Farmer assured me he was done in this field until spring. Managed to pick up a few fox and anticipated another one today but found this in my set this morning. Don't know what he has in mind but this is about a half dozen rubber tracks piled right on top of my set. Took me about an hour to find it and dig it up. Some days you just want to go back to bed.

That's one strong trap. Bet the farmer was not happy

I would say that why I mark mine, but even that doesn’t matter sometime. You’d think a dog fennel with neon green or orange tape would get noticed but I swear sometimes it’s an aiming point!

Has happened to me as well. I always think ahead now, no matter what they say. I prepare as if they'll be out there, avoid all potential areas they'll be working the field or picking up bales, and find another spot to set.

On a side note, the corners of that crossover behind the tracks could be a descent spot to set.

I use a step down to avoid my trap from getting run over by farm equipment even though other sets might catch more. A few years ago I lost 3 new ALPHA'S to the plow as the farmer forgot to tell his hired help that I was trapping that field. Those cross overs are hot and I had sets on both sides. Unfortunately the set that was connecting was the one under all that.

They where not only marked but I had pointed them out the the farmer a few days ago. You might be right about it becoming a target.

Was it 2 coiled or 4 coiled, and did it have laminated jaws for that holding power? LOL .............the mike

I can't even understand why you would pile track out in a field in the first place

Glad you got your trap back

It drives me crazy trying to figure out if ALL the field work is completed. I lost a number of traps due to a last second change of plans. The darn fertilizer trucks smash traps flat ...been there done that.
Then, after all their work is completed they wonder why I pulled traps up at the so and so property? ARGHH!

Farmer recently purchased this property and it just came out of CRP. Worked it up, dug a well, got power put in for the pump and installed a brand new irrigation system. Had to build crossovers for the irrigator buy filling in some wetlands. DNR found out and is making him take them out. I think he plans on using the tracks for pads after he removes all the dirt he hauled in. He assured me my sets where fine as he wasn't doing anything till next spring. Guess not everyone got the memo...

I got lucky this fall when the renter came in worked the field while I was at work. My father thought quick and went out and marked my sets. The renter seen them and just missed them with his equipment.

Had a similar situation years ago in Indiana. I had been doing some coyote work on some hog farms. I spoke to the farmers about them having any plans on plowing or tilling any fields while I was there? He assured me they were not.

It wasn't 2 days later someone came thru and tilled several fields where I had traps in them all. I lost several traps and found a couple. They were #3 victor soft catch and they were in bad shape. They required some work after I got home weeks later.

Anytime you work agriculture areas in the fall there is that risk.

Lost 5 of my MJ 600 Sterlings in last 2 weeks to road grader. Got lucky and found 1 yesterday with a skunk in it so really 6. I don't re use ~~ skunked up traps. Give them away. But run over, stolen, and buried traps happen. They even get lost from time to time. Just part of it I guess. Still not happy about it

Metal detector will help find em. Most times trap is not damaged..just broke chain. Timber company road graders used to be my nemesis.

You are correct Swamp Wolf. I have a ~~ pretty good metal detector in the con X. I will find them or some of them latter. Got 2 coyotes today. Lacy dogs are happy 😁

I will agree Swamp Wolf, I have used my metal detector many times over the years to find lost traps / arrows etc. due to terrain changes and snow conditions when it is time to pull.

It's just a real pain to have to stop what I am doing to hunt them. I may look for them latter. But for now. Just took busy. I had to get 1 skunky trap off drag on the way in Just hung MJ 600 in a tall bush. Will get it after a few rains. Maybe in spring? LoL! Road grader here. Is a amateur 10 dollars a hr Spanish help. I swear. He makes the road worst in most places !!!

I've seen the same thing happen to muskrats. Next time use more swivels and you'll hold it just fine.

Send that skunky trap my way, I will pay the shipping

Hope you find the other 5. Don't think it would take long with a metal detector but I know you move a lot quicker and every little slow down costs you time that you need

We also deal with burning season down here. I can ask what sections, yet they always end up adding a section I set and get them when harrowing firebreaks. I’m guessing visibility in those fancy JD’s isn’t the greatest.

Oh great, another tool we have to have to haul around to catch a few canines.

We had several frosts, I thought I was safe in short hay field.

Farmer mowed 3 of 4 of my traps! Darn.

Cutter may have some damage as well

I know for a fact that if you run over a DP with your riding lawnmower it'll not only wreck the DP but will bend the shaft on the mower. Was doing an ADC job for skunks and had some DP's set along the edge if their yard. The one time thier kid decided to mow the lawn without being told. The end results where not good.

I feel your pain and frustration Hern. Been there done that a few times over the years. Now it's get the hammer, vice, anvil and vice grips out time.