I was thinking of getting some 280s and making some wolverine boxes. I never tried boxes before but I like that they are somewhat weather resistant. I would also like the box to catch any lynx that go by. Would I be better off with a 330 that is a bigger opening or will the 280 be just fine? Have any of you that use 280s have refusals from lynx? I understand that any animal can refuse lynx or otherwise.

I’d go with 330. 280 is good for wolverine and fox but I havent seen a lynx stick his head in one yet. Just my opinion.

I second what Ryan said

I would go with a 330 and you should consider using 5 gallon buckets. I catch both wolverine and lynx with this setup.

I use 330s. And have even had a young wolf stick his head in a box.

330 and a pen works good.

Got this guy with 330 and a milk crate last week.

330s work good in milk crates for me for both.

Same trap.

There should be a thread on how to cut a 5 gallon bucket to hold a 330. Wouldn't work with a 280 I bet. If you make your own boxes then 280s might work. Do you already have 330s? 330s would allow either critters body to get part way in, sometimes, before triggering. 280s would only get the head. Maybe more of a chance of missing the animal.
I would wager you are more likely to get the incidental, rare, wolf in a 330 than a 280.

https://youtu.be/ltZeWEqQzO8?si=CeAu5_tnxooqrsZA

I used to use milk crates but after switching to 5 gallon buckets I'd never go back. Hope this video helps........

I set mine with the trigger in the back so the wolverine/ lynx is farther into the conibear when it fires and I also use a conibear safety while snapping the conibear into the bucket.

Thank you Victor

Sounds like the consensus is to use 330s. I appreciate the input!

How well do buckets hold up in the cold weather. The buckets I have seem pretty brittle when the temperature drop below zero. I like the idea of buckets but don't want to replace them every time the trap fires.

Every area is a little different. My trapping partners and I haven't had success with buckets for wolverine.

There used to be species specific threads. Can't find them so far. Pretty sure there was a different way to cut a bucket shown in the wolverine thread. Victors link looks good. If you have old buckets that have been out in the sun they may be brittle. Otherwise most buckets won't break when the coni fires. Now, if the wolverine doesn't expire quickly...............

Found it:
https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/30747/1/wolverine-thread-archive

I've been using some of the same buckets for a number of years and we get temps down to -60 so I don't think that is an issue. You can usually get free buckets from restaurants, bakeries, and construction sites. I prefer white buckets because they blend in but in my area I honestly haven't seen where color makes any difference. I put my bait in the bottom of the bucket and pour some water about half way up the bait. I then put it in a garbage bag and let it sit in a warm space for about 5 days. Once it's fermented I put it outside to freeze, the funky soup and bait will be solid in the bottom so small animals can't make off with your bait. As some have said buckets may or may not work in your area but it's worth a try and if it does you'll have a cheap, quick, and easy wolverine set.

Great idea to use "frozen soup" to avoid losing bait to other little creatures!

Pete

Thanks everyone! Now should I go with Belisle or Bridger?