Hello,

I'd like to get a few dog proof traps for coons! There are obviously a few brands... what is your favorite and why? pros/cons to one brand vs another?

Hopefully I can get them with DP's instead of my other traps that I don't want coons in! Little (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) get into everything!

Thanks for the information!

There are many to choose from on the market compared to 20 years ago. I would recommend that you order 3 different ones and see what YOU think. I don't use dog proofs much anymore but if I was to buy some now it would be the sterling grizz.

Griz getters. Bought 15 doz. when they were the only game in town. What my son bought after the pukes came out.

Or you could go to your state convention. Walk around the tailgaters and dealers and look and feel the different brands. There you would get a lot of feedback and opinions from a wide variety of users. Also if you are not a member it would be a great time to join your association. Would also be a good chance to maybe get a bait or two to utilize in the traps you decide you like. G.

Howdy there, If you are trapping close to buildings use dukes ,as they have pull only triggers. If you are in the woods use push and pull triggers. Better catch rate. Good luck and stop in At Antigo this Sept. for best prices. good luck Nute

I had best success with holding, less pullouts per fired trap, with Duke brand.
I’ve got a lot of brands and models I’ve purchased and ran since I bought my first DPs in early through mid 90s. Was always intrigued by the concept and I’ve seen a lot of variations on this trap theme come out over my lifetime. You name it I have A LOT of them. Egg traps, Duffers, Grizz, Coon Cuffs, Dukes, Zs, Soup Can, Bridger, Freedom Brand (both styles), Alcatraz, you name it I most likely have the brand and model in my inventory and I think I’ve ran all of them many seasons. Some work better in certain situations than others. Right tool for the job, correct? The Duke model has been the most versatile and consistent holder after catch on my line. I run primarily dryland sets only. The Duke brand isn’t perfect I don’t think any of them are truly the one and only, end all DP, and I’d like to see some mods on the Duke like a little stronger spring pin but for most part that model is about as bullet proof as I’ve spent my money and trapping time on. I cannot say that for ANY of the other models I’ve ran.
Jim

Dukes are all you'll need.

I have Dukes, Griz and Ztraps. The majority are Ztraps because we got a deal on dozens years ago. They all work well.

wolf creek diablo's. Been running them for several years. Good trap. Has a bottom clean out that is awesome.
Very affordable.

Another vote for the Diablo,, I honestly don’t understand why they aren’t more popular. They are the easiest dog proof on the market to set… the trigger isn’t heavy, the clean out door is really nice.. cheaper than other brands out there. And I don’t think I’ve ever had a pullout using them

I originally bought the original Griz Getter traps and bought Dukes after that. I only use the pull triggers since they work best for me. I own about 130 total.

This. Both are good.

Dukes are hard to beat for the price.

I agree with others, plenty to be had at conventions at an even better price point.

The push / pull triggers seem like a way to improve catch rate, but is no longer "dog" or "cat" proof if you do. They can put a paw in and push down, setting trap off. The pull only triggers limit that to a paw that can grasp. So in theory, canines and cats could not set one off. A canine could also clean out some bait with their tongue and if worked at it long enough, perhaps get a pull only trigger to fire. They could also do that with a push / pull trigger. Has anyone ever had that happen?

I make my own,
just

I have mostly dukes, but if I was starting over, I would go with the no bs brand. I liked the freedom brand to begin with but require to many repairs.

Grizz all the way.

Ausable featherlite, tough as heck, light, aluminum and have stood the test of time with me

I haven’t tried very many, but I got Dukes, Bridgers, Z Traps and one stupid Coon Cuff. I like the Z traps best because of the push/pull trigger, but I don’t have to worry about cats or dogs. The Zs had the better catch rate so that’s mostly what I use.

I'm happy with my Lil' Grizz's. Very strong and have lasted me quite awile.

Freedom brand #1 mainly and one Bridger I think.