Hi all,

First time predator trapped here. I’ve got 24 footholds I’ll be using. The land I’ll be trapping is about 4000 acres of state owned land with many dirt roads and intersections.

My questions:
1) Is 24 traps too much for 4000 acres? Targeting coyote, fox and bobcat but am honestly happy with any fur.
2) I’ve been told people will steal my traps if they find an animal in my trap before I do. To combat this, I plan to start my check an hour or two before sunrise. Will checking in early morning hours dramatically decrease my success?
3) As a first time trapper, what catch rate % should I be aiming for (Maine) ? And should I move traps to a new location after some time or reduction in catch rate?

I’m aware some of my questions are subjective, but I would greatly appreciate any input/info. Thank you all for your time.

God bless,

Jorgensen

…find sign.. set em…. check ‘em and take it as it comes

Run as many sets as you can Find sign for

24 sets isn't many as you learn, you'll understand

Can you use drags so they can get off the trail into the bush and out of site?

In 4000 acres 24 traps in my opinion isn't to many. But, make sure the 24 traps ate in the best locations you can find. I don't know what your time span is but maybe get Arial photos of this area or even print pictures from Google earth and break that area down into maybe 4 - 6 areas. Move from location at timely intervals 2 - 4 weeks maybe. Just my thought on that much ground.

Maine's large wooded ares are not known for large populations of coyote of fox,And you are new to trapping,dont get discouraged to quick.Keep after it.

Not sure how long you plan to trap, but it’ll take a while to scout 4K acres. I’d get a map and divide it in sections and scout each at a time marking possible locations. Once season started I’d set one section for 2-3 weeks, move to the next, and keep doing it until you’ve covered the area. The biggest hurtle is planning a route that can be checked in your allotted time and weather conditions…set for the worst possible weather or at least the projected long range (2 week) forecast.

Be sure to check your regulations, in many areas on public land it is unlawful to set traps on roads or walking trails, I obviously don't know the regs in your area but since you mentioned you were new to trapping I thought I would mention it as it is a mistake many new trappers make here.

No 24 traps is not too many for 4000 acres, depending on how much time you have to trap you will be better off breaking the area down into manageable blocks and hitting each area hard then moving to the next section until you run out of ground, time to trap or season. I will often put as many as 4 sets at a road crossing, setting each corner of the crossing to maximize the chances for a catch if there is decent sign in the area so 24 traps don't go far.

Hope you have a fun and successful season!

If that’s all the traps you have, and that’s all the ground you’re trapping, I say set all of them. Regardless of sign.

They won’t catch anything hanging on the wall at home.

You’ll learn more with them in the ground.

4000 acres is just a tad over six sections.

Shoot, I’ve had a lot more than 24 traps on 100 acres!

May steal your trap and leave the coyote. I wouldn't worry about percentages. Set the traps, catch what you can, have fun, no disappointments.

Be extremely cautious on public land. You catch one dog and Maine could lose trapping forever. If that area is used by walkers or bird hunters with dogs, stay well away from the roads.

Same.

Good luck to the new trapper. You'll learn a lot the first year.

I would focus on finding sign, doing things well and improving instead of covering the most acres.

You got some good advice above too.

Yes I can use drags

Thank you. I can’t find anything in the rule book that mentions it’s unlawful to set roads or walking trails. The land is pretty hard up here.. not many places to see tracks. Plan to focus on trail/road intersections and breaks in stone walls.

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe because I trap in South Louisiana it is different, but 24 traps on 4,000 acres down here wouldn't be worth the time. A 200 trap line is pretty normal for me.

But, if you are just starting out 24 is a good number. There is some really good advice given on this thread. With 24 traps take your time and make each set perfect, the numbers will come.

I plan to stay off the roads and marked trails completely. No traps will be set in sight from vehicle. Wouldn’t set directly on road intersections but instead near them in the woods. Focusing primarily on unmarked, low traffic side/game trails. Last thing I want is someone’s dog.

Glad you are interested and open to learn . Catchum mutch

Jorgensen, if this area is heavily used check off to the side of the roads as there may well be wildlife trails that basically parallel the road also you mentioned stone walls, animals travel along these hunting so if you can find a safe place to set them they can be real hot spots. Study up on location there are several good posts in the archives section. Study your terrain as it for the most part determines travel routes, animals like us prefer the path of least resistance. Also creeks tend to funnel animals and the banks act as travel corridors oftentimes as well. This season may mainly be spent learning the land but that will pay off big in future seasons.