It has now been two mornings in a row that I’ve had someone, landowners or neighborhood kids, riding four wheelers overtop of my set. Three sets destroyed and the prospects of a catch down the toilet. It’s not my land and I only have permission to trap but its still frustrating.

I would for sure check with owner.
Good chance the riders are not supposed to be there.

Communication is key when trapping other's property. Let the landowner know but don't come across as rude or blame anyone. Keep things as civil as you can or you may be viewed as the problem not the victim. Sucks to have it happen but with a few preparations you should be able to avoid it and still catch a bunch of critters.

move your traps

Yep, set a little off to side, side where prevailing winds will bring set odors across the two tracks if that is where animals are traveling.
It is frustrating, I get it. N
But always remember you are the guest, and you have the ability to adjust.
Jim

Based on what? Doesn't seem like a surprise, and pretty certain the landowner is allowed to ride on his own place.

Seems pretty simple, move your traps.

Move traps or get creative with a log or rock to make em drive around your sets.

I have never trapped in dirt but in snow I set my trail sets deep enough to drive over. Maybe that would work or like said before move the sets.
Good luck

Setting a 1/2 step off the trail or put a log, rock or branch on the edge of the road/trail so they move over when they approach your sets. Be careful approaching the land owner unless it’s a trespassing issue your problems are not his so don’t be his problem.

Unless you know for certain they are trespassers and witness the riders, there probably isn't much you can do. You need to choose your battles and I, personally, wouldn't choose this one. Relocate. Good luck.

Might be the landowners kin!

I would gladly have someone run over my sets with an ATV than a farmer plow under 4 of my brand new ALPHA'S like they did this morning.

Oh yeah man that would suck!

Ouch. That hurts!

I would gladly have someone run over my sets with an ATV than a farmer plow under 4 of my brand new ALPHA'S like they did this morning.


Hope you have a good metal detector.

I had a guy cutting fire wood do the same with a few of my sets last year. He smashed one of my 220s with a tree. All my sets were markes with flagging tape so the land owner knew where they were but the guy cutting and kids on 4 wheelers didnt.

I never said a word other than good morning. Remade what i could and went on and repeated the rest ofvthe week. We were both guest and i act as such. Irritating yes but i would gain nothing saying anything and it always has the chance of creating problems.

I would move them vs putting a rock or log in front of them as some suggested. The landowner drives it regularly and isnt used to there being a big rock on his trail. He messes up his quad or rolls it-you did that.