A few minutes ago I put out a post and messed up by not putting a title on it so it showed up titled under my user name, Onyx. I was looking for opinions on trap size and offset vs regular jaw for upland predator line, raccoon, Fox, coyote.

Excuse my goof. Your opinions are appreciated.

Thanks

Offfset holds a bit better as the offsets allow the levers to come up a fraction higher.

Thanks

Unless your state mandates offsets I see no reason to use them.

Thanks

i use offset when land trapping coyotes and fox. reg jaws when water trapping and dp for coon

I own and use both regular jaw and offset jaw 2 & 3 size traps on land. Haven't noticed any difference myself.

A flat squared off edged surface is your best holding option. If a person want's to laminate then you should use square stock to do the job.

Off set jaws are a feel good thing In my opinion. Let's say you catch a coon In a offset jawed trap and the initial catch Is a good solid pad catch. The first pull by that coon Is going to turn that good solid pad catch to a toe catch and It's probably going to be a lost coon. It's not going to be a problem with a coyote or fox type foot because of the shape..

2X

This Guy ^^ "has been there done that"....I never did buy into offset jaws.

X2

I get that levers come up higher for a better hold. And I get that coon may be able to pull out. I use them in case I catch a non-target that has to be released. I use Montana #3 in both regular and offsets and MB 550 in both configurations. Neither of these designs cut the skin. But the offsets allow more circulation. This may not be happening but it is my belief there is better circulation with the offsets and it is a big seller when trying to get a city-fied rural resident to open up their property to trapping.

If you have a 3/16ths offset I can guarantee you there will be No circulation to that appendage. Offset or no offset. Is this a problem on a 24 hour check I don't believe It Is. Now If you have freezing weather then It's going to be a problem.

Feet will freeze with either.I do like the lockup on offsets like the MB550's and MB650's.Researchers use nothing but offsets for catching and collating wolves and say it helps with circulation and it does but keep in mind they only do this work in the warmer months.That is the caveat.In colder months,here,the switch over to darting from planes when wanting to collar them.

Regardless,most current manufacture wolf traps are offset and most wolf trappers want them that way.

I like offsets for land animals except coon,due to lockup and closed jaws,not too rounded (edges)for water animals,along with coon.I don't target coon often but if I do,closed jaw 1 1/2's.Many are caught in larger,offset jawed,coyote traps and some pull out.That's Ok for me.My closed jaw 1 1/2' Victors are still holding coons after 40 years.

Another thing to consider is that many more States are mandating offset jaws and more will,along with other changes.This could lead to changing jaws or selling traps for offsets.Most of the mods to make jaws offset are inadequate and reduce lockup.Wolfdog51 has it figured out and may have a video or at least pictures to show how it is done.

Some also report that land owners like the idea of offsets and other improvements whether a real advantage or not.Just some food for thought.

Offset 100%. I have used offset/ regular/ laminated and non laminated traps and every combination of those. Offset, outside lamination is best in my experience. I have never had a bad catch that I can attribute to offset jaws. I've had just as many toe catches in regular jaw as offset. The idea of an offset jaw trap not holding as well as a closed jaw trap only comes from using an oversized trap for your target animal. For example if you have a 1/4 or 3/8's offset you may lose a coon or two but even a 3/8's offset will hold any coyote no problem. Toe catches are usually the fault of the trapper, not the trap. If you are planning on trapping exclusivley coon, a closed jaw trap is probably best, but I believe you will still hold 90% of coons in an offset jaw trap. So the question really becomes, are you coyote and fox trapping with bonus coon, or coon trapping with coyote and fox on the side? My opinion on offset traps may be unpopular, but remember I have used both, and I strongly believe OS traps are superior and are easier on the catch. Like I said, don't take this as me saying I am against closed jaw traps. I am not whatsoever. They have a place on my line and I use exclusivley closed jaw #1's on my marten line, I just prefer offset for larger animals. Also I strongly believe using OS traps is good PR for us trappers, especially when talking to those on the fence or that are not informed on trapping. Explaining to someone that you use an OS jaw trap to minimize stress on the animal shows you being proactive and helps people who may be on the fence about trapping and trappers, that we DO care about our catch weather or not it actually makes a difference. I have trapped a few ranches with dogs, and when you show the landowner an OS jaw trap, explain how it works, and show them how to release a dog, I promise they will be far more likely to let you trap their land. Just my 2 cents.

I think people need to be very careful with how you explain how OS are better for the animal as there is a trap there.

2x

Thanks for all your input

Onyx

Adequate jaw thickness paired with 3/16th offsets with ample power is the combo that is most paw friendly after many years of actual observation with real animals and conditions. The mechanical advantage is real.. The gap of the offsets allow the levers to lock up more efficiently and faster.. We will all be required to use offsets with thick jaws eventually... Lugs don't work..

I agree with all that,Gbus.