Today I got my first 10 traps in the ground. It took a lot longer than I thought it would, and it took a lot more waxed sand than I thought it would! I had to stop when I ran out, and I wound up bedding a couple in dry larch needles. My poor little SxS was loaded down so bad I lost about 3 inches of ground clearance.

I’m heading out again today, but less time than I had yesterday as I promised the wife I’d be home to take my youngest to football practice.

I used a little gland lure on most of the sets, and I’m really hoping I don’t catch a bear. If I do the learning curve is going to get a whole lot steeper really fast!

Here’s a few pictures of the day.

LR5 -

You're set looks good to me. That's fantastic you got out and got some hardware in the ground, Congrats!

Jack Whitman

A few more

I hope someone can answer this But why use waxed dirt in September? I thought it was mostly to protect from freezing over

Because we will start getting the freeze/thaw cycle before too long and the traps will be bedded until we have multiple feet of snow. Those sets are all between 5 and 6000 feet.

Thanks man! That means a lot coming from the master himself!

What is your primary intended species?

LR5 -

Nice-looking country. Tell me you spent less than 3 minutes putting in each of those sets.

Above my place yesterday morning, there were pockets of frost. Good you're going to some sort of antifreeze this early. I'll look forward to your catches. Got good sign?

Jack

Why waxed sand? Waxed dirt takes less wax.Works as well.
just

The type of sets you're making takes longer than water sets. At least, that was always the case for me. So, I became almost exclusively a water trapper.

Opposite. Waxed sand takes less wax. Dirt generally has organic matter and is more porous so it soaks up more wax.

Starting it out does tend to take forever to get land sets in. Unless you dont care at all about bedding the traps lol. Once you learn the shortcuts and get the muscle memory in, they will speed up. Looks like you're after some wolves?

I make and use waxed sand too. I also found it easier to make.

Good luck to you LR5. Keep the pics coming.

Right on. Good way to start your trapping season. Look forward to some catch pictures. I can't wait for our season to open. Out of curiosity what are the two things with orange end on them in your bucket in pic three and on top of the knife in pic four?

Great start.
I hope your enthusiasm lasts the whole season !
Seriously "Positive, Positive" really make a great time outdoors.
Enjoy your season and keep the pics coming.

Back when I set a lot of dirt holes I used sawdust. Gathered it in august and it worked right thru snow rain zero temps. But once the ground froze it was really effective. Sawmill was my source. Make a set in the snow with sawdust and man critters would come for miles to check it out. Never had an issue with shying from it. Well no more than anything...

But I have to ask another stupid question. IS this ADC work? I wouldn't think any fur is ready already ... Don't know your area. BUT it is the first of September even where you are

Looks like trap setters to me . They are on the ground beside his set in one pic.

Looking like wolf traps to me

Ranger is up on the north part of Idaho. I don't know if the furbis good yet either, never been up there. But it looks beautiful.

Good lunk Ranger, keep me updated

I live in north Idaho and no matter the elevation, the fur is NOT ready to be harvested. At least another 3 weeks.

I assume he is setting for wolf, in which case he is getting an incentive from local sportsman groups and doesn’t care that the pelts are worthless.

I know, I know - high country could be snowed in by mid October, which makes trapping much more difficult.

You put in some nice sets at what appears to be great locations .I wish I could ride along for the next few mornings .My thought is it should be productive . Looks like you will at least see some beautiful sights as you make your rounds checking your sets Good luck and no matter what enjoy your tie out