Have a question. I’ve trapped rats in runs, under ice, in bank dens, pocket sets, etc... I’ve been asked to thin out some rats in a large pond that has floating cattail pods of all sizes. They are free floating. I can’t find runs or bank dens and can’t see any huts. I’m catching rats in floats / platforms and on feed beds, but can’t figure out where these guys live. During ice over there’s 2 feet of ice and the cattail pods are covered w/ snow and ice. I’m guessing theyre swimming under and up into the pods w/ dens in the reeds but can’t see into them. They break apart if you put weight on them and you fall through them into deep water. Any ideas or experience out there would be appreciated.

They are living in the bog. Years back I trapped a stretch of river that carved through floating bog mat. I found 3 huts in about 2 miles. Took nearly 1000 rats.

It is not “ good” habitat. But they can get by in it. Usually produces substandard skins.

whats the best way to work on bog rats

Good question keets. I'm curious as well.

Fall. Trails is best imo. You will likely find a few feedbeds and toilets as well. As always set on active sign. Stake into bog and don’t attach to bottom. Be prepared to lose some traps if it is truly floating bog.

Winter. Go somewhere else.

Spring. Poles. Best case. With the absence of beaver of course.

I am too trapping a small lake no huts. I can catch them in pocket sets easy. I put some floats out used apples sweet potatoes potatoes carrots. No luck at all. I used lenon bread and butter and other lures with 0 catchs on them.

Trapped floating bogs before. I just set the edges. Tried walking on them. Would sink a couple feet. Didn't have much luck that way. Read articles about guys using marsh ski's. Always thought about trying them. Never did though.

I've never heard of marsh skis. I suppose maybe Beav has seen them at some point over the years.

My neighbor had pair don't know If he ever used them he was the Chief warden In WI.

They were at least 8' long and about 8" wide and the ends turned up to about maybe 2' high. I didn't think I was man enough to try them out.

Was that Tom H, Beav? If so, I'm going to ask, b/c I'm friends with them.

Nope this guy buys some fur and does crafty stuff with It. I was going to hold out for $5.00 but some of these rats have a few bite marks so I'm going to give him a break. LOl But I still want $5.00 for some of those 18" rats with no bites.
Bob are you reading this?

That guy even looks like me. LOL
I figured If I ever tipped over I would never get out of the marsh. LOL

They look quite bulky carrying them around, like from the garage to the truck.

Thanks to all of you for the input. I too tried walking on the bogs but sunk in. Doubt that I’ll try the skis. I did well on the pockets around the edges and on floats using parsnip, carrots w/ lure. Next winter when things freeze over, I’ll try and find out if they have huts under the cat tails in the bogs. One of you guys talked about trails, but there are no trails as the waters is 6 - 17 feet deep and the waters as clear as a bell.

NIMZY. Thanks for the response. I can’t imagine trapping these bogs in a river. The ones I’m trapping are in a big pond and they move day to day. I’ve spent a lot of time looking for my traps. Some days the bogs will come together and hide my sets. It’s really a pain at times but picked up rats. Mostly floats and pockets on the edges. Thanks and good luck to you.

I’ve picked them up in pockets sets on toilets and feed beds that are scattered throughout these bogs. I’ve also done well in floats around the edges baited w/ anything white and dabbed w/ lure. There are no trails and can’t find any bank dens so using colony traps is out of the question for me. It’s definitely not speed trapping but a good challenge. Good luck. If I can find where they’re building their huts in those bogs this next winter when things freeze up I’ll let everyone know.

When the pond was froze over I put in a few poles w/ platforms baited but w/ out ice conditions to see bubbles / runs, it was all a guessing game. Thought I’d see some runs this spring but there are none. Waters clear and I believe the rats are staying on top and up near the bogs. It’s tough, that’s why I originally asked the question. Gonna have to dig in hard during the winter and see if I can find where these buggers are living. Thanks.

Bobcat_Trapper. ... I did a lot of the same but had good luck on the floats and all pockets. I always added a little lure on my attractant which I had luck on the whiter they were. Better luck w/ parsnip than carrot for example. It’s been an interesting challenge for me. More about finding your traps on an everyday basis than anything else. Those ponds look different everyday. Thanks again.

Best if used when you have a destination in place that you plan to return to more than once. It is the reverse of normal marsh walking. Keeps you from sinking into your waist with every step. But breaking a trail with them can suck. Popular with the duck hunting crowd that wants to get back to secluded potholes. Work best when you can go in a straight line or limit to soft turns. Once the trail is broke, they are very convenient way to cross the marsh so get a strong friend to lead the way!