I think one of the best things that trapping can teach kids is to be patient! As well as if your are not successful at first, learn from your mistakes and keep working at it. I set this bottom edge set a little over 3 weeks ago. Finally connected today! Being a trapper, you need to be comfortable checking empty sets but have the confidence that they have the potential to connect.

Probably won't be open water by this Wednesday .

I caught a nice buck mink after a 3-week wait with a 120 guarding a natural pocket in my backyard "creeklet". Too many houses behind me now to probably get away with it but fun while it lasted...

Tunnel trap would fit the Bill.

It’s a battle a fight with myself constantly. How long until “patience” becomes “ checking empty traps in an unproductive area”.

Should I wait? Should I pull the traps and move them to a new area? The internal struggle is real.

I don’t even listen to the radio so I can work things out while checking the line. LOL

Old enough now I enjoy being out checking traps, watching over the herd and wildlife. However on empty traps I have the attitude that with each empty trap I check the odds go up that the next one has that smart coyote. I win every day as his odds run out and he is going to make a mistake! Huntin on the other hand I can not sit tight forever like that bull or buck that can sit or lay for hours upon hours just looking your way waiting for you to twicth an ear.

Great point Bob! Always want to give them one more day which turns into a week!