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Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves #6575248
07/16/19 09:57 PM
07/16/19 09:57 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho Offline OP
trapper
Wild_Idaho  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Anyone on here use the SC 4 1/2 for wolves? How do they hold up after a catch? How much bending (if any) required to get them ready to re-deploy on your wolf line? Thanks in advance.


Real name Eric
The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6575703
07/17/19 05:28 PM
07/17/19 05:28 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,421
Yukon
Y
yukon254 Offline
trapper
yukon254  Offline
trapper
Y

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,421
Yukon
I was given a half dozen a couple years ago. I havent personally tried mine yet, but my son really likes them. He bought a dozen of them and last year caught 4 wolves with them. No damage to the trap at all. They are certainly a powerful trap! Tough dudes to set by hand!


do unto others as you would have them do unto you

www.grizzlycreeklodge.com
Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6575801
07/17/19 07:23 PM
07/17/19 07:23 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho Offline OP
trapper
Wild_Idaho  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Thanks, everything I've heard about them is that they are super heavy duty and high quality, I just wondered how they'd hold up to wolves chomping on them. That's good to know. Looks like the only mod I'd really need to do is laminate the jaws and then add wolf chain and swivels. I ordered a couple to see how they are in my hands. Will probably order several more if I like them.


Real name Eric
The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6575811
07/17/19 07:31 PM
07/17/19 07:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
A
alaska viking Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
alaska viking  Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
A

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
Get setters.


Made it almost 3 years without censor!

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6575812
07/17/19 07:31 PM
07/17/19 07:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
A
alaska viking Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
alaska viking  Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
A

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
Get setters.


Made it almost 3 years without censor!

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6575838
07/17/19 08:03 PM
07/17/19 08:03 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,666
Idaho, Lemhi County
G
Gulo Offline
"On The Other Hand"
Gulo  Offline
"On The Other Hand"
G

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,666
Idaho, Lemhi County
Hey Eric -

I've got a couple, and to my way of thinking, they're a darned good trap. Have not used them as yet for wolves, so I'm just speculating. As you mentioned, laminations would be good. If I were to revert to my longspring days, that is probably the trap I would use for wolves. Do not look at the Sleepy Creek #5; its a joke all the way around, unless you have a small skiff and are looking for an anchor.

Jack


Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Gulo] #6575951
07/17/19 10:10 PM
07/17/19 10:10 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho Offline OP
trapper
Wild_Idaho  Offline OP
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Sound advice guys and I wonder if c-clamps would work for setters? Jack, yeah I definitely heeded your advice about the #5, which I remember you mentioning in the wolf class. Good for an anchor and that's about it. I have some MB750s as well, but I really like the Sleepy Creeks as far as affordability. I'd like to try the Koro and Alaska #9 but at the moment they're out of my price range unless I was to buy one or possibly two. Saw the No-Bs wolf trap in person at the rendezvous but they're still pushing $80 for the trap only (no chain, swivels, drags, etc) to have them set up how I want.


Real name Eric
The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6576244
07/18/19 11:44 AM
07/18/19 11:44 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 551
Iron Range, Minnesota
R
Ringbill5196 Offline
trapper
Ringbill5196  Offline
trapper
R

Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 551
Iron Range, Minnesota
Build yourself a Jiffy style setter. Light, compact, fast, and works slick. You can google it to see a picture. It doesn't get simpler than that. Just make sure the rounded part compresses the spring enough. I bought one from someone that does not. My recommendation is to make that too big, then flatten it where it stops and you can leave it on as it will rest compressing the spring.

I have been using these for 5 years on beavers, offset and laminated. I bought when MN had a wolf season and then they pulled the rug out from under us. Started using on beaver and bought more on here uses when I can find them. I have a good quantity when we get our wolf season back. In the mean time, they are put to use on beaver. 5 years ago I could handset them. At 53 today I cannot.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6576553
07/18/19 08:58 PM
07/18/19 08:58 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 188
Southeast, Alaska
S
SE.Current Offline
trapper
SE.Current  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 188
Southeast, Alaska
I’ve caught a handful of wolves with the 4 1/2s. I’ve had a few pans get bent and a couple dogs that broke off/bent. There’s no shortage of power though.
I’d take a file to the jaws to round them over a little, they seem to come from the factory with a sharp edge. [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6577016
07/19/19 01:19 PM
07/19/19 01:19 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho Offline OP
trapper
Wild_Idaho  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Thanks for the feedback, guys. I got some MB750s, ordered some SC 4 1/2's and will eventually get some Alaska #9s. Just trying out different ones seeing which I like best.


Real name Eric
The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6577459
07/20/19 01:49 AM
07/20/19 01:49 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,350
Interior Alaska
smalltimetrapper Offline
small greenhorn
smalltimetrapper  Offline
small greenhorn

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,350
Interior Alaska
I modified a small caulking gun to use for a setter for those traps. Works pretty good and it's cheap. Squeeze one of the springs down and you can handle the other one. I don't use them currently, mostly been using 9's with a couple few 750s and Bridger Alaskans and a Koro sprinkled in.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6577622
07/20/19 10:42 AM
07/20/19 10:42 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
A
alaska viking Offline
"Made it two years not being censored"
alaska viking  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
IMHO, the Ak #9 and Koro are really in a class of their own, and comparing those 2 to lesser "wolf traps" is the apples and oranges thing.
The S.C. 4-1/2" has taken plenty of wolves, and will certainly be adequate for holding one. Deep snow can be it's downfall, along with the other "lesser" wolf traps..


Made it almost 3 years without censor!

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6577657
07/20/19 11:55 AM
07/20/19 11:55 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,583
The Panhandle of Alaska
M
mad_mike Offline
trapper
mad_mike  Offline
trapper
M

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,583
The Panhandle of Alaska
The SC 4.5 is built plenty stout for taking wolves. I have yet to have a wolf beat one up bad enough to not be reset on the spot. A bent dog here and there has been the worst of it, remedied with the back of a hatchet and or pliers.
My use for them has been narrowed to sets made in tidal zones as they really shine in that environment. For all other sets a more purpose built trap is used.


Advice? Wise men don't need it. Fools won't heed it.
Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6577660
07/20/19 12:00 PM
07/20/19 12:00 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho Offline OP
trapper
Wild_Idaho  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
mad_mike, forgive my ignorance, what is the benefit they have in tidal zones? Just less snow there? We're a long ways from any tidal zones here in North Idaho. We don't get nearly as much snow as you guys up in AK do, but we do average about 70" a year.


Real name Eric
The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6577773
07/20/19 03:08 PM
07/20/19 03:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,583
The Panhandle of Alaska
M
mad_mike Offline
trapper
mad_mike  Offline
trapper
M

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,583
The Panhandle of Alaska
A treated long spring holds up to the corrosion caused from use on ocean beaches far better than a coil. For my needs the S.C. 4.5 fill a niche for that specific set. For the cost I consider them disposable.
The SC’s major short coming, for me, is that snowfall puts them out of commission with a quickness. Our show is typically wet and heavy and then followed with clear cold that turn the top 1-2” of accumulation to ice. You won’t have any snow accumulation here if the trap lays lower than the 14’ mark on the tide line only the occasional ‘pancake” ice from extended extreme cold cycles.


Advice? Wise men don't need it. Fools won't heed it.
Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6578141
07/21/19 12:13 AM
07/21/19 12:13 AM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho Offline OP
trapper
Wild_Idaho  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Gotcha that makes sense. Hard for me to imagine wolves down low on a tidal beach, but I guess in Alaska anything is possible grin Appreciate the info. I'm going to be at the Montana rendezvous in September and plan on checking out the Alaska #9's that are going to be there. I need to bite the bullet and buy a couple of them.


Real name Eric
The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: alaska viking] #6578289
07/21/19 09:26 AM
07/21/19 09:26 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,421
Yukon
Y
yukon254 Offline
trapper
yukon254  Offline
trapper
Y

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,421
Yukon
Originally Posted by alaska viking
IMHO, the Ak #9 and Koro are really in a class of their own, and comparing those 2 to lesser "wolf traps" is the apples and oranges thing.
The S.C. 4-1/2" has taken plenty of wolves, and will certainly be adequate for holding one. Deep snow can be it's downfall, along with the other "lesser" wolf traps..


truth right there.


do unto others as you would have them do unto you

www.grizzlycreeklodge.com
Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6579912
07/23/19 09:52 PM
07/23/19 09:52 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho Offline OP
trapper
Wild_Idaho  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Well I got 3 Sleepy Creek 4 1/2's in the mail today from MTP... Definitely a high quality longspring. I'm happy with my purchase. But yeah forget about setting these guys by hand. I can almost do it, but not safely. Going to try some c-clamps to see how that works and if not, then will buy some actual setters. Thanks for the advice guys. An Alaska #9 is going to be next on my list to buy.


Real name Eric
The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.

Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6579963
07/23/19 11:17 PM
07/23/19 11:17 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,583
The Panhandle of Alaska
M
mad_mike Offline
trapper
mad_mike  Offline
trapper
M

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,583
The Panhandle of Alaska
I would highly recommend the S.C. setters. Hopefully you won’t get stuck in one of these like I have... I was thankful to have the setters within arms reach at that moment.
Use the supplied u-clips for resets in the field. I patterned the dimensions of the S.C. u-clips using rolled stock because I tend to lose the u-clips.
For prepping these traps for transport I like to compress the spring then jam a nail under the jaw post capturing a near fully compressed spring. Makes the initial set up very quick and safe to work with.
[Linked Image]
I normally use roofing nails for this, the 8d galv. Is just to demonstrate.



Advice? Wise men don't need it. Fools won't heed it.
Re: Sleepy Creek #4 1/2 for wolves [Re: Wild_Idaho] #6579993
07/24/19 12:22 AM
07/24/19 12:22 AM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho Offline OP
trapper
Wild_Idaho  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
mad_mike, great idea I really like that nail trick a lot. Thanks. And yeah I have no interest in getting stuck in one of those but I suppose it's not out of the question. Fortunately so far, only been stuck in smaller traps like 150s, 110s and Bridger #2's. My time is coming though.


Real name Eric
The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.

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