I was out the line today looking around,doing a little line mtc.
Decided to take a few pics of my horizontal box set up.
I copied this method from another trapper.These boxes set up this way last for years.This method is far superior to any other type of horizontal box se up.The whole set moves with the tree so once set up there is little if any maintenace.i have come across some of the previous trappers boxes set up like this over 30 years ago and they are still good.
On our lines we set up boxes to be semi permanent to be used from year to year,although some may not be used every year.

So first off,I find a nice straight sapling spruce for a support pole.



Then I limb it and lop it off to length.



Then I nail the box to the support pole with two nails,one in front and one in back.I leave about a 2 inch stub at the back of the box.Birds use this stub to acess the bait thru the screen,it also serves as a place to attach the support wire.



Then I choose a tree to make the set and face off a flat spot on the tree and on the side of the support pole with the axe for a good attachment.



Then I nail the box and support pole to the tree with one nail.

Then I wrap a length of wire around the tree just above the box,level the box,then wrap the support wire around the stub.Once this is done I add another nail to the support pole at the tree face.



Finished set


A couple other shots from the line today.

Cool looking country, thanks for sharing the pics.

That could be a squirrel set too. Great pics.

Be my luck I’d pick a tree that decided to grow like a kid during puberty and wouldn’t be able to reach it in the next year or two.

Ill be right there to help you check those! Great lookin country!

So marten actually climb vertically up trees? Very cool, I don't think they are within a 20 hr drive to me, nice to learn about other species/methods! Thanks for sharing.

Cute That's why you never attach a fence to live trees, animals will soon just walk under it.
Tree trunks grow out, not up.


I like the set Boco, Hard to see it lasting that long ... but I believe you.
Thanks

Boco can answer as I am not an expert on Marten but I have been told that using elevated sets helps target the adult males and the females and juveniles don't climb as readily. Being elevated also helps protect bait and catch from voles and shrews.

I've seen the angled sets, just not completely vertical.

Boco,
Thanks for sharing your set and trapline pictures. I like the single tree vs 2 tree horizontal. Less to repair after a bear visit. Have a safe season. I hope to make it North in December to visit my Daughter.
Brian

Holay, if you’re going to do all that then next time bring the wood filler and fill that crack and also take some sandpaper and hit the edges while you’re at it.

Irs amazing all the different techniques used in trapping.

Looks like winter is setting in up there.

From somebody that has never set a marten trap,what do you look for when you set?It always look like somebody randomly wandering in the woods making sets in trees

Killer pic oh snap, nice to see stuff that isn't here

Same to boco for thread

X2!

Must be a lot of scent on the boxes after a winter, or 2,3 of bait, lure. How many get knocked down by bears?

Boco - thanks for taking us along. That is what I dream about for a registered trapline in Canada. No marten around here, but maybe someday I can go to them. Looks like no shortage of water there. Trapping weather is coming!

My wife wants to move to a remote area in Canada, then tells me I am too old to start over in a remote area. Maybe I am not listening carefully enough.

Snap - that is a great photo. Marten are beautiful and unique looking critters.