Used them for groundhogs one year and just found the traps snapped, used them for coon in blind sets and they were snapped. I stabilized them very very well, they would not move. So what did I do wrong? Around here groundhogs get pretty big and I’ve caught some with a 220 by the back and it takes up all of the space so I don’t plan on going back to 155s but I would like to know how to use them

never had issues with snapped traps running 5x5s or 5x7s with raccoons. Big thing is getting them up off the ground. Unless you're in a grass tunnel where its already crawling or you pike stuff over the trap to make him duck, they do better 3-4 inches off the ground.

Scott Adams also from Ohio put a good video out on using 5x5s in Ohio for raccoons. Tactical 5x5 is the name

Alright I think I need to get that, will they have it at the convention?

If anyone has it there it will problably be Sterling Fur

I use Bridger 155 for groundhog. I don't see how they can be set off without a finding a dead hog. On 2 occasions I forgot to go back and pound a stake that would not push by hand. Farthest either made it was 3 feet. Other never moved.

I do slide the trigger to one side and run one wire across the top of the trap and the other wire down the side so it makes the biggest opening possible. They can get their head in farther before it fires.

Also make sure the trap jaws can not contact anything when it springs. Could throw the trap away from the animal.

I like to use one of the stabilizers that pinch in the bottom jaws and sick in the ground. I make mine by bending roofing plywood clips and putting a nail through them to push in the ground. Fast and effective.

Don't give up on the 155. Especially because here in Ohio they are the largest we can set on land (nuisance are allowed 6 x 6 if the trap is covered).

If you stop at the Tight Chains booth at the convention, I will give you a couple stabilizers to try.

I have used them in boxes for marten, seem to be OK, I’ll be going to 120’s from now on though. I just was wondering if the larger opening would be any better as far as refusals.







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I haven’t had a problem with my 150s

Last year is the first time I tried the 155’s for coon . I put them on rebar stands about 4 to 5” off the ground in pretty tight trails.On one farm I had 3 of the 155’s and one 160 all within ten feet of each other. Two of the 155’s were constantly set off and the 160 usually held a coon. From what I saw I think they were climbing over the 155’s and through the 160’s . I’m not opposed to trading for 160’s but would be just as happy to kill coon in these 155’s .

Coon from different states are of different sizes. That Utah coon seems pretty big. Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota coon can be over 25 pounds. However, Trent (?) from Truckload coon bait said in one of his sales videos, that a 12-pound coin was a big one from his area in Ohio.

I routinely use 160s about 5-6 inches above the ground. The coon are caught just behind the ears and often don’t get it off the stand. And these are typically 20+ pounds because we weight them.

12lb is a big one in my part of the state. That's just a first year coon north of Columbus

Thanks! I really appreciate that.

I’m north of Columbus and I caught a coon in a 220 and it’s neck filled the whole dang 220, that’s how most boar coon are around here and that goes for groundhogs too, I will see if I can post a pic of those groundhog I caught, I don’t think it’s head could fit in a 155

Well I think I might want to pick up a few 155s cause the ones I have now are for mink but I would like to give them a try again, what brand should I get?

Duke 5x5s unless you want to go crazy and buy the WCS 5x7s. 5x7s are an awesome trap but they aren't cheap. $20 a trap or so after shipping and taxes.

Depending on what's going on Saturday of the convention I can probably give ya bit more of an in person crash course on em I usually help jusfe the trap setting contest and help with the kids stuff .

alright how will i find you there? i know what you guys are saying but i would much rather be eduated in person if ya know what i mean, again thanks for the help everyone

A groundhog looks big, but you will not find one that can't somehow wedge his head far enough into a 5x5 that he isn't DOA. I use Bridger but if Sniper says Duke go with Duke.

Lots of people complain about setting the Bridgers. When I find locations for body grips with groundhogs, it is usually only a few traps a day so I put up with setting a few Bridgers. I will try Duke but am really happy with the kill speed of the Bridger.

If you want to talk, I will be at my daughter's T-shirt booth called Tight Chains. Let me what you learn from Sniper. I might learn something.

Sent ya a PM.

The setting thing is a pain with the bridgers. I've nearly left a few 330s behind after wanting to ride them into the deepest part of the marsh neVer trapping. The new dukes are almost too strong. I definitely recommend getting the shorter setters regardless which ones you get because a big coin or groundhog makes it hard to compress the springs by hand. The bigger 330 setters are a bit awkward on small traps.