Hello! First post, so I'm new here and still very new to trapping...

I trap in Illinois, and the regulation for conibears says: "Body-gripping trap in water must have jaw spread of 10 inches or less on a side if square or 12 inches if round. Traps greater than 10 inches must be completely submerged in water when set on IDNR sites"

I was looking at purchasing some Bridger 330s, then I saw they are 10x10.5." I trap in a public spot, so I want to be extra sure to play by all the rules. Does this mean the Bridger 330 is out of regulation for use in Illinois?

Any help or clarification would be grately appreciated.

Are the measurements for the rule in the set or unset position

That's a good question, I'll have to find out. Because unset it would be 10x10.5, but set it would be 10x10, correct?

I have the same concerns. I have read almost everything on the regulations about trap sizes in IL. I could not find if the trap is measured from the inside or outside of the metal. Also we all assume it is measured from the set position, but I could never find any specific wording on that.

FWIW, id skip the bridgers, and look at the new dukes.

I emailed this question to a local game warden and I'll let you know what he says



Thanks for the tip! I have some old 330s from my grandpa and would like to get a few more. I got a 110 and 220 last season from Rural King (IL farm type store). Other than those two I haven't bought anything new.

the note in the hunting and trapping digest says from the inside edges of the jaws

you are fine with any of the 330s sold you just have to be submerged half way. or completely under the water. snares have to be half submerged and no bigger loop than i think 15 inchs might be 12 in loop. i have talked about this with my local dnr in stephenson county she said im good to go. i run bridger 330s. 220s and smaller on land

x2

Thanks!

Why do you prefer Dukes?

Prefer the belislses actually but the duke version is cheaper. Bridger body grips are just a a pain to set.

Yep. It's a lot more trap for a little more money.