Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7438079
12/21/21 10:31 PM
12/21/21 10:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175 McGrath, AK
white17
"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
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"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175
McGrath, AK
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Those of you trapping wolverines with 330’s, in boxes, buckets, or cubby’s do you get many rejections where a wolverine comes up to the 330 but won’t go into it? I have been running about 50% refusals, just curious, thx I had that same problem for at least ten years. Finally cleaned out all the old guys with foothold traps. After that, 330's started connecting. Still prefer the footholds
Mean As Nails
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7438104
12/21/21 10:48 PM
12/21/21 10:48 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 Orergon
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
Orergon
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I also have far better luck with footholds. My very first was taken with a 330. Took 2 seasons of the trap getting pulled out, the gulo making his own entrance through the cubbie, or just walking by. I finally got him, but he was the last in a 330. I would rather catch them that way for several reasons, but my highest success rate is footholds.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: scootermac]
#7438150
12/21/21 11:22 PM
12/21/21 11:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175 McGrath, AK
white17
"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
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"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175
McGrath, AK
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close the top or they climb over Apparently they sometimes climb in but always go out through the trap. That would make me consider setting it up so it is easy for them to climb in but not out. Might be a higher percentage set that way
Mean As Nails
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7438189
12/22/21 12:10 AM
12/22/21 12:10 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 Orergon
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
Orergon
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Yep. My one and only 330 gulo was a natural cubbie, as well.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7438564
12/22/21 01:49 PM
12/22/21 01:49 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9 Alaska
Ramhunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9
Alaska
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Thanks for the reply’s, I’ve thought about trying the wire fence pen sets, I know some Canadian trappers do very well with them! Yeah, I know leg holds work better, l just like the clean fast kill of the Belisle 330’s. Will most likely make some leg hold sets.
New for this year I have some pans on some of the Belisle’s instead in wire triggers, also I drilled out with a long 1/8’’ drill bit and slid small twigs over the steel wire triggers, an old time Wolverine trapper told me that once, said the Wolverines don’t like that steel/cold steel on their face? Also made some longer boxes with a 330 on each end, making it look more open.
No Wolverine have been around yet this year, but I’ve caught two foxes in the 330’s, one with a pan and one with the sticks over the wire trigger, last year I only caught one fox in a 330-box set all year. Seems like the foxes are not as spooky of the boxes with pans and sticks over the trigger! Guess I wait and see if I get less wolverine refusals.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7438848
12/22/21 07:27 PM
12/22/21 07:27 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 9 Southcentral, Alaska
Bloodtrails
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 9
Southcentral, Alaska
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These cage sets are the most productive sets that I’ve used. Still end up with refusals though. I had 3 Wolverine pass by sets on my last check. I use 3-4 snares around the cage also and seem to pick them up in the snares while circling the cage. Usually still end up in the 330 while fighting the snare. Also have had them jump over the cage. I don’t cover the top. Couple get caught backing out of the cage with the bait. Figure if they make it that deep in the set they will make a mistake.
Last edited by Bloodtrails; 12/22/21 07:29 PM.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Bloodtrails]
#7438868
12/22/21 07:45 PM
12/22/21 07:45 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9 Alaska
Ramhunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9
Alaska
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These cage sets are the most productive sets that I’ve used. Still end up with refusals though. I had 3 Wolverine pass by sets on my last check. I use 3-4 snares around the cage also and seem to pick them up in the snares while circling the cage. Usually still end up in the 330 while fighting the snare. Also have had them jump over the cage. I don’t cover the top. Couple get caught backing out of the cage with the bait. Figure if they make it that deep in the set they will make a mistake. Thx for the Info!
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: That Fool]
#7438870
12/22/21 07:46 PM
12/22/21 07:46 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9 Alaska
Ramhunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9
Alaska
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More than likely the wolverines refusing to go for the bait are trap educated. You will need to employ more tactics and different sets in order to get the weary ones. When I have refusals at body grip sets, I set up snares and foot holds. I will usually get them within a couple of weeks. If you must, set up some dead falls for them if they continue to refuse your sets. Thx, snares are are next, have a couple Ram snares too!
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: white17]
#7439553
12/23/21 01:48 PM
12/23/21 01:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9 Alaska
Ramhunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9
Alaska
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Be super careful setting those rams !! Thx! I will be super careful, I know those rams can be wicked!
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: muskrat411]
#7439559
12/23/21 01:57 PM
12/23/21 01:57 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9 Alaska
Ramhunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9
Alaska
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I catch everything in 330 with milk crates. Even got 2 wolves in milk crates last year. Milk crates are tough to come by up here though. Buti suppose wolverine have a lot more options to eat where you southern young fellers trap. I got 2 Lynx in fence sets last year but did not get a wolverine. Im running amounts in line this year so I'll try one the community government had some old fence they said could take. The box sets work, I caught three wolverine in them last year, 2 males, one 39.5 pounds and another 36 pounder, and a 19 pound female, just running about 50% refusals or more!
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: muskrat411]
#7439766
12/23/21 06:17 PM
12/23/21 06:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9 Alaska
Ramhunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 9
Alaska
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One more thing on wolverine passing up you milk crates. I use a couple types of bait in the same box. As a wolverine can be fussy. So maybe tainted bear meat, fish and Muskrat in the same box. Make sure he gets what he is looking for that day. Also lure on a ball of hide just to keep his attention and scraps or dog feed on the ground make sure he spends some time in the area. Turn them Old Golu eyes to eating and you will do good. Great advise! Thanks!
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: muskrat411]
#7440304
12/24/21 10:07 AM
12/24/21 10:07 AM
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Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 797 Alberta
Norwestalta
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 797
Alberta
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Has anyone got a picture of your milk crate set they could share? Thanks
Last edited by Norwestalta; 12/24/21 10:08 AM.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7440542
12/24/21 03:16 PM
12/24/21 03:16 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175 McGrath, AK
white17
"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
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"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175
McGrath, AK
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I am not convinced that avoidance is caused by having been 'educated' previously.
I have never trapped in an area where wolverines were likely to have encountered another trapper. Even though they can have very large home ranges and travel a heck of a distance looking for love, I believe that the average wolverine is pretty much a homebody as long as he can find groceries. Especially the females.
I can recall when Gulo was the area biologist here. He was having good luck catching wolverine in bucket sets. He was trapping mostly with the airplane but still was at least a hundred miles from my line. The difference , I believe, is that the individual animals he was trapping had encountered man-made things before. The individual animals in my area had not.
I believe that the critters closer to civilization become more familiar and at ease with things that are, or look to be, out of place.
A bucket or a milk crate are not things a wolverine normally encounters in his lifetime...........unless they live closer to a community.
I also believe that mama wolverine teaches her kits travel routes through the country and also things to avoid..........like a bucket or a box. That's why I think my luck with buckets changed after I eliminated the older cohort in the population, with footholds.
I also started leaving buckets inverted over a stump during the summer. Maybe the critters became habituated to seeing them and thus lowered their avoidance behavior.
Look how common it is for wolverines to circle a set. That isn't 'hunting' behavior, it is caution. If something appears natural, I think their alert system is at a lower level. I also believe that if you can focus their attention higher than their normal line of sight, it gives you an advantage.......particularly with footholds.
Many of us remember Piper9er on here. He used mostly 330's in buckets and crates but they were elevated on a couple of leaning poles. I believe that was mostly due to wind and drifting snow on his line but I think it also aided the animal's ability to see the bait without "scrunching " down a bit.
Who knows ? That's what makes these guys such an interesting animal to pursue
Just my 2 'scents'
Mean As Nails
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7440762
12/24/21 07:56 PM
12/24/21 07:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,336 Alaska
piperniner
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,336
Alaska
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This thread brings back fond memories. The days when the WT+L section of Tman was most active. So many participating and offering their experience. For those who are interested, go to the archive section ie - wilderness trapping and living archives. All of the topics offer a wealth of information. There are several sections that pertain to Wolverine. The buckets that White referenced are shown in the archive thread titled - Wolverine thread archive by trapper Joe. The pics were posted by fisherman 222. Bucket sets don’t seem to work for some, but my experience was positive. As you can see, the elevated sets are positioned at a downward angle. In theory, the animal has all four legs occupied as it sticks it’s head into the bucket. A loud skunk call always helped draw them in. Consistent behind the neck catch. Often, you would get them on their first curcuit, other times months later. But who really knows, it could be a new animal entering the area. All sorts of methods work, but the nice part is the drama of foot holds is avoided.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7440800
12/24/21 08:26 PM
12/24/21 08:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 Orergon
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
Orergon
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I agree. And the drama is real!
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7440897
12/24/21 10:10 PM
12/24/21 10:10 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 392 ak
nooksack
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 392
ak
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I've had luck with buckets and boxes or crates. However I've gone to mostly this type of set due to restrictions where I trap. The bait is covered to help it last longer when it warms up and keeps the birds out. I've had them circle this and leave too. Funny as I have caught many in lynx sets with completely exposed traps, no bait, and just a wing with or without lure . The good thing about those has been that I use mainly Jump traps for cats, and the under spring keeps them from chewing of their frozen toes and pulling out.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7440918
12/24/21 10:43 PM
12/24/21 10:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 Orergon
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
Orergon
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I had poor luck with V-14 jumps. Several pull-outs, and a couple toes. Since switching to NO BS CANINE EXTREMES, that Kendal made with no off-sets, for MadMike, and I, zero loss. I will say, those traps have held everything, including wolves, for MM.
Last edited by alaska viking; 12/24/21 10:43 PM.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Cytex]
#7440981
12/25/21 12:45 AM
12/25/21 12:45 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,859 Northwest Territories
muskrat411
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,859
Northwest Territories
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Cytex: Sounds like you are trapping lazy not putting the effort in to make the box area attractive to to the wolverine to mill about and work the area. But if you catch him further down the line it's all good.
Last edited by muskrat411; 12/25/21 12:46 AM.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: alaska viking]
#7441502
12/25/21 02:08 PM
12/25/21 02:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175 McGrath, AK
white17
"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
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"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175
McGrath, AK
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I had poor luck with V-14 jumps. Several pull-outs, and a couple toes. Since switching to NO BS CANINE EXTREMES, that Kendal made with no off-sets, for MadMike, and I, zero loss. I will say, those traps have held everything, including wolves, for MM. Yes I too had several V-14's completely disassembled by wolverines. But I have never lost one from the MB-750's . In fact I have never lost anything from an MB-750. That is a nice set Nook. I prefer to use a snare rather than the 330 in that situation. That drop off of the bank is a great place
Mean As Nails
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: nooksack]
#7441542
12/25/21 03:20 PM
12/25/21 03:20 PM
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Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 797 Alberta
Norwestalta
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 797
Alberta
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I've had luck with buckets and boxes or crates. However I've gone to mostly this type of set due to restrictions where I trap. The bait is covered to help it last longer when it warms up and keeps the birds out. I've had them circle this and leave too. Funny as I have caught many in lynx sets with completely exposed traps, no bait, and just a wing with or without lure . The good thing about those has been that I use mainly Jump traps for cats, and the under spring keeps them from chewing of their frozen toes and pulling out. Wow what a shed. Wouldn't surprise me if that a 70"+ moose.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7441738
12/25/21 08:04 PM
12/25/21 08:04 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 392 ak
nooksack
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 392
ak
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Av, I definitely don't use jumps for wolverine. I don't set any footholds for them. I used 650's for a while but lost one out of those also. What's your loop and height with a snare White? I don't know if that bull would have gone 70" close probably. I found the other side two weeks later less than a mile away.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: white17]
#7441786
12/25/21 09:17 PM
12/25/21 09:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,645 49th State
mad_mike
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,645
49th State
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I had poor luck with V-14 jumps. Several pull-outs, and a couple toes. Since switching to NO BS CANINE EXTREMES, that Kendal made with no off-sets, for MadMike, and I, zero loss. I will say, those traps have held everything, including wolves, for MM. Yes I too had several V-14's completely disassembled by wolverines. But I have never lost one from the MB-750's . In fact I have never lost anything from an MB-750. That is a nice set Nook. I prefer to use a snare rather than the 330 in that situation. That drop off of the bank is a great place White, interesting on the 14’s being defeated like that. I took a good number of them using the under sprung 14OV’s. Perhaps the temperature embrittlement of the cast jaws? Here is one that a #%@&* bear tore my caught Gulo from. I never had a broken trap with the type. As The Viking said, Kendall’s No BS Extremes are amazing. They have held some good sized wolves and easily handle the wolverine. Anyways footholds for me, all day with setting for wolverine. Avoidance is rare, but they are usually back very soon.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7441806
12/25/21 10:01 PM
12/25/21 10:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 Orergon
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
Orergon
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Notice the missing dog on MM's bent to heck V-14. Every wolverine I lost in one of those traps took the dog with it. Even the one that left me it's toe.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: alaska viking]
#7441808
12/25/21 10:04 PM
12/25/21 10:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,645 49th State
mad_mike
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,645
49th State
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Notice the missing dog on MM's bent to heck V-14. Every wolverine I lost in one of those traps took the dog with it. Even the one that left me it's toe. Yeah, they use them as toothpicks, while you are gone. Whack them how you want to. In a 330/280 likely game over quick. Not so good in SEAK coastal conditions. Keep them hung up and they can rearrange things beyond belief.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: nooksack]
#7441847
12/25/21 11:38 PM
12/25/21 11:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 797 Alberta
Norwestalta
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 797
Alberta
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Av, I definitely don't use jumps for wolverine. I don't set any footholds for them. I used 650's for a while but lost one out of those also. What's your loop and height with a snare White? I don't know if that bull would have gone 70" close probably. I found the other side two weeks later less than a mile away. Yep a good 65" I'm sure. Regardless it's a big mature moose.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: nooksack]
#7442112
12/26/21 01:21 PM
12/26/21 01:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8,208 Manitoba
Northof50
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8,208
Manitoba
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I don't know if that bull would have gone 70" close probably. I found the other side two weeks later less than a mile away. [/quote] Boy I know of several native cultural carvers that would drool over that match set to get their hands and knives on. But that should be left for another thread to be opened up too easy to sidetrack
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: alaska viking]
#7443550
12/28/21 11:39 AM
12/28/21 11:39 AM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175 McGrath, AK
white17
"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
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"General (Mr.Sunshine) Washington"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35,175
McGrath, AK
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Av, I definitely don't use jumps for wolverine. I don't set any footholds for them. I used 650's for a while but lost one out of those also. What's your loop and height with a snare White? I don't know if that bull would have gone 70" close probably. I found the other side two weeks later less than a mile away. Nook> On a pole I usually set a loop about 8" and 8" off the pole. Lower if the pole is steeply angled. The most important thing is to be certain the gulo can't get his feet on the ground. They will spin until they break the cable Notice the missing dog on MM's bent to heck V-14. Every wolverine I lost in one of those traps took the dog with it. Even the one that left me it's toe. Is that a Paws-i-trip pan on Mike's trap ? I have a couple CDR 750's with those and the dog never survives an encounter with wolf or wolverine. Nice trap but that dog is a weak point. The V-14's that I had were all cast jaws and about 1920's vintage. I suppose the cold and age could have been the problem but I have some NH4's, 48's that are similar age with no issues
Mean As Nails
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7444126
12/28/21 10:29 PM
12/28/21 10:29 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 Orergon
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
Orergon
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The 1 wolverine I held in a V-14, and the 3 I lost, all took the original dog with them. All cast jaw traps. The black bear I caught, (and held 3 times!), also ate the dog, each time.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7444321
12/29/21 02:11 AM
12/29/21 02:11 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,503 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,503
james bay frontierOnt.
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Do you guys get any incidental wolverines in your wolf snares. The ones caught here are incidentals and mostly in wolf or lynx snares at jackpots.No season here for them yet.They are steadily increasing their range from the north and west.
Last edited by Boco; 12/29/21 02:14 AM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Boco]
#7444671
12/29/21 01:09 PM
12/29/21 01:09 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 335 Northern Manitoba
scootermac
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 335
Northern Manitoba
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Do you guys get any incidental wolverines in your wolf snares. The ones caught here are incidentals and mostly in wolf or lynx snares at jackpots.No season here for them yet.They are steadily increasing their range from the north and west. I've caught two in wolf snares that were both blown in with snow and one in a lynx trail snare that was too small to hold him, he was caught a month and a bit later in a 330 milk crate set.
Last edited by scootermac; 12/29/21 01:09 PM.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7450797
01/04/22 05:59 PM
01/04/22 05:59 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794 100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
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Those of you trapping wolverines with 330’s, in boxes, buckets, or cubby’s do you get many rejections where a wolverine comes up to the 330 but won’t go into it? Yes, untill I went to a spacious double end cubby setup of16-20” wide X 36-40” Length with a 280 or 330 BG trap at each end. My experience has been if a wolverine can see its way out the back end of a space, and can easily turn around within it, they are far less hesitant to enter and less apt to tear the cubby apart. In my opinion many wolverine feel crowded in a normal cubby set up with no escape route, thus they avoid them or tear them apart to safely get at the bait with an escape route available. In essence many wolverine do not like bing crowed.
Last edited by bctomcat; 01/04/22 06:18 PM.
The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.
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Re: Question for wolverine trappers?
[Re: Ramhunter]
#7464376
01/18/22 04:07 AM
01/18/22 04:07 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 223 Chicken, Alaska
Chickenminer
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 223
Chicken, Alaska
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I'm liking the open ended double boxes that I have been trying. This one went straight into the box, didn't even circle the set. I must have had the trigger wires set too far apart and this was a smaller wolverine. It got through the first 330, into the box and got caught by back leg. Then started chewing on the box until it finally poked its head into the 330 on the other end. Fresh caught, still flexible enough I could fish it through the box.
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