Hey everyone. Im a somewhat experienced land trapper, wanting to delve into water trapping. Unfortunately, in OK, on public land, we are pretty limited to what traps can be used. On public land, which is all I have access to trap, you are limited to footholds, no body grips or cable restraints. Any 2 springed trap, long or coiled, must have a 1/8" offset.
With those restrictions, what would be your trap of choice for a guy to use for mink/muskrat?
Ive got some single LS #1 and 1.5s ill be using, but id like to add a dozen more traps at least.
Will the offset requirement cause me issues? Should I stick with single longsprings or jump traps (if I could find them).

Thanks!

The 1 1/2 jump was one of the best water traps for me on mink and rats. Even # 1s will hold them fine. That said, any of the 1 and 1 1/2 ls will do the job just fine.

i agree with mr bleeohio you cant beat a 1 1/2 for water sets whats nice about it is it gives you a big target and the trap has a little bit of weight to help send the animal to the bottom and drown
just keep in mind to position the trap so the animal has to walk thru the trap not over the jaws with short legged animals like muskrat and mink the position of the trap can mean the difference
between a high body catch and possibly a toe catch
good luck this season get after em

I would go with a #1 1/2 long spring in your situation.

Any concerns about the offset requirement with how small/dainty mink are?

#2 square jaw victor if you can find em

The 1-1/2 longspring is a great trap. Order more and get trapping.

Your long springs will not have to be offset and I'm pretty sure you can use connibears as long as they are full submerged but that may just be on private ground. Oklahoma has been making alot of moves to better their regulations. If you can catch critters on land like coon, possum, skunks, coyotes - you shouldn't have much trouble getting some private ground. Once word gets out that you are proficient and trustworthy, seems ranchers all talk and everyone has critter issues. Limits are generous and according to the COs I have dealt with - not many people are actively targeting otter/beaver.

I have many #1 & #1.5 jumps that I would part with if you are interested. I am in Oklahoma also. PM me if you are interested.

He said "Any 2 spring trap must have 1/8" off-set".
The #1 and #1-1/2 longspring are single spring traps. He doesn't need off-set jaws.

I bet if you had a bunch of #2 coils or 1 1/2 coils and removed one spring you would be good to go.

Now that's a heck of an idea Beav!

that is a heck of an idea. thats smart thinking right there

Thanks yall. I believe youre right about removing a coil. Im gonna do that to the few I have. Im also gonna try and get some #1 and #1.5 jump traps to work with

Beav uses that thing on his shoulders for more than a hat rack.

I'd pull off the spring on the chain side and remove that lever too so the critter is pulling towards the side where the spring has the most tension on it.

I removed 1 spring from a Duke #1 and it did not lay right. Might have to also remove the lever.

Invest in the 1 1\2 !omg spring.

If I had to have 1/8" offset I would not try to catch a mink by the foot or leg. Its a good way to loose some due to ring off. I would get some old Victor #2 square jaws and make them 1/8' offset, and use them as "body grip".

X2

I personally use 1 1/2 longsprings when not using 110's or 120's. With a foothold you want the lightest pan tension possible. With longsprings that is easily accomplished.

You can achieve a light pan tension with any smaller coil spring. When you remove a spring and by bending down the end of the dog. Or by heating the springs.
If the OP has these coils, he can make it work. No reason to go out and buy a bunch of different traps.