Re: Muskrat trapping
[Re: kurtansky]
#7454104
01/08/22 09:20 AM
01/08/22 09:20 AM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,497 PA
PAskinner
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,497
PA
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If you know where they are traveling near the bank holes but can't locate holes, use baited conibears. They are not as high a percentage as setting the holes but work well just under the ice. I use 160's when I get that situation and potato chucks or something orange. I've caught them on orange peels, but lots of people use carrots.
Right now I’m having amnesia and déjà vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.
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Re: Muskrat trapping
[Re: kurtansky]
#7454432
01/08/22 04:47 PM
01/08/22 04:47 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,963 South metro, MN
Calvin
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,963
South metro, MN
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Use your ice chisel and walk the bank, hitting the ice with your chisel. Most runs will be full of air and will have a hollow sound (and may have ice that still won't support you).
I'd use baited 160s personally. If they are hungry, you won't have to be exacty in the run this way.
Take as many as you can before the ice gets too thick,, then come back in the spring under a permit from the warden. Wardens usually have no issues issuing a permit when they are doing damage. In many states you can't sell the hides of out of season/permit species... so charge accordingly.
Yeah, it seems people always call you at the worst time of year for trapping of a species. For me it's usually after the spring beaver run when the fur is junk, season is closed and all the snapping turtles are out.
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Re: Muskrat trapping
[Re: kurtansky]
#7455078
01/09/22 11:19 AM
01/09/22 11:19 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,301 Waterville Minnesota
mudtracker
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,301
Waterville Minnesota
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If there is anywhere to make a bottom edge set you can take out a lot of rats under the ice with them. A vertical retaining wall or a large tree or rock at the edge if the water might have enough space under the ice to make a set. Fallen trees in the lake are good too, rats and mink swim right down the side of them.
If you check carefully you may be able to find thin ice over den entrances or even be able to find the dens up on the bank. Sometimes the rats body heat keeps the ground unfrozen above their dens.
WHO MADE THIS MESS ALL OVER MY FLOOR THE MUDTRACKER WAS HERE HE HE HE
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