Im wondering what everyone uses for a trap when targeting badger? Would you think a 160 could get the job done? Iv caught a few in the past by throwing a fair amount of coyote bait i make down a burrow and placed a 220 on top but want to actually target a few. All help is appreciated.

I use 1 1/2 double coil and no bait or lure. I set the den entrance with exposed trap.

Snare the hole is what I do if you miss them it won't spook them if the 160/220 snaps and you miss they are gone.

Ya Law, that is a good point, if you miss. I find that true with porkies also.

Don’t they close the entrance holes with dirt?

Well, if you make a catch they will dig and fill the hole and be on top of the mount of dirt. I have caught many that way, but yes they will fill the entrance from digging after they been caught, in my experiences. They are easy to catch.

Your best yote set will catch one every time!

look for fresh dug holes then no bait needed. just place trap in entrance to hole and use a drag never stake a badger. fence post work great for drag..

Actually, I meant after they dig a den hole, do they fill the entrance behind them thus closing the opening with dirt?

They do but not often most holes are open.

I always catch one when I make a really good coyote set lol

Yea i catch them on occasion in my k9 sets but im talking about targeting specifically to add to the fur pile while also keeping them out my k9 sets. From my understanding badger and coyotes kinda work together

Sounds like my north loop trapline is going to have some this year, ive had good luck with babger buster lure and 280's when there around. Landowner called the other day and seen 3 of them in one day. My shoulders can feel it it already lol.

I just use footholds and a baited dirthole set works well.
Jim

How did you set the snare over the hole?

Yes and yes

Not sure how Law Dog does it. I simply lay the loop just inside the hole. You can use 3-4 very small sticks almost flush with the hole to help support the snare if need be. I don’t leave any slack in the snare. If you leave slack bring a shovel.lol

I will agree with all the rest that a yote or fox set will catch them as well. They aren't hard to catch though find the den and set will also be rewarding.

Animal excavator for sure. They sure give a coyote set some new eye appeal.

I have caught a number of them in Belisle 160's. The reason a lot of them are missed in 160's and 220's is because when the trap is set off the jaws or springs are hittong the ground and throwing the trap away from the badger. Dig the hole out so the body grip can fire and the springs and jaws don't hit the ground. You want close fit, but it should clear.
If I set a foot hold on a mound out side the hole. I make a trench set the width of the hole extending from the hole out across the mound. Set the trap off to the side, they have a wide stance. If you use lure at the trench you will pick up a coyote sometimes too.
Make sure you stake your trap away from the hole to keep the badger on top. I like three foot of chain to keep them from digging at the stake. Body grips need staked well too.