Along with getting back to full time trapping in Alaska, I'm looking forward to some late season trapping in the lower 48. Since the wife has grandkids in eastern NM, might be looking for a place to do some yote/bobcat trapping. I really enjoy snaring and am wondering if a guy will have problems with a critter that is deceased for several hours before I get to it. Obviously, this is dependent on the temp that day. I believe I saw that NM cat season goes to Mar. 15 and expect daily temps will be fairly warm by that time.
mt

I'd set snares away from the south facing slopes and would set in well shaded areas if at all possible which I'm sure you already know.
And I'd figure out a way to check them from a distance so that you wouldn't be going into the area if there wasn't anything in a snare .
Allan

Green belly.

I have even had green belly in 0 weather canines go green belly quick but that does not mean it ruined the hide. Depends how long your check period is we can go 7 days here and I seldom do because of excessive green belly and slipping fur.