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Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
#8493756
10/28/25 02:33 PM
10/28/25 02:33 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
Salthunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
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I buildt 34 boxes 10 years back,, set 8 of them,, got snowed in . Then my health went south
My health is so much better. .This year I attended the NTA western and the Idaho Trappers .I plan to use those boxes when season opens here in Idaho. I still have 200 110's from 40 years back , Mostly Blake and Lambs ( stronger springs back then) Some of the Victors I put a 2nd spring on , made them 120s. for use in boxes and a 3 day check.
My question: how effective, quick kill are 110's idf the trapped marten drops clear of the pole or tree?
Next question: what is the quickest easiest, 110 support on a 2-4 inch running pole,, 2 I dont want to use double headed form nails
Ive seen some youtubes and TV clips many boxes are facing up,,, why?
I used to be a pretty fair mink trapper, I seldom made less than 3 traps at a stop. I gang set most often.. Is gang setting effective with marten ( remember 3 day check?) I was thinking of a box on a running pole and another trap 3-10 feet away. My hope: one day of setting, hopefully 25 locations then two checks the next 5 days.
Work hard play hard
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: 160andup]
#8493828
10/28/25 04:38 PM
10/28/25 04:38 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
Salthunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
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I would order a couple dozen 120s… Over the summer I had plans to set a coyote line,,, I have 3 dozen 1.75 and #2 with 7-10 foot chain and drag from cat trapping a long time back in Washington State I just didnt get around to checking out what all needs work or getting dry dirt I just came up with this marten "plan " last night driving home from a hunt . Season opens Saturday,,, I guess Ill make do with springs from other 110's for now. So Ill rob from a couple more dozen 110's So your suggestion , dont use 110's at all!
Last edited by Salthunter; 10/28/25 05:02 PM.
Work hard play hard
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8493830
10/28/25 04:40 PM
10/28/25 04:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Alaska
Super Wide
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2014
Alaska
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110's in the air will take care of them pretty fast. You should be fine with the small diameter poles. Canadians with BMP rules would disagree. In cold temps. on skinny poles, you will be fine.
Snuggy is the easiest clip for what you want. You can buy them with the screw or supply your own. 110-160 size or 220-330 size. I suggest the small ones and use your own screw if possible. Nails suck hitting between the clip edges, use screws. Snuggies can be bent in or out depending on your trap. A really nice improvement over say a Barkers or MTP.
Boxes facing up. Some do, some don't, some like me, put them horizontal on a limb. I never put them on the tree trunks up or down. Always on a limb.
Not sure about how many marten you have, but double up on traps for sure. Sounds like you have plenty. I would space them 1/4 mile or closer if you have water or marshes nearby. If a creek, set both sides, two traps per side since you have the traps. Yes, gang setting works for marten. Get them free swinging in the air so others don't bite them. Good luck. Holler back if you have questions.
Use an attractor too. Duck wing, compact disc, canning jar lids. Keep the lure off the box, keep in on the wings, so bears don't tear up the tree or box.
My Super Wide will pull your broken down 4 stroke, up a hill backwards, with you on it!
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Super Wide]
#8493853
10/28/25 05:17 PM
10/28/25 05:17 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
Salthunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
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110's in the air will take care of them pretty fast. You should be fine with the small diameter poles. Canadians with BMP rules would disagree. In cold temps. on skinny poles, you will be fine.
Snuggy is the easiest clip for what you want. You can buy them with the screw or supply your own. 110-160 size or 220-330 size. I suggest the small ones and use your own screw if possible. Nails suck hitting between the clip edges, use screws. Snuggies can be bent in or out depending on your trap. A really nice improvement over say a Barkers or MTP.
Boxes facing up. Some do, some don't, some like me, put them horizontal on a limb. I never put them on the tree trunks up or down. Always on a limb.
Not sure about how many marten you have, but double up on traps for sure. Sounds like you have plenty. I would space them 1/4 mile or closer if you have water or marshes nearby. If a creek, set both sides, two traps per side since you have the traps. Yes, gang setting works for marten. Get them free swinging in the air so others don't bite them. Good luck. Holler back if you have questions.
Use an attractor too. Duck wing, compact disc, canning jar lids. Keep the lure off the box, keep in on the wings, so bears don't tear up the tree or box. Every 1/4 mile,,, I like that Where ive hunted it seemed like the hot areas might have 5 sets per 3 miles. We cant have exposed animal parts. All my boxes are fitted with 2 wire tails one for flagging the other for the trap. I have some purple and gold tinsil I rounded up for cat trapping,, I wwas also gong to use reflective road tape I might be checking in the dark is that ok? Bear would be a problem,,, Every bear location I had a camera on had marten,,,  Im hoping to preplace all the boxes and bait tomorrow, and flag the location ,, Will sets be very effective in Quaken aspen or do I need to stay in dark timber . None of my set weill be near water except some seeps.springs Im at the higher elevation Only one glitch so far,,, I dont know where my Milwaukee sawzall is,,, Im worried I left it at my inlaws when deer hunting
Work hard play hard
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8493858
10/28/25 05:24 PM
10/28/25 05:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
Salthunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
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Dug out some bottles of skunk essense , bottled 35 years ago, and the beaver castor was 40 year old.
Made a paste out of the skunk.essense Ill just dump 1/4 oz of beaver castor on the top inside of the boxes. Threaded a bunch beef trim like for crab bait to hook into the back which is covered with 1/2 inch hardware wire .
Another quesetion: How many guys don't use boxes of some type, and does it make any differences if made from wood or plastic... If I really get into this I may pick up used 6 inch drain tile for conibear cubbies
Work hard play hard
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8493942
10/28/25 07:40 PM
10/28/25 07:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Alaska
Super Wide
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2014
Alaska
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Checking in the dark is fine. It's only light out in Alaska for 4 hours, so we are always in the dark. Reflective tape is good to attract them as well as you finding your set. Tinsel will work, use it.
Your lure should work fine. Plastic, wood, cardboard, pipes, Donahue sets (metal dome over a conibear), running poles, doesn't matter. I am not a fan of drain tiles for Marten, but maybe it will work good for you in your area. Might as well try. Chicken wire stapled to a piece of plywood will work. Thread pine tree through the holes to keep snow off. Use big baits if possible.
1/4 mile at most if in good marten country. 5 sets in 3 miles means you are missing many marten. Use big baits if possible.
Set your bear areas that you had the camera on. Elevate your sets, lure on tree or attractor so you can pull it at end of season. Yes set it, you already know there are marten there, forget the bears.
Find the water even if it's a seep in the rocks, set near that. Set any water you can find, both sides if possible. One tree in the middle of nowhere? Set that tree for sure! Set heavy in the dark spruce. Birch are okay, but Pine or Spruce thickets are better hunting and that is where you will find Mr. Marten.
Add jelly to your bait. Yes, jam like on your PB&J sandwich. If there are berries near your box, throw the berries in the box. Strawberry, Raspberry, Grape, whatever. Put jam just past the trap in front of the beef scraps. Give them something they know they like. Not many beef scraps laying around in trees usually. Fish heads work if you can use them. Free from the butcher if legal, not sure for you. Good luck.
My Super Wide will pull your broken down 4 stroke, up a hill backwards, with you on it!
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8493956
10/28/25 07:59 PM
10/28/25 07:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Alaska
Super Wide
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2014
Alaska
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NO LURE IN THE BOX. EVER. (we have tons of bears). I just read where you were thinking of adding lurre to the box, bad idea.
Put it above the box on another branch that you cannot walk into and get on you. Put it up high. Skunk and castor will work good. If you put lure in the wood box, you lose the box to bears. Even if you pull the box, it still has skunk in the box attracting bears to it. Make sure the marten cannot get in the lure either.
Wear leather gloves if using a hand saw remotely above tree line. $4300 to get my finger sewed back on. Good luck. Take every trap you own. Use footholds in the box if you can. If you are allowed, put another foothold on the running pole a foot or so in front of your conibear. So 2-3 traps per box. You can use all footholds if legal. Or mix the coni's guarding the box and another either on the back of the box by the hardware cloth back or one a foot away from the coni. Marten are not trap shy or bothered by human scent. Set hard.
You should preset all your boxes. Wire in the bait, add the traps, add the attractor into the box. Now everything is there for the set except the lure in your pocket. Wire and pliers in your pocket. Do all this at home. All sets are the same. Go hard all day. Don't come home with traps, boxes or bait. Holler back with questions. Good luck.
My Super Wide will pull your broken down 4 stroke, up a hill backwards, with you on it!
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8493986
10/28/25 08:29 PM
10/28/25 08:29 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
40 years Alaska, now back to O...
alaska viking
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2007
40 years Alaska, now back to O...
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Ditch the 110's. You will find live marten. Do yourself a favor and only cry once. Buy 120 Belisle traps and make boxes for them. I have had great success with Gusto for marten. As for bait, I like beaver meat, and duck and grouse carcasses, (after breasting, of course), are also tops. Good luck, and seriously, sell the 110's, or use them for rats.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: alaska viking]
#8494036
10/28/25 09:08 PM
10/28/25 09:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
NY
160andup
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2014
NY
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Martens are a pretty hardy animal , I wouldn’t use 110’s, 120’s are just more humane for the animal. Any more I’m seeing all sorts of people out and about where you didn’t use too.
wws Ditch the 110's. You will find live marten. Do yourself a favor and only cry once. Buy 120 Belisle traps and make boxes for them. I have had great success with Gusto for marten. As for bait, I like beaver meat, and duck and grouse carcasses, (after breasting, of course), are also tops. Good luck, and seriously, sell the 110's, or use them for rats. I think this is what it comes down to IMO. We owe it to the animal to make it quick and as stress free as possible. 110s won’t do that.
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8494062
10/28/25 09:41 PM
10/28/25 09:41 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Alaska and Washington State
waggler
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2008
Alaska and Washington State
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I'd forget any pole type sets in heavy snow country (Idaho), you will be very frustrated. Take AK Vikings suggestions.
If you pre-bait for a week, then definitely set two traps per location. Pre-baiting is very effective for marten, you will take off the cream in two checks, then move on. By pre-baiting I don't mean baiting the boxes, use half a beaver carcass. And take some cat traps along with you to set baits that are being hit by cats.
Last edited by waggler; 10/28/25 09:44 PM.
"My life is better than your vacation"
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: waggler]
#8494088
10/28/25 10:25 PM
10/28/25 10:25 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
Salthunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
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Checking in the dark is fine. It's only light out in Alaska for 4 hours, so we are always in the dark. Reflective tape is good to attract them as well as you finding your set. Tinsel will work, use it.
Your lure should work fine. Plastic, wood, cardboard, pipes, Donahue sets (metal dome over a conibear), running poles, doesn't matter. I am not a fan of drain tiles for Marten, but maybe it will work good for you in your area. Might as well try. Chicken wire stapled to a piece of plywood will work. Thread pine tree through the holes to keep snow off. Use big baits if possible.
1/4 mile at most if in good marten country. 5 sets in 3 miles means you are missing many marten. Use big baits if possible.
Set your bear areas that you had the camera on. Elevate your sets, lure on tree or attractor so you can pull it at end of season. Yes set it, you already know there are marten there, forget the bears.
Find the water even if it's a seep in the rocks, set near that. Set any water you can find, both sides if possible. One tree in the middle of nowhere? Set that tree for sure! Set heavy in the dark spruce. Birch are okay, but Pine or Spruce thickets are better hunting and that is where you will find Mr. Marten.
Add jelly to your bait. Yes, jam like on your PB&J sandwich. If there are berries near your box, throw the berries in the box. Strawberry, Raspberry, Grape, whatever. Put jam just past the trap in front of the beef scraps. Give them something they know they like. Not many beef scraps laying around in trees usually. Fish heads work if you can use them. Free from the butcher if legal, not sure for you. Good luck. I have a total of 27 boxes just been in the shed for 10 years. Ill set traps every easy location where the timber comes near the road I have a bunch of fresh plums I plan to use, I will make some jam if I have time I had a pleasant surprise I already had put the 2nd spring on and name tags on traps maybe when I first moved to Idaho 20 years ago . Guess Ill take a couple 330s along,, for beaver The middle of nowhere tree I think Ill find some,,, nowhere sets use to be my idea of fun snaring beaver in the middle of a lake, fox in the middle of the GSL salt flats mink on the only stock pond for miles, cat sets at those lone junipers I hadn't thought of it but I have an area that is terribly rocky,, mixed with some older growth trees Ill give them a shot too I'd forget any pole type sets in heavy snow country (Idaho), you will be very frustrated. Take AK Vikings suggestions.
If you pre-bait for a week, then definitely set two traps per location. Pre-baiting is very effective for marten, you will take off the cream in two checks, then move on. By pre-baiting I don't mean baiting the boxes, use half a beaver carcass. And take some cat traps along with you to set baits that are being hit by cats. I plan on just two checks, then going goose hunting in ND , The weather is saying dry for the next two weeks. I have faily big pieces of bait,, which will be attached to the back of the box never thought much of placing the jam right inside the box. Years back I had a b ear bait get snowed in only apples a marten was in that bait nearly daily for most of the winter Kind of curious what's your thinking on not using drain tile, We had a serious drought one year in MN, I used tiles to make a black hole type pocket sets.. I must be excited, I couldn't sleep , then woke early this morning, Chasing coyotes, mink of beaver was never this exciting., I almost hope I dont catch too many the first check,,, then spend more time building boxes 
Last edited by Salthunter; 10/28/25 10:30 PM.
Work hard play hard
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8494098
10/28/25 10:33 PM
10/28/25 10:33 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
Salthunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2007
Idaho
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And maybe worth the effort dropping elevation around those springs makes sense
Work hard play hard
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8494101
10/28/25 10:34 PM
10/28/25 10:34 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
40 years Alaska, now back to O...
alaska viking
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2007
40 years Alaska, now back to O...
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waggler is spot-on about 2 sets. I couldn't count how many times that has paid off. And MANY times, I would find a weasel in one trap, and a marten in the other. Not so sure about plums. Think I would use those for a pie and find myself some meat for bait. I know, some claim to have success using strawberry/raspberry jam, but I personally wouldn't put in a bunch of sets and plan on filling my traps with it. Never heard of anybody using plums. If a million marten are taken using beaver meat and 100 are taken by folks using jam, well........
Last edited by alaska viking; 10/28/25 10:35 PM.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: wws]
#8494112
10/28/25 10:43 PM
10/28/25 10:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Montana
D.T.
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Montana
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DT, I can see if your hanging them they will not be alive. If they can get on something I have found them with the chains rattling.
wws Of course this photo i had wired it to a limb because the tree was sappy but usually its right on the same tree. Never seen one rattle a chain….
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8494240
10/29/25 08:34 AM
10/29/25 08:34 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Williamsport, Pa.
jk
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Williamsport, Pa.
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What a great informative post fellas. Great info for the new martin trapper. If I were him I would ditch the goose hunt and trap the martin, weather permitting......jk
Last edited by jk; 10/29/25 08:35 AM.
Free people are not equal. Equal people are not free. What's supposed to be ain't always is. Hopper Hunter
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8504035
11/15/25 01:45 PM
11/15/25 01:45 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
40 years Alaska, now back to O...
alaska viking
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2007
40 years Alaska, now back to O...
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I trapped southeast Alaska for about 35 years and certainly couldn't count how many marten I caught over the years. 100s, anyway. I have taken them with small longsprings, 110s 120s, and even much larger traps set for wolverine and wolves, not to mention the odd few setting off 280s set for otter. Early on I started trapping them, and mink, with 110s. I found several marten and large male mink still breathing with those traps, including traps using elevated vertical flowerpot sets with the trap secured to a tree or limb. One was even clinging to the tree bark, taking a breath every 10 seconds or so. I was snowshoeing that line and assumed I had just caught that marten and that it would succumb to the trap shortly, so I continued up the line and would retrieve it on the way back. About 3 hours later, I arrived back at the set only to find the marten still clinging to the tree and still gasping. That was it. I ordered several dozen Belisle 120s, retired the 110s, and never looked back. I also evolved my techniques over the years, rarely using flowerpots, and very few vertical sets, mostly relying on leaning and horizontal poles and boxes, ALWAYS in such a way that keeps the dead marten off the ground. I also went to about 90% wood pedals for both marten and mink, which reduced refusals to nearly none, and almost always either a neck strike or perfect suitcase.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8504591
11/16/25 11:08 AM
11/16/25 11:08 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
40 years Alaska, now back to O...
alaska viking
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2007
40 years Alaska, now back to O...
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As for bait and lure, I, like White17, used feathers, but usually attached to part of a carcass. I would get breasted duck carcasses from waterfowl hunters and would chop them up and put them in the back of the box. Also used a lot of beaver meat. A wing hanging above the set or hanging below a horizontal pole set was a great visual. Gusto was my go-to lure, and nothing else was even close. When I did my walk-in lines, many times I could see marten tracks in fresh snow that showed them zigging and zagging as they hunted, got down wind of my sets, and B-Lined straight to the box. Just don't get any on you.
Also, when using boxes, switching to wood pedals was a big game changer. Almost no refusals. I made mine out of 3/8" plywood. I drilled holes through the plywood layers, threaded the trigger wires through the holes, then bent the protruding wire ends parallel/90 degrees to the "Pan". Then bent the pan in such a manner that they were at a slight angle, maybe 15-20 degrees to the bottom of the box. I suggest going to the Wilderness Archives at the bottom of the main Forums page and read the Marten threads. There is a treasure trove of information there that we compiled over the years.
Last edited by alaska viking; 11/16/25 11:18 AM.
Just doing what I want now.
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Re: Marten, Marten , 110'[s 120's boxes
[Re: Salthunter]
#8504601
11/16/25 11:39 AM
11/16/25 11:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Armpit, ak
Dirt
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Armpit, ak
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Why boxes facing up? You got me! Maybe easy to throw bait in? I have seen people post pictures on here with marten arse caught and marten just hanging dead half in the box. I can see why they would get arse caught. They step on the trigger. Around here an up facing box would just fill with snow and traps may freeze up during thaws. IMO any time that marten ain't swinging free in the air they are susceptible to critter damage like shrews ( shrews can climb trees) and bird pecking. Hanging high enough most bigger predators won't get them. Hanging low they can still get ate by their brothers.
Will 110's work? Yes. Choose ones with strong springs and have the bend in the corners. In the 1997 NAFA Fur Handling Manual there are 4 pages regarding reducing fur damage caused by conibears. Not just 110's. All traps have advantages and disadvantages. Depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
Last edited by Dirt; 11/16/25 12:14 PM.
Who is John Galt?
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