[quote=Wronganswer]You need to do some research on the laws in NM before you go out and start setting. Based on what you are planning to do/use you are headed for arrest not success.

Longspring #5's are not legal. 6.5" maximum outside jaw spread (7" if outside laminated). Basically a Bridger #3 coilspring, Bridger #4 longspring or similar is as big as you can use. They also need to be offset. It's illegal to trap a lion on BLM or USFS property. It is legal on private property (with permission of course) and on state lease land (owned by the state land office not NMGF or any other state agency), however, since you state it wouldn't be on a ranch it sounds like you will be trapping on public land. That will likely be illegal. ALL FURBEARER TRAPPING LAWS APPLY.

You also need BOTH a trapping license and a cougar license (which has to be purchased at least 2 days prior to hunting/trapping for lions). You also must follow the season dates for normal furbearer trapping. You cannot use visible bait. ALL FURBEARER TRAPPING LAWS APPLY.

I would strongly encourage you to read the rule book and/or call a game warden before you commit a crime or possibly many crimes and in the process give NM trappers another black eye. We don't need any more illegal activity by folks who should know better. Please do everyone a favor and educate yourself before trying this.

As far as how to trap for lions:

Lions trapping techniques are very similar to bobcat trapping techniques but they are obviously much larger and your anchoring system needs to take that into account. Welded J hooks are strongly recommended. Set further back from your attractor/scent and make your stepping guides reflect a larger stride from a much larger animal.

If you are new to trapping or are just getting back into it there are a lot of laws that you can violate without knowing it so I'd also recommend you join the NM Trapper's Association as well as the National Trappers Association and Fur Takers of America. They can be a great source of information and can give you access to people who know what is legal and what isn't. I don't mean to jump all over someone who is excited to try a new sport, but trapping, especially in NM, is under constant attack and we don't want you to violate the law OR cause us to lose trapping

Wrong,
WOW!!!
You don’t know what you don’t know until the info hits you like a freight train!!
I appreciate your passion and your knowledge and as I stated, I am new to trapping and I joined the forum to learn more.
I can promise you that I intend NOT to break any laws or besmirch trapping in NM and maybe I should have looked into it more before I posted anything...live and learn.
I actually just joined the NMTA but with all the trouble I had just joining their organization I was not filled with confidence in finding a mentor.
Maybe you can spare some time if you happen to live close by?

Thanks

I went to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento back in 1998. It's an awesome place.

Keith

Welcome to Trapperman, Sicilian! Just want to make sure you know one of our rules. It didn't happen without pictures. Far as I've seen here, very few pictures of lion trapping have been posted here. We are counting on you buddy!! Go for it and good luck!

MT