Hey guys,

So this is my 2nd season trapping ( didnt trap last bc I moved provinces) and I'm frustrated a little.
Yesterday I went and set a couple beaver traps (330s) and man it took me foreeeeeeevvvvveeerrrrrr. I got 2 traps set and I was probably there for 2 or more hours. I was trying to get a trap set on an entrance and I probably spent 20 or 30 minutes messing around with that and decided not to set it bc I couldnt get thr trap steady. Anyways, wanted to vent a bit and see if anyone can relate. I got lots to learn so I know I'll get way faster, next season I'm gonna try and run a good sized line

We've all been there. Sometimes your better off walking away from a potential set if it doesn't feel right. One never knows the headaches you may be avoiding by not making the set. Chalk it up to experience and move on.

If you get some H stands, both tall and short, it will be easier to get them solid. After using them awhile, you will be able to use sticks to support them too. Bending springs down after it is in place helps too.

I started out using long sticks I found on site. No internet in 86' I only used dead poles and wired the traps on.
Finding the lodge entrance was hardest for me. I'd jump right down in the hole with waders on.

I now weld my own tall H stands and sets go in quick.

Don't get down on yourself learning takes time.

Don't have to get 330s perfectly stable. A little floppy is ok.

'You need to go to the NB Trapper Assoc AGM at the Fredricton Inn in Fred'town Jan. 13 - 15.

I can relate. I spent 4 hours today scouting and setting 6 sets lol.
Once you've got more confidence which comes with experience you will be slapping 8-10 beaver traps out in an hour. It always helps to have done the scouting ahead of time. Or spend an hour scouting then go set everything that looked good.

Your gonna be fine

Keep at er!

I got back into trapping 3 years ago after not doing it since I was about 10 years old. I never set any 330s or water traps as a kid so I was as green as one could be with just having a bunch of YouTube videos to reference. It took me easily just as long the first few I had set. I had a couple buddies with me and they were becoming quite impatient to say the least. It was only entertaining for them to watch me struggle in the water for so long. I did end up getting some h stands and that made things a lot easier. In time though you will be able to slap in sets quite quickly even without the h stands. Don’t get discouraged.

The hardest part is getting started

I don't think anyone will claim to have started off at the front of the pack.

I have been trapping coyotes on my place for about 3 or 4 years and learn a little more and get a little quicker each year

Making sets is a slow process when you’re starting out. After you’ve made a few hundred of them you get pretty good at slapping one in. The only way to get faster, is do it over and over and over and over

Do what Crosspatch said.
Those New Brunswick trappers are real pros.

I plan to be there on the 14th! Anyone else going?

You should come thatd be soooooo epic!