Help from the ermine trappers ?!
#8135901
05/08/24 02:29 PM
05/08/24 02:29 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
OP
"American Honey"
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OP
"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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I'm seeing some nice ermine around here this past winter. They go streaking through the place like a shot , nice black tipped tails. Now they are brown, of course. I have two rat traps that I know will get them. I've used traps like that, to catch pack rats. I am thinking of doing some ermine trapping for next season. But I have a dilemma. I don't want to place those big rat traps on the ground. In case I snag something I don't want to. I've always seen ermine on the ground, and watched them hop up onto low beams or stumps. I would like to set up off the ground. Do ermine climb as easily as marten or squirrels ? If I set up on a wood beam or angled trunk , like a marten trap ? I would like to catch some this next trapping season. I have always wanted a nice ermine pelt. Jack's great knives would be too big, I'm afraid....so I'll need something smaller . Sorry Jack...but one of your knives is perfect for making whiskers and fine hairs through the wax pencil layers for my art images ![cool cool](/forum/images/graemlins/default/cool.gif) So they are always displayed on my desk in pride, and I use them in my art projects. The many ways they can be used ....who knew ?? Many thanks to the folks here who can give me advice on these fast and furious running "socks"....that's what they remind me of in winter, a sock streaming along the snow . I have no idea what type I have here. Their tails are a nice length , though. In summary, do ermine climb like a squirrel , and how do you like to set up for them ? ![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2024/05/full-20139-217368-6f0c18b6_a5b1_4775_9143_f9c53abb63a9_1_105_c.jpeg)
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8135941
05/08/24 04:06 PM
05/08/24 04:06 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,050 South Ga - Almost Florida
Swamp Wolf
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,050
South Ga - Almost Florida
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AI knows what an ermine is....which is surprising. I described what your artwork shows above and it generated some pics....these were the best two of about 10 pics. I know nothing about catching them...no white weasels down here in the deep South. They are a neat little critter.... ![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2024/05/full-11603-217384-oig1_23.jpeg) ![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2024/05/full-11603-217386-oig1_20.jpeg)
Thank God For Your Blessings! Never Half-Arse Anything!
Resource Protection Service
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: 080808]
#8135958
05/08/24 04:41 PM
05/08/24 04:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
OP
"American Honey"
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OP
"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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Remember where you saw them. Location location location. You bet, 080808 . I know right where I've been seeing them, and plan accordingly. Thank you. I have noticed that the ones I've seen on my place seem to have a set circuit as they travel. Ill make the new cafe convenient for them. SW, cute AI. It does well in some things and deficient in others, depending on the picture and its references that it is programmed to go by. In the case of the ermine, the fur flow and shading to contour is stiff , unlike hand done, by a good artist. In the second pic, it forgot the black tip tail. And the slight stain of behavioral activity. The face is nice. The backdrop, or landscaping, is well done. AI goes by the photos it can reference , and can be fun to generate .
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8135960
05/08/24 04:43 PM
05/08/24 04:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 30,141 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 30,141
williamsburg ks
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I have caught them like White17. Pole sets for marten. I used a box with a barkers mink pan on a 120. Never tried a rat trap on a pole but with foot traps and bait for marten birds were a problem.
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8135979
05/08/24 05:14 PM
05/08/24 05:14 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 35,183 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 35,183
Central, SD
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I used long spring traps on them I’d make a cubby out of old bark toss bait in the back they seem to find it no problem. Rabbit scraps made good bail liver might be another good bait.
I had the same concern about other critters taking off with the rat traps made drags out of mink snare cable and a larger treble hook. I used the hold down staple for the cable end on the trap.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8135982
05/08/24 05:20 PM
05/08/24 05:20 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 42,613 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 42,613
Northern Maine
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Ermine climb trees very easily.Catch them in Fisher and marten sets all the time in trees leaning and straight up and down.
Nevada bound
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136066
05/08/24 07:32 PM
05/08/24 07:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 632 Wisconsin
Lance Squires
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 632
Wisconsin
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In the archives they have a lot of good information on ermine trapping and also on building the weasel boxes with the victor rat traps.
57 years trapping. It's who I am. Every day is still as exciting as it was when I was a kid but a little more work.
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136075
05/08/24 07:40 PM
05/08/24 07:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 35,183 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 35,183
Central, SD
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I set a trap for a weasel that was hitting on an old coon cubby bait years back made no effort to hide the trap I had to take a triple take when a bobcat was standing in that set.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136156
05/08/24 09:51 PM
05/08/24 09:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,401 Northern MN
Osky
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,401
Northern MN
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In my north country they tend to be in any decent sized brush pile. I use those same rat traps Sharon. The nearest tree to the brush pile, maybe 4” diameter or better nail the trap to the tree. Bait prod down of course loaded arm up. Maybe 16” up. Been a while but I just remembered if the trap face is slick I take a knife and cross score that wood. Mentally to me think it helps them grab and climb on it. I could be wrong. Bait with a small piece of fresh bloody meat.
Osky
Last edited by Osky; 05/08/24 09:56 PM.
"A womans heart is the hardest rock the Almighty has put on this earth, and I can find no sign on it" Jabless in Minnesota www.SureDockusa.com
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136341
05/09/24 08:27 AM
05/09/24 08:27 AM
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Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 394 Lake Mille Lacs , MN
2poor
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 394
Lake Mille Lacs , MN
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Safest place for a weasel to live should be your yard !
It’s a lazy man who can’t find his wife a second job !
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136376
05/09/24 09:19 AM
05/09/24 09:19 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,748 Idaho, Lemhi County
Gulo
"On The Other Hand"
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"On The Other Hand"
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,748
Idaho, Lemhi County
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Sharon - Long-tails and short-tails are two different critters in my book. Woodsloafer and 20scout have shown boxes that work great here in the west for short-tails, but I've put in thousands of trapnights for long-tails, with little success. However, I catch the long-tails quite regularly in marten boxes with 120's, but not in the weasel boxes. By the way, if you want rat trap weasel boxes, I've still got some to give away. In Alaska, I used to get a "handful" of short-tailed every year in marten leaning pole sets. All I can say, is "good luck!" on the weasels here in the west. Short-tailed weasel (ermine, stoat) in a marten leaning pole. ![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2024/05/full-10376-217467-dec1803_3_xx.jpg) Short-tailed weasel in marten Conibear. ![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2024/05/full-10376-217468-nov3003_7b_xx.jpg) Long-tail in marten box on ground; Idaho. ![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2024/05/full-10376-217469-5_nov_2021_weasel_2_xx.jpg) Short-tail (ermine, stoat) in weasel box; Idaho. ![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2024/05/full-10376-217470-stw_in_boxxx.jpg) Weasel boxes, ready to deploy. ![[Linked Image]](https://trapperman.com/forum/attachments/usergals/2024/05/full-10376-217471-weasel_boxes_1x.jpg)
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136377
05/09/24 09:21 AM
05/09/24 09:21 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,406 ny
upstateNY
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 16,406
ny
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If you don't want to make your own weasel box,,click on Minnesota Trapline Products link at the top of this page.They sell the box and it even comes with a Rat trap in it.Type in "weasel box" in the search link they provide.
the wheels of the gods turn very slowly
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136423
05/09/24 10:23 AM
05/09/24 10:23 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,335 Wisconsin
RdFx
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,335
Wisconsin
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picture with weasel in foothold trap looks to be WW2 number one short longspring. This was to save steel for the war effort !
RdFx
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136441
05/09/24 10:46 AM
05/09/24 10:46 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
OP
"American Honey"
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OP
"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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Sure appreciate all this great info.
I have been trying to see exactly what I have running around here, I think I have long tails but not sure. I could have the short tails too. Wouldn't hurt to think of both.
Osky, your idea is just what I was wondering about. Thank you. And all the rest of you guys with your photos and very helpful info on the boxes.
Jack . I would love to own a couple of your weasel boxes. Not only to use, but because YOU made and used them. They would be specially cherished traps to me. But I don't want you to go to the inconvenience of how to box them up to mail to me. Though I will of course pay you for your effort of packing and shipping. A thought. If you want , I can make the drive down there to pick them up . That way you wouldn't have the hassle of finding a box and shipping them to me. Let me know, please, what you want me to do and I'll do it. I surely WILL drive down to pick them up. All Id need to do is plan a time that is good for both yourself and I . Right now I'm working on the next issue of Trappers Post, but after that, sometime in the near future, I can sure make the trip. Anywhere I drive in big mountains is a pleasure for me and the time flies by. Us Montanans are used to driving .
And yes, normally, it's great to have ermine zooming around the cabin. I'm always excited when I see one.
I think of the many ermine skins that the old plains chiefs used in decorating their ceremonial headgear generations ago. I always have wondered how they caught them.
I'm quite serious, Jack...I want two of your boxes, please... think about my idea and tell me what you want me to do. And it will be done.
I appreciate the Tman Tribe in such remarkable talent you all have in so many subjects.
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136448
05/09/24 10:52 AM
05/09/24 10:52 AM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,401 Northern MN
Osky
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9,401
Northern MN
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Added to say I agree with others here in that the weasels I’ve set out for were in those spots well out into the bush. Like having the little guys around the place and buildings, then again I have no small livestock or fowl.
With only a few exceptions the critters that make it into my “yard” are safe as can be.
Osky
"A womans heart is the hardest rock the Almighty has put on this earth, and I can find no sign on it" Jabless in Minnesota www.SureDockusa.com
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Osky]
#8136484
05/09/24 11:58 AM
05/09/24 11:58 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 15,946 MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
Trapper7
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 15,946
MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
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In my north country they tend to be in any decent sized brush pile. I use those same rat traps Sharon. The nearest tree to the brush pile, maybe 4” diameter or better nail the trap to the tree. Bait prod down of course loaded arm up. Maybe 16” up. Been a while but I just remembered if the trap face is slick I take a knife and cross score that wood. Mentally to me think it helps them grab and climb on it. I could be wrong. Bait with a small piece of fresh bloody meat.
Osky I remember seeing a photo of a trap set up like that for ermine. Not sure where, though. Maybe FFG or Tman archives?
Didn't Jennifer Flowers get hush money from Wild Bill? I guess that was different.
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136487
05/09/24 12:03 PM
05/09/24 12:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,748 Idaho, Lemhi County
Gulo
"On The Other Hand"
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"On The Other Hand"
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,748
Idaho, Lemhi County
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I'll echo what Osky says. Even though we have free-range chickens, the marten, mink, weasels, skunks, and bobcats haven't bothered them, and the weasels get a pass on our place (the red foxes don't). I like having the weasels around (fewer packrats, voles, and rattlesnakes).
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: 2poor]
#8136501
05/09/24 12:33 PM
05/09/24 12:33 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 42,613 Northern Maine
Bruce T
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 42,613
Northern Maine
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Safest place for a weasel to live should be your yard ! My wife wants me to but I don't kill any weasels around my house or property.
Nevada bound
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136719
05/09/24 08:19 PM
05/09/24 08:19 PM
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Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 394 Lake Mille Lacs , MN
2poor
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 394
Lake Mille Lacs , MN
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If it didn’t take a IT degree to Post I have lots of Weasel footage from my yard , wood shed, fur shed ! Near every winter one takes up residence. Never bother my chickens in fact I would have $ on my Bantam Rooster in a scuffle !
It’s a lazy man who can’t find his wife a second job !
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136725
05/09/24 08:34 PM
05/09/24 08:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,807 ND
MJM
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,807
ND
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I have seen short tail's around my chickens that run loose in the day. I have never lost a chicken to a weasel that I know of. I have lost 15-20 a night to mink. The chickens seem to keep an eye on the weasels and the weasels watches them. But the short tail went off hunting sparrows in the hedge. I saw it four to five foot off the ground moving down the hedge. I can't say I really trust the long tail's around the chickens. I have caught male longtails that were as big as a female mink of the year. I have never caught a long tail in a weasel box, but have caught them in 160 and 220 boxes set for coon and skunk.
"Not Really, Not Really" Mark J Monti "MJM you're a jerk."
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136745
05/09/24 09:27 PM
05/09/24 09:27 PM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
OP
"American Honey"
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OP
"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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N50 that’s a funny story ! They are fearless when food is in the mix, it seems. Maybe I should set up a cage similar to what you did . I will give it a go and see what I’ve got for interest. I still need to see if I have long or short tails , or both . I’ll find out by their preference of trap sets, as Jack informed me. All good education.
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136862
05/10/24 06:10 AM
05/10/24 06:10 AM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,929 NNY
080808
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,929
NNY
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8136931
05/10/24 08:44 AM
05/10/24 08:44 AM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,558 Idaho
bearcat2
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,558
Idaho
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I catch weasels in marten boxes every year, and if you don't use screen to hold the bait in but just wire it in the back of the box, in a lot of places I trap they will clean your marten boxes of bait if they don't get caught. If I'm setting for weasels I use weasel boxes as shown with a #1 longspring or jump in them. Never tried rat traps because I have a ton of old #1s and they work well. I've caught both longtails and shorttails in weasel boxes, and both in marten boxes. I don't recall catching much for shorttails in 120s unless they are vertical boxes, then they will stand on the trigger wires while getting at the bait, otherwise they seem to slip past them always. I would guess you have both, most places do. But shorttails are usual more populated.
Also, everybody says to use fresh bloody bait, but I have had at least as good of, if not better, luck with tainted bait.
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8137036
05/10/24 11:27 AM
05/10/24 11:27 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609 Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
Sharon
OP
"American Honey"
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OP
"American Honey"
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,609
Montana ,Rocky Mtns.
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N50, I plan to politely ask one what it identifies as , instead of grabbing hold of it .... after we sit down to a cup of tea.
Bearcat, you give me hope for finding out that I have both types here, and could actually get a long tail in a weasel box. Maybe. Won't hurt to try.
I will try both weasel box, in the woods on my place, and also rat trap set "aloose", up off the ground a bit, inside one of my outbuildings, out of sight from other animals, like birds.
Years ago, on a hike in the Priest Lake Wilderness, Long Canyon, north Idaho, I had a weasel come right up to me as I sat eating lunch. I threw it a bit of hot dog. Soon it was scurrying all around me on the boulder where I was seated. I was able to feed it by hand. I'm sure, in a few more minutes, I could have had it sitting on my lap as I fed it. Totally fearless. I can't remember what type it was. If the one I am after is anything as that one, I should have no problem , if and when it comes back on its circuit.
Sure appreciate all the good advice and photos, all of you.
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Re: Help from the ermine trappers ?!
[Re: Sharon]
#8137121
05/10/24 02:26 PM
05/10/24 02:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,833 Williamsport, Pa.
jk
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,833
Williamsport, Pa.
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The more I think of it all of my long tails are in regular traps. In boxes I have only caught short tails, no long tails. Good point, thanks......jk
Free people are not equal. Equal people are not free. What's supposed to be ain't always is. Hopper Hunter
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