Excited to obtain this trap, being my first 4.5 WOLF but especially with the State of Michigan stamp, from a gentleman on here. The question I have for folks is your thoughts on restoring the chain to the standard "Y" setup that came from the factory? All the pieces are there and it wouldn't be a big project but part of me is torn as this could have likely been how the state trappers modified them for their wolf trapping efforts here in Michigan and that has some nostalgia to it. I also have thoughts of sourcing a Newhouse twist drag for it but have seen other 4.5's with state stamps with this exact drag making me think a state employee was making these or they at least sourced their wolf trap drags from the same individual. Thoughts?

Also any insight anyone has on what the State of Michigan (Department of Conservation) was doing at this time with the traps they had. I know we had a wolf bounty here from 1837 (when we became a state, 5th action and first law was a $10 bounty on wolves) to 1960 but I also have a #4 set up for beaver with the state stamp so there was some sort of Beaver initiative going on the state level as well. Anyone seen any other sizes with the state of Michigan stamp?

Appreciate thoughts on all of this. Sure is a fun hobby!

Thanks,

Tim

I would not change it. I don’t know who built the drags but they are the real deal not like the Mickey Mouse ones atc sent out.

In 1956-1957 selective research began on gathering black bear data with regard to age-class distribution, reproduction, and movement. Hugh C Black of Cornell DOC and Albert W Erickson from Michigan State University (known as the pioneer of black bear field research) conducted independent population studies requiring live-capture and safe release. Bear captures often included juveniles and cubs along with grown adults. Lack of trapping techniques that accommodated this variety of ages had handicapped prior attempts, so the two concentrated on modifying most widely recognized traps for smaller bears; the Oneida Newhouse No. 4 ½ and No. 150. The Michigan study used the No. 4 ½ s with single heavy kinkless chain & large drag (from ATC) for cubs and juveniles but relied on standard No. 5s for large problem bears.

That is a great trap...I have the study report.

Well there you go, great information. All I would have been able to tell you that the trap was modified for use by the state of Michigan. The modification occurred in the ATC era. Looks like they purchased used Newhouse wolf traps and modified them. Now you can see the value in not changing it.

BTW-

As a record for that time, a 328 lb black bear was caught and held in that modified 4 ½.

very nice trap