the lower jaw and the ground. You don't want a opening where the coon may try and go under. Just stuff some grass or sticks under the trap.

If you can't find any brushy situations all Is not lost. Yes you will probably get more refusals but you can still catch coon. Do the same as you would In brushy set up. I know you will be temped to brush In around the trap but don't do It. You don't want to change the scenery. That coon has traveled that trail nigh after night and It will sense the difference.



One other thing you can do. Get some page wire fencing actually any type wire will work and make a tunnel out of that wire something like a covered wagon top. I would make the cage about 15" long and about 14" high. You can go lower but you want It to be high enough so the coon feels comfortable when entering the cage.
Just make it so the cage Is right On top of the traps upper jaw. Your still going to want to close up that space under the jaw so you can guide the coons head. When you cut the wire leave some ends below the last horizontal wire. This way you can shove those ends into the ground to stabilize to the cage. Or you can just shove a T bar stake through the wire cage.
Again your going to be tempted to cover the wire cage. Don't do It, It just makes the cage stick out like a sore thumb .Don't be afraid to use these cages In every trail situation It will cut down on 80% of your refusals.
Once the coon has committed to the cage It won't back out and they won't climb over the wire. I use cages on most of my trail sets no mater what size trap I use. It just cuts down on your refusals.

Trail trapping with small traps Is a science.