So much like my "bucket list obsession" with catching a wolverine a couple of seasons ago - this season I will be focused in on catching a first lynx - and then we will go from there.
The KP is offering a limited six-week lynx trapping season, and I will be out there giving it heck.

I've always been more of a "snare man." The bobcats I caught back in MN years ago were mostly by snare, and a couple stuck their head in a #330.
Admittedly, my weak spot is leg hold. But I am committed to learning this art. My friend Len Fabich (Family Trapper) says there is a whole different thrill to arriving to a live cat, versus a dead, frozen one. I believe him

I'm interested to know - for those of you who pursue lynx with leg hold, what are your favorite traps, and why?
I was looking at Oneida/Victor #4 offset with 4 springs last night. Spendy, but they seem like they would do the trick.
I'm not opposed to spending some extra money for quality. Bridger and duke sometimes have a rep for cutting corners. The MB 750 that I caught the wolf in was all bent to heck, but it still held.
What's your experience?

Also interested in anything you have to teach me: scents, bait, locations (general things to look for) etc.

I hear beaver is the best bait. Since I don't have much for beaver down here in Homer, I'll likely get some from Minnesota where it is abundant and easy to catch. I have friends on it right now.

I'll be looking to carve out a niche likely somewhere between Homer and Soldotna. Biologists say the population is better the more that way I go. I figure, if I was willing to run all over creation in my boat to get a wolf and a wolverine, it's GOTTA be easier with my truck and a snowmobile, but I imagine there are always logistics and complications no matter where you go and how you get there. Having your snow machine break down or go through an ice flow is right up there with having your boat come off the mooring or wind up beached, I imagine!

The season is upon us, and I am fired up to start talking about it.

I use a combination of snares and #3 double spring Victor soft catches. I do get the odd few in body grippers as well. Good luck on fulfilling your goal.

I like #4 bridger LS . THe #4 not for the power but the huge paw size LS because in my opinion they don't freeze down as easily as coils and they are easier for me to set

When we had a contract for live lynx for a Colorado transplant I used Victor #3 soft catch which worked well.

MB 650

Mostly snares but for foothold I use vic #3 softcatch.
Not too hard to make them step where you want.

I run a bunch of those Duke #4 4coiled, got about 3 dozen of them, work great for the kitties and the beaver.

Check out Ted's Fur Shed and get some of that Meowuch! Pretty good stuff! Dobbins Purffect works pretty good to. For a call lure I use either skunky Backbreaker or just skunk.

Save those duck wings for attractors or get some wings from Ted. CD's are another good attractor along with pink tape.

Beaver for bait is good, but not needed, I'd suggest you get a hold of Ted and pick his brain, he puts up alot of kitties.

I used Bridger #3 and #2 four coiled. Best lynx trap IMO

Snares work great if you don' mind vermin damage/canibalized lynx

Goose wings work the best, duck and even pheasant wings work great. Add a bit of rabbit, fur pink surveyors ribbon . No bait or lure is needed. Baited/lured sets will increase the chances of having a non lynx in your set, but that could be a wolverine, here it usually means a fox

Can see my set in my video's on my sig.

Good luck

That's exactly what I'm looking for is something nice for the display. Cool cats!

I don't think I've used a long spring since I was a like 15. And I've certainly never used something that big. I may have to try a few and find out for myself.
The long springs - do you turn them to the sides when you bed the trap?
And your theory is because it is bigger and longer/less compact - it doesn't freeze down as much?

That's my buddy Len's favorite trap (family trapper) - so you are re affirming that. Good information.

aknome - any reason why MB? Just curious.

Boco I'm getting a lot of good information on this trap. Just curious if you have ever tried the #4. If so, did you find it too big.
One fellow trapper talked about bending the toes back on a 3# victor with four springs. Speaks to the power of the trap. Speaks to where the cat put it's paw.
I've just been weighing what to invest in, and juggling the #3 and #4 as a couple of primary interest.

John - I took a look at Ted's website yesterday per your recommendation. I will be placing an order.
I got the nephews back in MN getting me some Beav. Saving wings. I'm sure I will get a bunch of wings when I go back for my visit.

Have you ever used the Lynx stretchers that Ted sells?

Jeff I'm from the Kenai Peninsula. I know we've got a lot of coyote. Not much for fox. The occasional wolverine depending on where you are. But probably the biggest thing is lynx cannibalizing lynx, I'm guessing? Seems like I see that a lot on youtube videos where there are numerous lynx and they are hungry. I definitely want to employ footholds more than I ever have before. Right now it is more a matter of cost because I'm starting with nothing and at roughly $250 a dozen, they add up fast.

Ref the stretchers, I have not. I need to though, been using yote wire stretchers and card board. After seeing how he puts the kitties up I have a better grasp on using boards for them.

WH the area I live we get a lot of freeze thaw even with wax paper top and bottom coils seem to gather frost that turns to ice where the LS don't. I set with the trap dog in if possible sometimes things have to be turned and adjusted due to the size of the trap. It also helps when the wolverines come along. Mind now I am not a big cat trapper not a whole lot in my area but thats what works for me. Bad shoulders and small paws can make the coils a real pain for me as well LS over the knee problem solved

MB 650 is multi purpose. Good sized jaw spread for those big feet. Very good chance of a wolverine visiting set. I have no doubt they'd hold a wolf as well.

Never tried a LS #4 for cats WH,I know a few guys that did though and they trapped quite a few.

Tim I use Bridger #3 four coiled for kitties. As others have pointed out you are apt to get a wolverine on occasion. If I'm in a wolverine area I use my super #3's (heavier secondary springs and a spring retainer) as a wolverine will chew off the secondary springs and pull out if you don't have a spring retainer. However they are excellent wolverine traps when done that way they can't chew out like bigger traps. Give me a call and we can go over all the points of a set the way I do it if you want, my number is on my store site. Ted