Hey guys I just got back into trapping last year after being out of it for about 10 years. I had a great season but was way under prepared. So far for off season plans I have Build coon boxes, build some more stretchers, BTO and castor lure, dye wax and modify traps. What are some plans you guys have for this off season?

To keep trapping. What else can teach you more?

I've been needing to finish my house for five years, but that's no fun, so I'll probably fish and work on some trapping things that I want to try for next season!

I have disabled the Springs on about 10 footholds and I've started testing whether a buried trap affects how a coyote works a set. Been interesting so far. But do to all the rain it's been a little slow.

- when its hot this summer will be making a LOT of waxed dirt
- traps to tune, dye, wax
- Lots of bait to put up
- make up a bunch of mink boxes and cubbies
- come up with better organization system for the truck bed

Jim

too much for my poor 1 finger to type.

Wanna be hit it right on the head. Just keep trapping without the trap. I test scents new and old all year, so I make sets without traps. I can not use foot traps here in my state at all, but I make flat sets, dirt holes, rub sets all year long without a trap with a backer or no backer, hole angle, I can see how and where they step depending on if they want to work or walkthrough. I can go anywhere right now and make a foot set. The cable is my main tool for trapping, I set up snare locations and put a video camera to learn and study how the animal moves through the spot. I can use a piece of cable, no locks just a cable hanging over the spot or lower for the bottom of the loop to see how they position or move through the spot. Most folks think that they need to see a catch to show them what to do but the fact is no catch is needed just plain observation is needed.

Good post Jonesie

We trap for 2 or 3 months then we have 9 months to learn and practice

"I've been needing to finish my house for five years, but that's no fun, so I'll probably fish and work on some trapping things that I want to try for next season!"

Only five? You've got lots of time left to get that done. I built mine 15 years ago and it ain't nowhars near finished yet.

Lol

Wax some dirt for first time. Set up trail cams on mock sets. Get out and study movements of animals. Now just need to find the time!

If this social distancing keeps up, I'll be done with all my projects by the end of the month and will be ready to fish. I'm sure my wife will have some input on this that could change my plans.

I've been focusing on trapping pocket gophers. Out three weeks earlier than last year and up to 77 so far. Best day was today with 27 out of 33 sets.

Scout: that is one thing I want to try. What kind of trap are you using? Any other hints?

Well after work I started getting my honey do list finished up , poured a small concrete pad for my smoker I am getting to put together next weekend. Got a Wheeler to finish replacing the engine,old Argo to put together,90s yamaha phazer full rebuild, 69 ski door Nordic replace electrical, build rabbit hitches for the kids , rebuild chicken pen, then if we can figure out how to swing it I am wanting to tear down the turn of the century out building and replace it with a metal building to turn into fur shed ,meat cutting room and metal shop. Plus toss in bear hunting and some fishing. Then hopefully cleaning and prep traps.

I wouldn't think a 20 yr old building would be in that bad of shape!

i'm about to fire up 2 big pots of beaver skulls out back,learned my lesson about tryin that in the fur shed.

Yukon, I should have clarified it was built as a wagon/carriage house in the later 1800s early 1900s. My house was built in 1910 and think the shop was built before the house.

Sounds like everyone has a busy summer ahead. I'm trying to be more prepared than I was last year and hope it results in a better season.