If you were to buy your 7yo boy a dozen coon traps what would they be? Excluding dp's and box traps. I have some dp's but I want him to start learning how to bed and make a set the right way so when he starts stealing my big traps to try to catch a yote at least he will have a chance. Haha he has the drive and is relentless with wanting to make all my sets while on the line so I guess its time. Just interested on your guys input on what you would pick.

Dstone

1 1/2 coil spring. Very versatile

You got a stout 7 year old if he can set a foothold. I got to bear down on the 450’s, if a 450 is considered a 1.5.

Hes pretty stout i was splitting wood earlier with my log splitter I look over hes got a double side axe working over a log all i could do is shake my head... more power to him.it was hallow and he actually split it up. Kids can do alot more than people think. Just have to point them in the right direction and give them a hand from time to time.He can set a no.1 long spring no problem and he can get a no.11 but its tuff. I was thinking 1.5 or 1.75 coils. What flavor is part of the question.

I’ve heard the Bridger 1.5’s are real good traps. Then again, I like the 450’s too.

Are the 450s nite latched like the 550s?

I like the Bridger specials they have a bump on the dog that acts close to a night latch. Nicer quality feel to them in my opinion than the dukes. Not as hard to set as well. Springs might be a little weaker but have held coons for me when trapping muskrats. Setters are cheap and they still help my 12 year old with 4 coiled coyote traps.

I would suggest 1.5 coils. They are great for coon in the water, but would also be great traps to learn dirthole and flat sets on for something simple like coon. I would think he would be able to bed them right and get the feel for them. But if you got 1.75s they would work just fine on coon, and would even do alright on a coyote or cat.If I was gonna buy more 1.5s, I would go with no bs. However, they are very stout traps and would be hard for a 7 year old to set. Heck sometimes I have trouble lol. Dukes are cheap and work just fine. As far as 1.75s, I have had bridgers and dukes and they both work just fine. My favorite was the square jaw bridger 1.75. Ive just always perferred a square jaw vs a round jaw. Thats just preference. Either way, you cant go wrong, and I guarantee ya your son will be happy!

I do prefer a square jaw myself i like the idea of getting him a few of those bridgers and a pair of setters. I have never owned a pair besides conibear setters so to be honest that never crossed my mind.

Yes, 450’s are night latched. Great little traps so far, I’ve only caught coons, possums, and fox in them as of now.

Get 1 3/4 offset traps for him, good for coons, fox and coyotes.

#11 longsprings

that would be my choice very versatile trap

You said for coon traps, if that is the main intention then the Duke 1.5 DJ traps would be the clear winner to get you the most bang for your money. The smooth wide jaws on traps like the 450, while kind to the feet of fox, are a very bad choice for the wet tapered feet of raccoons.

I was going to say 1.5 bridgers or dukes.
Consider a cage too. My kids at 7 or so ran a bunch of coon cages and did very well with them. DPs and a setting too worked well for them too.
Jim

I'm not sure if they make trap setters for a 1 1/2 but I'm sure you can find them for a #2 sive trap . That would be the easiest way a young kid could set a trap , just a thought.

Dave at One Hand Setters makes them for 1.5's and every other size too, except maybe bear traps, but I'd bet he'd custom build those too. lol

Nice, I think it would let younger kids set traps of all sizes by themselves. Great thing about most kids they like to do as much as they can on their own. Gives them a greater sense of accomplishment which to me is a good thing.

ADC is right, get that boy a dozen Duke 11/2s and a pair of Dave’s One Hand setters and tell them’coon to look out.

Another vote for dukes. I seen them on sell last month . I run a dz of the Bridger. My next dz will be Duke 1.5 dj.