I’m new to both trapping and the site. Just got started about a month ago. Trying to trap predators before fawn drop. I understand this is hardest time of year to trap. Only caught one yote and 2 bobcats. Probably about to pull traps and start back up after deer season (per club rules)

Running 6 bridger #2 traps

Welcome to trapperman lefthorn

#2 Bridgers are a workhorse of a trap.

Pulled all my traps today due to lots of unpredictable storms and upcoming travel. Probably done until mid February. What do I need to do to traps between now and then?

Wash off any excess dirt, boil them in water, wax them. That’s what I do. Many here like to dye their predator traps, I don’t. Not saying I’m right or they’re wrong, dying is perfectly fine to do if it gives you confidence, I’ve just never found it to be necessary. Of course, where I trap the humidity is like 10% most days, maybe dye is more important in areas with high humidity.

I pressure wash, then inspect each trap, make repairs and tune them so all I have to do when season comes is go set them. I use rusty metal primer/acetone dip on my traps so there is no need to dye and wax. If I need a touch up a rattle can is all that’s needed. The more you do now to prepare the more time you have to concentrate on actual trapping.

I dyed them when I first got them. I did notice that some of the levers are rubbing the jaws. I should try to adjust that??

Something you can do is take a fine file and just round the edges of the jaws that are rubbing on the levers. You don’t need to do much. It makes a huge difference on cutting down on the friction. It’s like braking them in without having to wait for it to smooth out on its own.