Do you cover your oos traps when set or just sift sand over the trap to the spring or to the top of the ground?

Neither.

I rarely use OOS traps any longer. But when I did or do just for grins, this is how I set them.

Set on top of the ground. Depress the run where the trigger pan, when set, sits upon the depression. Cut slots for the jaws to slip down into so they sit below the tunnel level when the trap is set for effect.

This prevents any potential hang up or drag against the jaws and ensures a capture when the trap is triggered.

I depress the surface of the ceiling of the tunnel just enough to allow the tip of my index finger to just slip into the tunnel. The purpose is to leave this slight open area so the mole can still determine the tunnel direction. It will continue its line of travel to move ahead and directly fire the trap when working to open this slight tunnel depression.

This set up works on tunnels that lie within 3 to 4 inches of the surface. If the runs are deeper some slight excavation is needed to take the trap down to the necessary level to allow the trap to function efficiently.

Thanks Bob, always good information!

Around my area the runs are deep, I have to dig down to them 6-8 inches down sometimes over a foot. I stop about a foot and find new areas. I cover mine tith either a bucket on private ground, I like the two gallon size. In the parks I cover everything with a third of a three tab shingle or a bucket lid to keep a lower profile.

wws

WWS
Have you tried the Gohpherhawk traps?

I have not, I have used the gophenators and the ones in mole size. I’m thinking those will be my next purchase. Most all will work after you get the learning curve down.

wws

I agree.