Hello all

I am a new nuisance, trapper, and I am in the process of obtaining the necessary equipment. I would like to purchase a couple of cage traps. I’m looking at two door models and I noticed they come in multiple different lengths. For coon and skunks and woodchucks it seems the traps are nine or 10 inches wide by 11 or 12 inches high. But then I notice they can be anywhere from about 18 inches long up to 36 inches long with several sizes in between. Would you all have any wisdom as to trap length? I can see advantages to a shorter trap when it comes to handling the cage itself. A shorter trap will fit or a longer one will not. Why would somebody want a 36 inch long box trap? Is there an ideal length for this type of critter?

Thanks

Most all of our traps are 30" in length. I have a couple of 36" but rarely use them unless needed for a special setup. We use mostly Safeguard of many sizes. We have a few power and swing door traps also. You will find a need and use for all sizes as you become more involved and experienced as to what works best for each specie..Invest in trap covers or make all of your own as needed. Some power door traps are 18" but I prefer the 24" for size and animal comfort.

A 30" trap 11"X 12" will serve most circumstances. I like smaller traps 7x8x24 for skunk work. I don't have many double door traps. Almost all of our daily use traps are single door trapps with slide release rear access doors for releases, animal transfers and ease of baiting and cleaning out. Stay away from 1"x 1" wire mesh traps unless it is on the top and half way up the sides. 1" x 1/2" wire is best on the bottom and sides for most small animal work. Reduces greatly grabbing and pulling in excess debris and damage to the clients lawn and property.

Stay away from gravity door traps for work. Invest in spring loaded traps for the most part. Doesn't pay to go cheap. I have had almost all of my equipment for my active wildlife business life.

To be versatile with those 3 critters a 30" long cage trap is sufficient. The dimensions of my cages are 12x12x30. You can probably get by with a little smaller width and height but any shorter and I get refusals from the big coons.

That makes sense...thanks much!

Any favorite makes or models of cage trap?

Your better pro cages are Safeguard and Tomahawk. Comstock has a good power door trap. Getting set up with equipment is a significant expense over time. Go as you grow so to speak.

Most of your profits will go toward your business building for several years to come. Just how it is if you are doing a start up.