I've seen these modified traps here and there, mostly on Newhouse and once on an LPC. This is the only one I've ever owned. I always figured that folks added the spring because the original was weak, but the original is plenty stout on this trap. I'm not sure why someone added it, but I think it's neat so I've always kept it on. I will say that the two times I've set it, that third spring sure makes it stable on the ground.

Any thoughts on why this would be done on a trap that is already plenty strong? I thought it might be a fun thing to ponder on and discuss.

Never seen it done like that before. The booster springs I have seen are nestled into the original.

Maybe you answered your question saying how stable it was? Some
One maybe using it in light ground or soft mud bottom?


Mac

Sure is a possibility Mac.

The fact that it won't nestle in the other spring is part of why I think it might not just be for strength.

…. It’s completely unnecessary… probably something W’Dawg came up with after freebasing quail egg shells

Lmao! Could be. I think this mod predates Wolfdog though. Maybe his grandpa put it together.

Some people just think bigger and stronger is always better

Interesting trap!!! Someone had a reason for that design.

You are probably dead right. My mind gets to wondering and I always want to come up with some reason that makes sense to me. But it probably boils down to more power = more better.

Be rough getting out of that if you caught yourself.

Many years ago I found a old New House with a extra 3rd spring it still had a very weathered beaver leg bone between the jaws up in the foot hills where I was trapping beaver , which was the first time anyone had been there trapping in ages as the only road unto that area when through the ranchers front yard .

I've still got that trap tucked away ,

Just like today, there's a lot of trappers making unneeded modifications to their perfectly good traps.

Agreed.I've never seen new house springs that needed help and from what I understand LPC springs are basically the same

I remember Asa Lennon talking about how his dad added extra springs to some number 4s for trapping wolves in Michigan back in the day, but if I remember those were Victor No4s which I could see, Newhouse are a whole nother matter, around here your more likely to see them with one spring removed, I always figured it was to make them easier to set

Years ago I was at a farm auction and it had several dozen traps for auction including a couple dozen No3 and 4 Newhouse all with a spring removed that went for a good price then one of the last things they brought out was a box of Newhouse springs, I always figured they were the takeoffs from those earlier traps, by the time they came up all the serious buyers had already left apparently because I got that box for cheap, most of those are still sitting in that box out in the shed