I was responding to Larry Baer who suggested I would do better on private land.

Part of it is a confidence thing: I wanted to earn some experience before I approach farmers offering to trap on their land.

But it sounds like I can't use the spring coil traps on public land, so the only way I'll gain experience is to trap on private land anyway.

I guess I'll be knocking on doors this weekend (I'll try to whip together some business cards to give them), but I hope they don't smell blood in the water knowing I've never done this before.

If it's like around here you hopefully won't have to knock on too many doors to get more than enough ground. Some will say no, just expect it and don't let it discourage u. You will be glad you went to the trouble of getting private ground to trap in the end I bet

Northwesternyote, a guy has to start somewhere....get your feet wet, even if it is an a few farms. Dress nice, be polite and let the landowner know you will respect the land. Pick up any trash you see and act like you are on camera. Do the right things and you'll have more ground than you can handle. You'll surely catch, possum, coon and skunk. Coyotes can be caught but keep it simple and set clean and you'll do well. Pm me if you need some help. Us Illinois guys stick together...lol