Warden has the first step to it for sure.

Next would be to go slow and learn by attention to detail. Slam and go guys miss alot of clues and it retards the learning process. It takes years to be able to go fast and not miss tons of things in the process.

that's what I've been doing wrong

Don't just cover your trap in marshmellows and call it good. I actually got a coon by doing that but don't recommend it and i will never do it again.

never kick the skunk just cuz u thought u killed it when u shot at it yesterday (didn't hit it)

watch wear u put your hand when the trap is set

I promise unset traps will be empty 100% of the time.

come on guys, give some real advise. like this "its all luck, no matter how u look at it!!!" we all get lucky and get animals to step on our trap every once in a while. u know its all true, i all luck. no skill involved in trappin at all
JP

Learning to properly bed a trap, on location, the proper distance from the attractor for the target animal is far more important than asking "what's the best lure I can use"? Everybody first starting out thinks the lure is the most important thing to trapping. Wrong!

how to catch what one is trapping

Bedding your traps, and knowing what and how to "modify" on your traps.

Dont forget your cooler....OH YEA!!!!!!!

have fun,enjoy learning.it aint a job, till you make it one.

Observe - practice. Practice - observe. Translate - practice. Practice - translate. Interpret - practice. Practice - interpret. Then practice more. Repetition is the Mother of all knowledge.

And, do not erode the fun, joy and bliss of your trapping experience with an overdose of trying too many techniques, methods, tools or lures all at once. It will only invite total frustration, possibly to the point where you may wonder why you even started trying to learn how to trap. It is a slow, deliberate and quiet solitary sport.

Jonathan

Find some old trappers in your area and spend some time with them. There's two in the nursing home in my town with a combined total of over 100 years trapping experience.

I learned a lot in one trip over the line with an older trapper, plus made a new friend and some great memories.

Focus on LOCATION!!! If you don't know how to set on good locations for the pursued critter, then the best lure, the best bait, the cleanest trap, and the best set will not catch critters.

Safety......... Here in Mississippi we have a 4 month deer season. Hunting & trapping season are at the same time, wear hunter orange all the time if you have a "walking" trapline.

Don't listen to a thing anyone on here says.

Always remember to unhook conibear safties after making your set.

Always have a plan ready for release of incidental catches.

Anchor your traps so that YOU cannot walk off with it.

Keep in perspective that your not in it for the money, but for the enjoyment for being outside, keeping the furbearers under control, and to enjoy yourself.
Just be in it for the trapping... but when the fur reaches the furshed THEN it's all about the money. Remember to keep that fineline.