Anyone set a vertical bodygrip trap for otter? Are there any cons to that position? I’ve always had triggers up or down. I’m guessing it’s probably not a big deal.....
Thanks

So your thinking of having the BG with the triggers sticking out from the side. That's a NO NO you want the jaws of the trap striking the throat and the back of the neck. With the trap set with the triggers positioned from the side the jaws will strike the sides of the throat and that In most case will not give you a quick kill.

I don't care how you set it, horizontal or vertical, you will most often not catch an otter by the head. Myself and many others use body grips vertical often with efficient results. This could open a can of worms but please remember this is my opinion based on my experience. In my opinion you set the trap how you feel comfortable. Sometimes vertical is the best option.

Triggers top or bottom still gives you the best results.

Absolutely agreed in setting a bodygrip trap for any critter.

I have to disagree with the statement. I generally will catch an otter by a single strike to the neck. Second most common is having one foot in and caught across the chest.

The biggest difference in catching otter IMHO is a magnum vs non magnum trap.

A strong complete closure trap will have almost no struggle from most otter catches.

Triggers to the side will result in less damage to a beaver pelt. Back of the neck is the easiest place to damage, and when you eliminate the trap striking there, you eliminate that damage.

Debatable if that matters in the current market!!!

As a trapper we owe It to the critters we trap to put them down as efficient as we can. And a strike to the throat and the base of the skull will get It done. And to do that you need to have that BG tuned so you have a minimum of trigger travel before the trap fires.