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WI Trapping 2021

Posted By: Green Bay

WI Trapping 2021 - 10/15/21 10:32 PM

Good luck to all of those going out tomorrow. Post your pictures to this thread.
Posted By: BvrRetriever

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/15/21 10:46 PM

Anyone in Wisconsin who sets a fur trap tomorrow, didn’t get the memo.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/15/21 10:57 PM

Doing some prospecting but no setting.

Bryce
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/15/21 11:19 PM

Grandpa died in 1981 but I can still see him shaking his head about trapping before the fur is prime.But we did string together 5 days with highs only in the 60s.Gotta love it.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 01:29 AM

Good luck! I'll wait until next weekend when muskrat opens. A little more prep and scouting until then.
Once again look forward to trapping season and following this thread. Enjoy your time in the woods,fields, streams and marshes as you venture out!
Posted By: AJE

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 04:25 AM

I'm sure hoping to draw a wolf tag.
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 04:39 AM

I'm waiting till Sunday to start trapping coyotes. They won't be worth any more by this time next week.Or the week after that.

I get paid to trap rats so I'll get after them once I'm done trapping some coyotes.
Posted By: AJE

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 04:46 AM

Do you prefer cable restraints over footholds Beav?
Posted By: tlguy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 10:39 AM

Tight chains fellow Sconnies! I'm waiting for first light in a duck boat right now, gonna wait til next week to set just because I'm only going after rats.
Posted By: Sprung & Rusty

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by tlguy
Tight chains fellow Sconnies! I'm waiting for first light in a duck boat right now, gonna wait til next week to set just because I'm only going after rats.

Good luck on the ducks today.
Posted By: Trap Setter

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 12:12 PM

Good luck, seasons open! Time to put our skills to the test against the animals we love to chase, hopefully everyone has a safe and productive season and finds their traps full and their hip boots dry.
Posted By: walleye101

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by The Beav
I'm waiting till Sunday to start trapping coyotes. They won't be worth any more by this time next week.Or the week after that.



And the ones you don't catch this week won't be worth anything. Go get em.
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 12:42 PM

good luck guys ,
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by AJE
Do you prefer cable restraints over footholds Beav?





I would like to use CRs on private land when the coyote season opens. But so far they haven't passed that law. I have some land where there are coyote trails. Some are natural and some are man made and I have to wait till Dec 1st to set them. CRs shine once we have some tracking snow.
Posted By: YaYa

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 03:20 PM

I'm waiting for muskrat and mink to open though I won't target mink on purpose until November.
Posted By: AJE

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Todd Lund
I'm waiting for muskrat and mink to open though I won't target mink on purpose until November.

Welcome to tMan

I don't think I will target mink at all this year due to the low prices.
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 06:15 PM

Most of my ground still has standing crops In the feilds.
Burnt a tank of gas today just making contact with my land owners. I always put It off to the last thing I just hate knocking on doors.
Posted By: coonman220

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 07:08 PM

Coon be pretty unprime now
Posted By: Alfa Dog

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 07:45 PM

Used to live near a mink ranch in Northern WI back in the 70's. Fox were pelted in mid Nov. Mink were always pelted at Thanksgiving. Catching fur before that becomes a waste of the resource.
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 09:45 PM

The argument there is, in today’s market, the extra effort put into harvest as conditions deteriorate outweighs the slight premium received.

I too advocate the harvest of prime skins but will submit to those who choose T shirt trapping and ez pickins. There isn’t enough of us left to get worked up over it.
Posted By: Trap Setter

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 10:07 PM

I plan on targeting everything this year I plan on trying my hand at tanning and trading the fur for finished goods that one of my good friend makes. She is willing as long as the end product is good enough. I don't mind covering my floors with coon rugs and beaver blankets on every piece of furniture. I will trap and enjoy myself doing it. If season is open and you have a plan then get em
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/16/21 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Alfa Dog
Used to live near a mink ranch in Northern WI back in the 70's. Fox were pelted in mid Nov. Mink were always pelted at Thanksgiving. Catching fur before that becomes a waste of the resource.



I skinned for a fox farmer they kept all their fox In sheds and kept them In the dark. That messed with their biological clock. It's the same with mink. It's the length of the days (day light) that trigger primness. It has nothing to do with cold weather.
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/17/21 11:31 AM

By keeping them in the dark it speeds up furring. Pelting earlier saves on feed and labor costs. So technically natural prime would even be later on the calendar. In my experience most of Wisconsin critters are pretty nice in December. Rats and beaver I would say February and March are hard to beat.

Problem is it’s much more challenging to make viable catches when conditions are tuff.

I will start at gun season, not because I’m religious, simply other obligations.

Fact is trapping today is more of a passion play and less economics. Rewards take different shapes. Go for it!
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/17/21 12:30 PM

The thing about coyotes Is around Late Dec they are starting to go the other way. Groney will tell you he likes late Oct and early Nov when It comes to coyotes.
Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/18/21 12:50 AM

[Linked Image]
Filled tag here
Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/18/21 12:58 AM

not sure how to turn that
Posted By: 8117 Steve R

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/18/21 01:04 AM

Nice cat
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/18/21 01:07 AM

Nice cat and nice catch!
Flipped it!
[Linked Image]
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/18/21 10:08 AM

nice cat , looks like a toe catch smile
Posted By: 8117 Steve R

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/18/21 10:21 AM

yes, I wouldn't have spent much time with a photo
Posted By: Trap Setter

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/18/21 11:46 AM

Bet that got your heart thumping Keets
. Good looking WI bobcat and no way I'd have taken a picture with that toe catch lol. You are a brave man
Posted By: Lance Squires

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/18/21 11:30 PM

I caught 3 last year that I had to release. Not that much fun. Hoping it doesn't happen again since I didn't draw a tag this year.
Posted By: Fox Claw

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/20/21 09:13 PM

FYI, The DNR 's going to push back the muskrat opener even further next year, good luck to the nothern muskrat trapper in '22 and beyond. The opener in the north now stands to be 3 weeks later than it was not that many years ago (2014?), and will now be as late as Nov. 7th. Unless this DNR link is wrong, or I'm reading it wrong, they will be creating 3 muskrat zones but the north, central and south all having the same dates, so I have no idea for the creation of zones:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Rules/WM1820DraftRule.pdf
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/20/21 09:49 PM

I see their finally going to let us use CRs at the start of the canine trapping season.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/20/21 09:59 PM

Fox Claw I believe you are reading it incorrectly. Next year the northern most season should open about a week earlier than this year, with the middle a week later and the south a week after that.

Bryce
Posted By: 8117 Steve R

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/20/21 10:04 PM

I am reading it the same as Fox Claw. Hopefully its an error.
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/20/21 11:16 PM

The intent was a staggered opener to follow our old structure. With increased opportunities for late winter harvest. Staggered again in March, I believe
Posted By: WIMarshRAT

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/21/21 01:24 AM

I guess I am not sure why we would need zones if we are going to open and close on the same day so leaning towards misprint.

Last I heard at the WCC fur harvest committee was the proposal for zones and dates that passed spring hearing was moving forward and should be in place for next year.
Posted By: WIMarshRAT

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/21/21 08:09 PM

Here is the response i received from Scott.

Yes it is an error. The dates should be as follows:



- The south zone should open on the Saturday on, or the first Saturday following November 1, and should close on March 15.

- The Central zone should open on the Saturday on, or the first Saturday following October 25, and should close on March 22.

- The Northern zone should open on the Saturday on, or the first Saturday following October 18, and should close on April 15.

- Maintain current Mississippi zone including start and close dates (beginning on the second Monday in November or the day after the close of the duck season in the Southern Zone, whichever
Posted By: Fox Claw

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/21/21 08:18 PM

Let's just hope their able to get those official documents changed. All this stuff goes through an official, legal process. It's not like you can just say "oops." If the process is to far along there's major work to be done. I haven't followed this enough to know. It's good you called them marshrat. They may have never realized the error until it became law.
Posted By: WIMarshRAT

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/21/21 08:40 PM

I wouldn't have known to call without you bringing it to my attention. You get all the credit on that one!
Posted By: Gator Foot

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/21/21 08:57 PM

Good luck to all of y’all!! Let’s see some pics!
Posted By: Kelly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/21/21 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by WIMarshRAT
Here is the response i received from Scott.

Yes it is an error. The dates should be as follows:



- The south zone should open on the Saturday on, or the first Saturday following November 1, and should close on March 15.

- The Central zone should open on the Saturday on, or the first Saturday following October 25, and should close on March 22.

- The Northern zone should open on the Saturday on, or the first Saturday following October 18, and should close on April 15.

- Maintain current Mississippi zone including start and close dates (beginning on the second Monday in November or the day after the close of the duck season in the Southern Zone, whichever


Sure now that I don't live in the Northern Zone they leave the mink/rat season open till April 15th. It was a crying shame to always have to stop trapping rats when they just get prime end of Feb.
Posted By: RdFx

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/22/21 12:26 PM

Kelly get off your butt and come up and trap for a week in the late season. Your not that old......lol
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/22/21 03:45 PM

If I read that correctly that means if we would have had the staggered openers this year the north would be the 23rd, the central October 30th and the south November 6th.

Bryce
Posted By: Hodag Catcher

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/22/21 05:56 PM

Another tag filler

Attached picture cat in trap.jpeg
Posted By: Hodag Catcher

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/22/21 06:00 PM

And this guy, he was scared after I released him. Just couldn't see harvesting him. On my own land, didn't know any grays were around.

Attached picture gray fox.jpeg
Posted By: Hodagtrapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/22/21 06:39 PM

Nice job Hodag Catcher!

Chris
Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/23/21 10:18 PM

Anyone else? [Linked Image]
Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/23/21 10:22 PM

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/23/21 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by Hodag Catcher
And this guy, he was scared after I released him. Just couldn't see harvesting him. On my own land, didn't know any grays were around.


Good call.I caught one in the late 70s and haven’t seen one since.
Posted By: 160user

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by Mad Scientist
Originally Posted by Hodag Catcher
And this guy, he was scared after I released him. Just couldn't see harvesting him. On my own land, didn't know any grays were around.


Good call.I caught one in the late 70s and haven’t seen one since.



Normally these are vicious little buggers and bark at you.
Posted By: Giant Sage

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by The Beav
Most of my ground still has standing crops In the feilds.
Burnt a tank of gas today just making contact with my land owners. I always put It off to the last thing I just hate knocking on doors.

Dogs are the #1 reason I hate knocking on doors.
Posted By: lumberjack391

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 03:29 PM

Wheres cableable?
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 04:14 PM

I don't do pics but I have 8 coyotes and 3 coon on boards.
Posted By: tlguy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 04:23 PM

[Linked Image]

Got my helper out yesterday to set a few rat traps and here she is with today's catch. Only made 8 sets since I didn't want to take her in the canoe with me and I've gotta pull to head to ND for a duck trip Tuesday night. I'll get after em more when I get back, but for now, not a bad start. Should be some good eating since I know they're fresh and that water sure was chilly!
Posted By: Moosetrot

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 04:48 PM

Way to go, tlguy! Good luck in ND! Sure not much going on for ducks in Pool 7.

Moosetrot
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 06:33 PM

My buddies just got back from a ND duck hunt. Ducks where everywhere.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 06:48 PM

Awesome pictures and catches Keets, tlguy, and hodag catcher

I overbooked for fall work this year and forced myself to miss the start of the muskrat opener. I haven't missed a 4am/ now midnight opener since 2005. As I was finishing the project yesterday I told my brother I wouldn't miss one again until my body cannot do it anymore. I hope I can hold myself to that statement.

I got home around 2pm yesterday and loaded my truck with a few traps and grabbed my daughter's. Figured I had lost the place in the Marsh I typically go so we headed to new areas and did some on the spot permission's, funny how they seem to come easier the day of than earlier when one is trying to prepare, for me anyway. We set 30 traps and headed home. My oldest daughter came today to help check and snap photos! We had fun! Take a kid or someone new trapping!

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]
Posted By: tlguy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 08:45 PM

Way to go deerfly!

Looking forward to ND, sure haven't been many ducks around here in the Green Bay area either.
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 09:13 PM

What part of ND are you going to hunt?
Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 09:31 PM

NICE DEERFLY grin
Posted By: tlguy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by The Beav
What part of ND are you going to hunt?


I believe we're heading to the Edgeley area. I'm a last minute addition to the hunt so I don't know many of the details. Just showing up to the rendezvous point with gun and gear and be ready to drive.
Posted By: bwtrapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/24/21 10:28 PM

Got my first ever Fisher Friday. Might try to figure out how to post a picture.
Posted By: Fishdog One

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/25/21 11:22 AM

I am off to a very slow start, the marsh did not look good that I have trapped every year since retiring in 2017. Four rats out of 22 traps, usually had 3 dozen traps in and would catch 12 to 15 the first day.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/26/21 12:46 AM

Nice job on the fisher Bwtraper! Hope you find some decent Marsh and things turn around for you Fishdog1!

A few rats tonight and another mink. First mink in a colony trap. I'll check Wednesday and pull and move.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/26/21 07:47 PM

Slower opener for us. Catch was off about 60% with much less sign and a real drop off on 2nd check so we pulled. Set a couple new areas and those are always a learning curve. One place had almost all bigger rats, but not too many and and another was mostly smaller younger rats. Productivity is nice but does not help size when going early.

Bryce
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/27/21 10:24 PM

3rd check today after 2 day soak. 16 for 30 at 53 percent. Pulled traps as that was the plan. Should I have pulled? 7 rats 2 days ago. I often run this order of checks, and used to check one more time but was often disappointed at the take. The 3rd check after 2 days has always been good and seems more efficient and allows a day for skinning/ put up I'll never know this time but we'll be back to these locations after ice up. Hope everyone is getting out and enjoying themselves! Weather is nice!
Only pic that will load today.
[Linked Image]
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/27/21 10:30 PM

Sometimes I believe skipping a day settles the marsh down a bit and that can help with the rats moving a bit more. Nice 3rd check. Good habitat the rats will be there next season.

Bryce
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/27/21 10:34 PM

nice guys , thanks for sharing
Posted By: Lance Squires

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/29/21 02:23 AM

I set for coyote Monday. Skunked the first day, yesterday I had 3 coyotes and a skunk, today I had 4 coyote, a skunk and 2 bobcats I had to release. Any idea how many years it will take to get a bobcat tag? I'm from the Eau Claire area.
Posted By: WIMarshRAT

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/29/21 02:52 AM

Originally Posted by Lance Squires
Any idea how many years it will take to get a bobcat tag? I'm from the Eau Claire area.


https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/trap/draw
Posted By: Lance Squires

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/29/21 12:09 PM

Thanks WIMarshRat. So about 3 years from what I can tell.
Posted By: Clemke

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/29/21 01:20 PM

This is my first reply I do not know much about trapping but I love it. Yesterday I got a very muddy raccoon when doing animal removal with my dad.
Posted By: Moosetrot

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/29/21 01:38 PM

Welcome to Trapperman, Clemke! It's the best trapping website out there! You will learn a lot about trapping here!

Moosetrot
Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/30/21 11:46 PM

Released another cat today [Linked Image]
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 10/31/21 12:12 AM

Rat sign for me is off about 40% and the catch is too after the first week. To date 97 rats and 4 coons. The coons are all in 1` stoploss set for rats. Saw my first smaller buck today, about a small 6 pointer making tracks.
The one interesting thing is that I have caught rats in 6 different places. Most with fewer rats that run average to bigger and two with a lot of smaller rats and some really small rats. Looks like repro is quite different for similar habitat etc.
Bryce
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/02/21 12:37 AM

Pulled a small slough yesterday 9 rats on 2nd check with 20 sets. Down from last year but higher than my several year norm. Went to a new slough for this year armed with traps and set none. Not much sign at all, a few houses in one corner and I will try those through the ice. Long canoe and gear carry situation so wanted more sign. I did set up two stretches of my wadable river line and sign looks above the norm for the las decade but less then last year. Need to get the 4-wheeler running tomorrow as I am using it on 3 sections of the rat line this year. Colonies are not producing, but got a couple in 160s in the small streams.

Bryce
Posted By: Lance Squires

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/02/21 11:08 AM

Pretty quiet on there this year and I'm sure it has to do with the current predicted fur prices. I've been trapping for 52 years now and haven't seen the market this bad. I'm at 11 coyote but haven't caught any the last two days. Set a couple new farms yesterday so maybe that will add to the pile. Last year I caught 21 coyote but never caught a red fox. Yesterday I caught 2. Is it possible that my coyote catch last year helped some of the fox survive?
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/02/21 11:17 AM

Pulled my coyote line and started my ADC rat line. Put In 50 sets Monday this will be the first check. The parks people dropped the water level by about a foot. So the colony trap system was not going to happen. So 90% of my sets were baited 160s. Can't use any foot holds unless they are 6' from shore. And I'm not sold on stools or floats In the fall.
Posted By: Wptourist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/02/21 12:12 PM

Great job BWTrapper, fishers are a cool animal. I have the first I caught mounted
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/02/21 05:05 PM

27 rats today.
Not as good as I hoped but they made me $270.00 and I haven't even skinned them yet LOL And I charged them $600.00 to set It up.
Posted By: coonman220

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/02/21 08:43 PM

Anyone sold any stuff yet
Posted By: YaYa

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/02/21 09:23 PM

I made some rat sets in the marsh today. I got in about 15 good sets with conibears and colony traps. I am in post op recovery(heart) but still felt ok. I used to be in a hurry to trap the open water before freezeup. Now I'm looking forward to after deer season and safe ice. Easier walking. Its good to get out in the fresh air.
Posted By: BvrRetriever

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/02/21 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by coonman220
Anyone sold any stuff yet


Ya, I sold some grease coon for $1 average…I was way happy with dat, eh?

But I charged $800 set up fee..,so ya gotta figure dat too I guess, ya. Averaged $125 nose count…hard to beat dat, eh? But I got the normal Beav Black Friday discount coupon if n ya want to wait?!
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/03/21 03:55 AM

Got 30 rats and 1 coon today. Repro on these to sections of the river was outstanding and I caught my share of medium rats today.

Bryce
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/03/21 07:29 PM

Some new line and 2nd check on two lines. 29 rats ( better size today) 2 mink and 2 coons. Coon sign where there was corn if unbelievably high. I am doing my best to avoid them.

Bryce
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/03/21 08:52 PM

I ended up with 51 rats 4 were eaten by coon. Most were caught In colony traps. Coon just love to pull those colony traps up on the banks and eat those rats right through the wire. But those rats still brought me $10.00 each. That job netted me over a 1000.00. And I haven't sold the 47 rats yet.
Setting up the next job tommrow.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/03/21 09:01 PM

Thank you Beav for the public works on behalf of trapping. Good to see a very liberal city like Madison appreciates the management, control and harvest of wildlife species. Nearly $25 a rat at reasonable numbers is some nice spending money too.

Bryce
Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/03/21 11:30 PM

BEAV GOT IT MADE IN THE SHADE grin
Posted By: Howell Bros

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/03/21 11:59 PM

Trapping camp 2021

Attached picture 20211026_070744.jpg
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Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 12:26 AM

very cool
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 01:20 AM

Nice catches Bryce, Beav and Howell! Howell Bros Awesome pictures, looks like a dream I have every fall before trapping starts. Your doing it! Kick butt!

Plugging away at a few rats, trapped a few adc beaver this week. Heading up north to grouse hunt Friday. May set some beaver traps Saturday if there are any near the cabin. Probably plug in some muskrat sets as well as they will soak for 2 days. Always feels good to be out!
Posted By: Wptourist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 01:26 AM

Awesome adventure Howell. Very cool
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 01:59 AM

Yes I look at the pics and it is in my mind a REAL EXPERIENCE to take the time to setup and do real outdoor event associated with a trap line. I am getting to the age where I need a better place to rest to be able to recuperate for the next day or two or three. I did a small 2-day semi wilderness canoe rat trapping trip in the mid 90s when fur prices were very low. I did not have any way to keep fur cold as I did not have a generator, frig or freezer thus the two days. It was windy as H for two of the days so trying to sleep in my tent was almost impossible. I stopped about 2:30 PM the two days to skin before dark. Caught about 3 dozen rats and had about 4 all in one section tore to pieces by some critter. Did not find any tracks. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Bryce
Posted By: Howell Bros

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 11:36 AM

We set up a little drying tunnel for our rats. We were fortunate to be able to drive to our campsite. The cattle trailer was our emergency shelter for everything we needed to keep dry outside of the tent. Worked out very well. We only needed to stay ahead of the rats. The coon kept well once skinned and in the shade. Also brought the coonhound along to keep a few off the houses. It was a great trip and alot of work!

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Posted By: Badger23

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 12:52 PM

Were you on the Wisconsin river Howell? Nice pics, I like that black coon. I had one cross the road in front
of me last week that color that was a big one.
Posted By: lindner115

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 01:24 PM

Very Cool!! Looks like a blast!!
Posted By: lindner115

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 01:27 PM

Some from the last week. The cat is the same in each pic, older boys tag, real pretty young female.
[Linked Image]
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Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/04/21 11:40 PM

Awesome pics Lindner! Good your kids like it too!

A few rats from today
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/05/21 01:23 AM

Pulled two lines today, 3rd check and got 5 rats. The 2nd check on a line I will pull tomorrow had 8. Plan to set a big stretch tomorrow. We are taking family out for buffet for our 51st wedding anniversary so need to be home early and spruced up! Saturday will be a short day as our VFW is cooking brats, hamburgers and selling beer from 11 AM to 7 PM. My shift is from 1-7

Bryce
Posted By: tlguy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/05/21 02:34 AM

I got about 20 or so rat sets out today, water on bay of Green Bay is lower than I've ever seen it. Lots of places I can get outta the canoe and just walk around in my hip boots to make sets. Found a doozy of a underwater run on my way back but I was fresh out of colony traps.

Glad to see some others out there getting after it.
Posted By: tlguy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/05/21 10:58 PM

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Picked up 3 today, dang SW wind blew all the water out of the bay. Water levels dropped 4-6" in 24 hours. Had to drag the canoe most of the way today.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/06/21 12:50 AM

Pulled a long line 3rd check just a head of the chisel plow this AM!! Got 4 rats and a male mink. The short line 1st check was 6 rats our of 20 sets. I did get about 2/3rds of another line out. Slow going wading the river that is full of stones. Farmers in the past used the rivers as a place to store their stones from the field! The buffet was good, family time is fun. Busy tomorrow selling brats and burgers.

Bryce
Posted By: Wptourist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/07/21 03:05 AM

[Linked Image]
Was able to tag a nice buck. Now the traps are coming out.
Posted By: keets

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/07/21 03:26 AM

grin
Posted By: Moosetrot

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/07/21 03:33 AM

Nice buck...and hoodie too!

Moosetrot
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/08/21 12:49 AM

Found some beaver close to the cabin, grouse on the other hand were hard to come by. My brother and I typically shoot more than we flushed this weekend. Always enjoy being in the big woods regardless! Lots of snow shoe hares as well! Good thing I have plenty of . 22 ammo for winter.
Nice rats Tl and nice buck Wptourist!
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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/08/21 03:29 AM

Pulling a long line tomorrow and setting up the last of the longer river line before giving platelets! The last two lines were OK but not great. My coon avoidance is working quite well. Compared to last year at this time after 2 weeks my rat catch is off about 25% and my coon catch is down about 75%. Legs sure are not what they were even a decade ago, neither are my shoulders and hands? Nice to be trapping with a long sleeve T shirt!

Bryce
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/08/21 04:12 AM

Pulled my rat line today and now It's time to hunt some speedy beef.
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/08/21 10:35 AM

keep going guy never give up [or stop trapping ] smile
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/09/21 01:18 AM

Pulled a big line today, couple rats and another mink. With rat numbers up the last few years I am catching more mink and seeing more sign. Setup 2/3rds of a longer line today. Sign is moderate from my best guess. Quit early today to give platelets. My stats were good, BP down, weight down 8 lbs. in a month so yes trapping has great benefits for me, most of which are not financial.

Bryce
Posted By: Fishdog One

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/09/21 02:51 AM

[Linked Image]
I wanted to hunt some this last week, so now I will think about setting some traps again.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/09/21 02:57 AM

Nice deer Fishdog1!
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/09/21 05:07 AM

Nice buck Fishdog, with these temps you need to have your knife sharp and ready. Save some of the sausage for the T-man feed next year!

Bryce
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/09/21 10:17 AM

nice buck smile
Posted By: Lance Squires

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/09/21 08:36 PM

I'm up to 36 coyote now so saving some of the area deer I hope. I'm also seeing some red fox for the first time in years. Hopefully, maybe the fox will bounce back if I remove the coyote. My best farm has produced 9 coyotes. I keep thinking it will end but they just keep coming. Unfortunately, I have to go back to work next week so will pull sets the end of this week. This will be the last year I have to work since I'll be retiring in April. Good luck everyone.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/09/21 11:54 PM

Well I got that out of my system.16 sets let 2 coon go and every trap was snapped or caught something.

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Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/10/21 01:57 AM

i.[/
Originally Posted by Lance Squires
I'm also seeing some red fox for the first time in years. Hopefully, maybe the fox will bounce back.


Saw 3 dead reds on road in this county last week. Haven’t seen that in years.
Posted By: Wptourist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/10/21 02:10 AM

Nice buck Fishdog. Way to get it done
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/10/21 03:27 AM

Slow last couple days. Got two more mink today, 6 so far trapping rats. Today both were on the same river stretch about 10 sets apart, young male and young female.

Bryce
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/10/21 10:21 AM

WGT guys keep at it , i pulled my line
Posted By: Lance Squires

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/10/21 12:24 PM

With the plus 1" of rain coming tonight, I'm thinking of pulling my line today. I have a lot of sets back in on farms that get really greasy when it rains and I don't want to risk getting stuck or tearing up the farm roads. I exceeded my goal of 30 coyotes but had now hoped to hit 40 since I'm so close. I could hit that today but you never know. I do have to return to work Monday so would have pulled anyway. Continued good luck to all of you. After deer season, I'll probably put in some water sets for a change of pace.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/11/21 05:46 PM

I pulled my last two longer river lines. Wow were the coon moving, hit two family groups and released a half dozen smaller coons!. Got 3 rats. Yesterday I caught my 7th mink on these 5 sections or the line, the most in years. Rat numbers wound up being almost exactly the same as last year with more or less coming from different sections, I am finding the sections that have crops near the banks have the most rats. Those areas with a lot of reed canary grass bottom land do not.

Bryce
Posted By: John-Chagnon

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/11/21 06:28 PM

enjoyed the pics folks
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/11/21 11:33 PM

It ain’t over, some of us haven’t even got started yet😃
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/11/21 11:52 PM

got 5 rats and 3 beaver today ,
Posted By: Trap Setter

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/11/21 11:54 PM

Well I'll add my adventures from last weekend.

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Checked a couple traps on a fox depredation job and got a bobcat. That was a first for me, took some time to get the catch pole around his head and leg but was able to release it without incident. Then The Boy and I stopped at a farm I have permission on checked a couple coyote sets and hunted squirrels with the dog. Got a call to go look at a few fiah ponds I've trapped for muskrat for a few years but found no sign of them this year. No fur, but a great autumn day and glad I could enjoy it with The Boy and our dog.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/11/21 11:59 PM

Nice pics trap setter!
I got an otter yesterday and 2 beavers in an area where their causing problems
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Skinning with my little guy now!
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/12/21 03:09 AM

That is a nice very dark otter Deerfly. Now the work starts. I have handled a few for others and they make coon and coyotes seem easy for me anyway. I tried one beaver once with a homemade tray and when I was done I decided to use the hide as a sieve. lol.

Bryce
Posted By: Moosetrot

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/12/21 05:28 AM

Great pics of you, The Boy, and the Dog, Trap Setter! Looks like it was one of those golden days for you guys! Enjoy them fully!

Moosetrot
Posted By: Trap Setter

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/12/21 09:48 AM

That looks to be a good size otter Deerfly? Did you weigh it?
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/13/21 02:18 AM

Trap Setter, it was a good sized otter, never weighed it but it was the first male otter I've caught in a couple years. I've filled all otter tags the last couple years and this is the first male I can recall since 2017.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/14/21 01:51 AM

I have a short water line going with colonies, trying to improve my catching in streams with those traps. We have less water in the smaller runs then last year. Last year 6 locations had 29 rats, this year 8.

Bryce
Posted By: YaYa

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/14/21 04:55 AM

Running a small line in a marsh. Catch was low during warm temps but after temps dropped catch improved. I usually catch some small or medium muskrats this early but this year they are large and XL.
Posted By: Green Bay

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/14/21 11:29 AM

I like your trap weights Deerfly. They can serve double duty.
Posted By: Alex the dog

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/16/21 02:20 PM

Got a call from a friend who has some live traps around his place to say he caught a mink and asked if I wanted it. So I head over there Sunday evening after hunting and was surprised to find this:

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He does live next to a mink ranch and I suggested he call the owner to see if he wanted it back. My friend said it has been running around for over a year and he want's it gone so in my truck it went. Never know what will show up next!

Tight chains everyone!

Dave
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/16/21 02:41 PM

Keep the pictures coming guys really enjoy seeing them. I'm living vicariously threw you all. LOL!

Mac
Posted By: RdFx

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/16/21 03:05 PM

Cant believe that albino ranch mink survived a year outside and fat wow.....must have had a good food supply.
Posted By: Alex the dog

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/16/21 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by RdFx
Cant believe that albino ranch mink survived a year outside and fat wow.....must have had a good food supply.


Agree!

Dave
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/16/21 06:53 PM

A mink Is a mink. Those ranch mink adapt to the wild with no issues.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/16/21 08:40 PM

He did not get that fat eating crickets, grass hoppers and even mice for that matter. What a tank. Should skin real easy with all that fat layer.
Scouting out my son and I's opening day deer area this morning. Looks OK. Lot of anterless permits available in the central farmland zone. After T Day we go north to see if we can see a buck.
One more colony line check and for me the open water season will be about over.
Bryce
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/17/21 12:33 AM

[Linked Image]

Grand Slam
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/18/21 05:01 PM

Got everything pulled this AM. Getting ready for the 9-day deer gun hunt. I have a few places picked out for the opening weekend and early part of the week. We are planning a northern forest hunt after T-Day. That is buck only, down here you can really harvest a lot of deer if that is what you are choosing to do.
Nimzy what are you seeing as far as numbers? In my home area it is about the same as last year but with more concentration in specific areas due to slightly less water and changing crops. In our northern venture we found considerably fewer rats then in the last couple years.
Bryce
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/19/21 02:10 AM

I just got my pink slip on Tuesday so I’m just getting started.
At first glance, many of the smaller holes that filled up with rats during our wet years have disappeared. Probably more then normal in the creeks and rivers but that may just be a sign of less pressure. It looks like I will be going farther for less fur. Drought usually brings tuff going. That’s my first impression.

Tons of coon tho. Imagine that!
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/26/21 09:11 PM

Picture from a few years back, but we have similar ice depths now! I'm excited to snap a few this way. Heading north to ice fish, then hopefully set a few traps through the ice.

[Linked Image]
[b][/b]
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 11/26/21 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by nimzy
I just got my pink slip on Tuesday so I’m just getting started.
At first glance, many of the smaller holes that filled up with rats during our wet years have disappeared. Probably more then normal in the creeks and rivers but that may just be a sign of less pressure. It looks like I will be going farther for less fur. Drought usually brings tuff going. That’s my first impression.

Tons of coon tho. Imagine that!



You layed yourself off. LOL
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/02/21 07:14 PM

Made it out on the ice for some trapping today! Conditions were good. Put a few dozen baited 159's in. Felt good to be back trapping on the ice. Probably set a couple dozen more tommorow and check.
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Posted By: RdFx

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/02/21 10:53 PM

Thanks everybody that posted pictures....keep on.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/02/21 11:21 PM

We hunted the last weekend in north central WI and there was quite a bit of ice. We could walk across the bogs and swamps. Sure could not do that south of GB and close to the lake and after the last couple days a lot of open water.
Got my big fisher coon back from Moyles today. They did a very good job. It was shipped with no holes and there are none in the finished product ether.
Bryce
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/03/21 06:14 PM

A few pics from the check, yesterday's temps and a little snow last night hit the ice hard. Planned to set more but didn't wear my chest waders. I'll try again Sunday!
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A rat taunting me as I walked up

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Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/03/21 06:43 PM

I have 18 CRs out but so far nothing but knock downs. Need snow to distinguish deer trails from coyotes trails.
Posted By: Hodagtrapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/03/21 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by The Beav
I have 18 CRs out but so far nothing but knock downs. Need snow to distinguish deer trails from coyotes trails.


A good trapper could tell by the smell! grin

Chris
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/05/21 12:17 AM

Well I couldn't wait until Sunday. Licked my finger and put it up as high as I could reach and figured it was colder than yesterday so after family activities were over I headed to the Marsh at 2 today. Ice firmed up well with the little cooler temps and wind. Checked my sets and punched in a few more. I know the prices are nothing to speak of, but man this is fun! If you haven't tried it yet make this winter the winter and take a kid too!
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Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/06/21 12:07 AM

Tried checking some traps with my youngest daughter and son today. Made it to the first trap and decided it wasn't ment to be. Today at 4 when my wife and older daughter got home my younger one asked if we were going to finish checking. I said sure but it's going to be dark. She said that's cool, I have a headlight It was a good time!
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We're walking out now, didn't check them all as the rest are on a different section. Enjoy the great outdoors with a kid!
Posted By: 160user

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/06/21 12:20 AM

Great pictures and thanks for sharing.
Posted By: mike mason

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/06/21 12:28 AM

Great pictures, good you got your daughter involved. Ice here is two steps splash! Waiting for some colder temps to get on the ice.
Posted By: Hodagtrapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/06/21 12:43 AM

Nice work deerfly!

Chris
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/06/21 01:09 AM

We are supposed to have 3 above Monday night!. That should create enough ice to carry my extra doughnuts out on the marsh! Got a couple in a colony yesterday. Had that set for 10 days earlier and one rat. So they are doing some moving around. Pulled as don't need to have those froze in tight.

Bryce
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/06/21 01:27 AM

Thanks guys!
I was in the Phillips, Wi Kwik trip a week back and saw a thing posted on the cork board for a kids and new trappers workshop. I believe Tom Bader and Larry Boettcher we're putting it on. I ment to take a photo for the info but forgot as I passed by. I think it's this coming weekend. Anyone have any info on it?
Posted By: Fishdog One

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/06/21 12:25 PM

I saw on Sunday that Groeny was in Oconomowoc the day before, anyone sell anything in southern WI on Saturday?
Posted By: The Beav

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/06/21 07:37 PM

Caught 2 coyotes on the 4th and 2 today will see If the house mouse will post some pictures.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/08/21 10:09 PM

Another great day for a walk in the Marsh! Much the same but always awesome to be out. 6-12" of snow on the way so prepare as nessecary!

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Posted By: black beaver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/08/21 11:44 PM

We don't have snow here het frown but those are some nice rats, just started trapping some rats trough the ice( blind sets) got my first 2 today of the season.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/08/21 11:48 PM

Did some marking and staking today. Most ice was good, one place is dicey and it will get worse Friday and Saturday. Sign is not as good as a couple years ago where we were today. Will set tomorrow. I don't know where we will be with the rain, snow and or lot of snow line. A lot of snow on not so strong ice and insulating the cattails could mean a real short ice trapping season.

Bryce
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/09/21 07:49 PM

I been following this since start. Only yesterday first had something could post. My son and I been messing around in freinds Creek. Beaver got several (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) and small lodge. We been wanting couple beavers to make sausage. So playing around help him out try catch few. Just one.litte one yesterday and what looks like litter mate today. Is just nice to be out by creek each day and been catching up BSing with friends.

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Mac
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/10/21 12:00 AM

Looks good Mac! It's just good to be out, that's how I look at it. I have a handful of beaver spots to snare but waiting for better ice, it's iffy around some rat structures at this time. Put both legs in today. Shuffled some traps deeper into the Marsh, bad idea? Only time will tell, but it will be an adventure none the less with the different weather coming. Refuge areas open Saturday but I'll wait until after the warm up and try and get in. Have fun out there!
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This trap has been set for 6 days and finally connected today, I had planned to move it but put it back. I've noticed different patterns over the last 6 days with the different weather and types of ice/ snow cover etc. Today I checked a location with 8 traps, I've pulled 3 and 4 rats per check from that spot the last 4 checks, today 7 for 8, weather?
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/10/21 01:11 AM

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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/10/21 09:00 PM

Ran a 40% catch rate this AM on first check. Not too good but another 30-40% messed with so we will get some more. One area has some springs and open water was present this AM. Not going to set those we staked two days ago until this whole weather system is passed by.
It looks like for now we are in the 2-5 inches of sloppy wet snow and rain. We will see if that stays that way.


Bryce
Posted By: mike mason

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/10/21 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by bblwi
Ran a 40% catch rate this AM on first check. Not too good but another 30-40% messed with so we will get some more. One area has some springs and open water was present this AM. Not going to set those we staked two days ago until this whole weather system is passed by.
It looks like for now we are in the 2-5 inches of sloppy wet snow and rain. We will see if that stays that way.


Bryce

It has been a weird year, ran a 60% catch rate today in new swamp but some areas 1st check 50% or less and second check same rate. I always look for boot tracks, old stakes, wire to see if someone hit it before I got there. Keep plugging away, a lot of ice but will not hold you.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/11/21 12:37 AM

Yes one does a lot of head scratching for sure. One area we set about 25 sets and caught 9 and sign was heavy. Another spot did not look as good and we set 16 and got 9 there? Another spot with dicey ice we had 16 sets and 9 there. We did set a place that was trapped before and 11 sets yielded 2 rats. When I put them up just about half had fairly empty stomachs and the other half were filled tight. Maybe the storm will cause them to move more.

Bryce
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/11/21 10:55 PM

2nd check was 70% of 1st check. With warm weather it seems that the pushups are not yielding many rats. The body grippers are doing ok. We missed the big snow. We have 1-2 inches of a mix of water, slush ice and snow on the ice now. Getting rotten in places. We went through a few times today. We got sets in 4 different places and we went down about the same % in all of them.

Bryce
Posted By: Green Bay

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 12:29 AM

Be careful on the ice this week as they are predicting some really mild weather. Wednesday could be 50 + degrees.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 05:03 PM

Made it back out to the Marsh for a final check and pull! I'll get through the warm up getting some work done and get into the next area later in the week if time allows.
The snow made for a little tougher going as I'm putting in alot of steps to get to these areas, good excersise and it keeps cost to a minimum. A few shots from the morning, already can't wait to get back out, waiting for the weather to cooperate seems the safest beat though!
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A lone wolf past through as well
Posted By: Trap Setter

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 05:36 PM

Nice looking landscape with all the snow.

How long are your poles and where'd you get them? The longest I've found is 40 inch and they are too short in most places I trap.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 05:51 PM

Trap Setter,
I wish everyone could experience big muskrat Marsh in the winter, most days when I'm out there its a feeling that can't be duplicated.
I bought the white fiberglass poles from Mike Kelly probably 8 years ago, they are 6' long 3/8 rod. I don't believe he sells them anymore. I think Hagz sells them now but could be wrong. I like a little longer stake but they work well and you can bundle 3 dozen and grab them with one hand.
Posted By: mike mason

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 06:03 PM

Are you baiting or using the 159's in runs? I love the marsh in the winter trapping. Need ice. Kencove has the 6' and 8' 3/8 fiberglass rods. The yellow ones are more expensive than the white but stick out better in the snow/ice.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 06:07 PM

Mike, baiting the 159s. A few locations I just blind set
Posted By: mike mason

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 06:17 PM

Thanks. I duct tape 10 poles together so I can quick count how many I have. I use a surveyor's bag and I can carry 50 - 6' with no problem.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 10:07 PM

3rd check was down a lot. We will skip Monday and pull Tuesday. Hopefully by the next weekend things will firm up a bit again. The ice domes in the middle and in and around the cattails there is half to 2 inches of water on the ice and the ice is softening up really fast.

Bryce
Posted By: Witrapperman

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 10:32 PM

Same by me, on friday I had 2-3 inches of good ice, yesterday 1.5-2 with 2 inches of water on top, today the cat tail/marsh areas had like .5" ice, on an inch of water on another .5" of ice so i broke through a lot, the more open areas still had 2-3 inches but softening fast.
Posted By: Lance Squires

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 10:37 PM

I set some bottom edge sets out a week ago and have caught 13 rats,5 mink, an otter and beaver. The otter was caught just above the hips in a 330 so he almost made it all the way through. He broke my wire and pulled my stakes and took the 330 into deeper water. I had to go back home and bring a hook on an 8' long pole and chop out about 40' of ice above the beaver dam before I hooked him. Very nice, large black otter. It was worth the effort. I'm going to start installing cable on my 330's to avoid this in the future. Good job on the coyote Beav. Wish the price had been much higher when you sold. With all the snow we just got, not sure how much I'll chase the coyotes with the cable restraints. Good luck to all of you.
Posted By: NorthenTrapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/12/21 10:37 PM

Ice conditions look to be spotty here, been waiting for good ice to set on.
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/13/21 01:23 AM

[Linked Image]

Rolling the dice......On the ice!
Posted By: Witrapperman

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/13/21 01:31 AM

Dang nimzy. Gettin after it
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/13/21 01:51 AM

Impressive catch Nimzy!
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/13/21 02:07 AM

Good to see a nice catch Nimzy. Hope your ice stays hard and safe.

Bryce
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/13/21 02:33 AM

Thanks fellas!
Heard it said winter rat trapping is a crap shoot. Must b my lucky day!
Far as that ice staying hard....I hope it gets rotten, just not when I’m on it smile
Posted By: Witrapperman

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/13/21 02:39 AM

Yeah im at the point now I either want the ice gone or solid this in between thing is gettin old.looks like itll be gone before it gets solid lol
Posted By: WIMarshRAT

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/13/21 03:21 PM

One more check and you should have em all nimzy grin

I was going to wait until the week of xmas to set a trap, but I might shake off the dust a little sooner.

Keep up the good work fellas with all the photos. Feels good to be out on the line with you.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/14/21 12:08 AM

I thought I would do better today.The beaver weighed 65 pounds and it seems like someone caught all the coon around here cut the tails off and let them go.

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Posted By: trapbub

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/14/21 02:06 AM

Sold 97 rats to Trevor Barnes today in New London got a $2.80 average
17 2xl 4.50
39 xl 3.00
1 damage 2xl 1.50
3 damage xl 1.00
3 med. 1.00
34 LG 1.50
All where put up on wire
Didn't make alot of money but had a good time .
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/14/21 08:55 PM

63.5 pounds on the biggest beaver and 4 rats. Had one beaver take trap down to end of drowner and got the cable pulled into swivel.I just put j hook in vise and pulled as hard as I could and it won’t come out.Got a toe for a souvenir.

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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/14/21 09:33 PM

Got pulled today, all but 3-4 sets. One area has a lot of springs and too much open water, thin ice and deep ooze. Did get 18 rats on this last check.

Now we wait for more cold temps.

Bryce
Posted By: Witrapperman

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/15/21 12:52 AM

I pulled my traps too u til the ice melts all the way. Falling through or needed to bust through gets old every other step. Should get a few days of open water in then a week off until theres ice again
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/15/21 11:12 PM

6 beaver and 4 rats.Every trap had to be moved since water raised- good time’s.

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Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/21/21 12:19 PM

[Linked Image]

Snowy owl checking out the sunset. Another nice day in the marsh
Posted By: RdFx

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/21/21 02:01 PM

Nice pic Nimzy
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/22/21 07:47 PM

Got call other day from guy I've known for some years. Said had beavers cutting trees on his shoreline wanted to know could come try catch some. When made my last post with beavers was doing same thing different freinds place. The place weeks back was on creek where wasn't frozen over. This place is back water off Mississippi river. So I was immediately wishing he would called before was dealing with ice. But being it less than mile from.my house decided would go see what I could do for him. Yesterday I went put 4 traps in where beaver been coming up out the ice. Was several years since I set for beavers when I went to the creek and messed around there. Been even longer since did any trapping under ice. Even though look like a mouth breather in the photo. Guess haven't forgotten everything. Not sure why caught the beaver so far back must flew into trap house high speed? But as my son said caught it so still counts. Had two other traps fired one had stick in it. Could been rats no idea. Added two more 330s so will have 6 to look at tomorrow. Still haven't figured out where I put my good digital scale for safe keeping? So thinking may sneak this one in put on my wife's bathroom scale. I'm told it's highly accurate. Just afraid if do that it will some how get younger and weigh 25-30lbs less. LMAO!

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[Linked Image]

One more to add to grinder for sausage.

Mac
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/22/21 10:43 PM

Did a few long ditches that had been trapped before and we got 11 rats in two checks. Went into the area today to check stakes we used for marking 16 days ago and most places okay to walk, still open water in many places, lots of springs in that area. Did run a shore line for a couple hours and got 4 dozen sets out. Sign is marginal.

Bryce
Posted By: WIMarshRAT

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/23/21 08:34 PM

The kids and I decided to go play in the cattails and finally set a couple otter and muskrat traps. Sign was pretty light except for raccoons and old otter sign. My son spent a lot of time catching tadpoles out of the open water spots.

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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/23/21 08:56 PM

Set up a couple small sloughs today. Wow it only takes one day to have water all over on the top of the ice. Head scratcher this year as there are several large housed that were built in the very shallow areas and now no rats. Due to dead and rotten trees, deep ooze etc. one can not trap that one during open water. The other slough had less ice and a bit ore sign but still off from last year. Last year those two yielded 39 rats. There will not be nearly as many this year.

Bryce
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/24/21 05:05 PM

Morning trap check on my little 3 trap damage line. Scores me one more beaver for the sausages grinder. De-lair has this one at 58lbs. Told landowner figured 50lbs seen as one other day was 40lbs on nose. Could tell right off this one was bigger but said 50 be safe.. Didn't post yesterday because no catch and water dropped so much had three traps frozen out. Picked them up left me with just the three where had enough water. I'm guessing I might have the only two beavers really at this spot. But it so close don't mind going looking at just 3 traps.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Mac
Posted By: wiplattetrapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/24/21 07:00 PM

Great start to my holiday trapping weekend! Got to release the first bobcat I've ever actually seen in the wild yesterday. He was not a happy camper and I cut the notch in the plywood a little too big...thank goodness for welding gloves!

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Posted By: Giant Sage

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/24/21 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by wiplattetrapper
Great start to my holiday trapping weekend! Got to release the first bobcat I've ever actually seen in the wild yesterday. He was not a happy camper and I cut the notch in the plywood a little too big...thank goodness for welding gloves!

Thats a dandy.
Posted By: Green Bay

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/24/21 07:16 PM

Merry Christmas WI guys and gals!
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/24/21 10:22 PM

That is about as nice of a WI cat as I have ever seen. Lot of water on the ice today. We checked 59 sets and caught 26 rats. I had 8 from two sloughs near home. No checks tomorrow, hope Sunday will find some walkable ice yet.

Bryce
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/24/21 11:23 PM

Thats a beautiful cat.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/26/21 06:30 PM

Nice pics everyone! Made it back out today with my oldest daughter and punched in a few sets. She gave up on me before we got them all in but we had fun! Plan to check Tuesday but may get a bug and take a look tomorrow, sign was good.

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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/26/21 11:17 PM

We took 23 today from 44 sets that were 2nd check and 12 that were first check. I got 6 out of two small sloughs near my house. No real big rats but no kits either.

Bryce
Posted By: wiplattetrapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/26/21 11:26 PM

Followed up the released bobcat on Christmas Eve with 5 opossum and an ugly yellow coon the past two mornings. Coyotes on my cameras but seems the other varmints are beating them to my 6 land traps. Scratched out 4 muskrats in the ditch below the house so I had something to show for my weekend!
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 12:22 AM

Another beaver this morning on my little 3 trap line this time was 50lbs on the nose. I have to say I really didn't expect to catch any more at this spot. Especially 3 this big in same trap. I knew this run the trap is in went into a bank hole. Didn't think be 3 big ones using it unless is just a breathing spot. Wondering if they are traveling from some other place as there is no feed pile close. Is and old house and feed pile couple hundred yards west across the channel.

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Mac
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 01:25 AM

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Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 01:28 AM

That is like a big, neon SET TRAPS HERE.

Nice picture.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 01:34 AM

Wow two good runs to that house.

Bryce
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 01:35 AM

Looks like a crap shoot to me!
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 12:34 PM

Lol deer fly. I hear ya! The secret to winter ratting is being there.

We just experienced a 20 year conditions anomaly. Despite our low water levels.

It started rough then opened up with a squeaky clean slate.


Marshrat get some boots on those kids!
Posted By: Howell Bros

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 02:10 PM

Been catching a few rats. My boy found a nice bass trapped in the ice in a little pond. Chopped a hole out in deeper water and let him go. The funny part is my boy had been trying to catch bass In this pond all summer! Never could catch a nice one!

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Posted By: WIMarshRAT

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 02:58 PM

The kids and I checked our little line yesterday wearing our tennis shoes. We have more than enough rats for bait for fisher trapping and we even managed to catch an incidental mink which never gets old.

Otters had come through but we didn't connect. Kids couldn't figured out what we did wrong so they decided to leave soak for a few more days before moving anything. [Linked Image]
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/27/21 11:43 PM

Decided to go out today instead of Tuesday with the colder weather with snow and wind tomorrow afternoon. We will pull the whole line Wednesday. We got 16 rats and a very small female mink today.

Bryce
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/28/21 12:59 AM

Couldn't wait for tommorow, so my daughter and I went to check just before dark. We had a good time but the wind was a little chilly for my daughter. 56 percent with 3 misses in the mix. I'll run these traps until Saturday then pull, back to red lake for more ice fishing.

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Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/28/21 01:10 AM

I sure hit the sweet spot with this one trap Beaver #4 today. This one scaled at 48lbs making third largest of the 4. I've caught 4 or 5 beavers in the same set in the past. But I know I've never had 4 that were all 40 or heavier. Learned another lesson today about foot wear. Haven't worn my waders just knee boots last couple checks. Snow last night and the river came up again. So I could walk up see beaver in the trap. But couldn't kneel down in 4-5 inches over flow with just jeans on. To remove the beaver and reset the trap without getting soaked. Had run home grab my waders come back. Good thing it's only about ten minute round trip.
There were also coyote tracks in the snow looked like went right up looked in the hole where beaver was.

[Linked Image]

Mac
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/28/21 03:17 AM

Yesterday we had a large rat that was in a body gripper below the ice. We assume an otter dove down and brought the rat up and had a nice lunch! Today one of the small feeders was not tore up but the trap was out and all that was left was the blood in the snow and the otter tracks in the snow! 3-4 good rats and one has what one of those darn otters are worth today. I got the small mink stretched today. It is the smallest mink I have ever caught.
It was in a pushup and that was a surprise when pulling on the chain!!!
Bryce
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/28/21 05:28 PM

6 rats from two small sloughs today.

Bryce
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/28/21 06:54 PM

Third day in a row this trap scores beaver number 5. Little one today only 15lbs maybe getting to end of them? Way this spot hitting going to leave them until goes several days no takers.
Snowing here right now so probably have more over flow to deal with tomorrow. Everything was pretty well frozen this morning except right by the hole traps in.

[Linked Image]


Mac
Posted By: Moosetrot

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/28/21 08:46 PM

Mac, you are a Beaver machine! Way to go!

Moosetrot
Posted By: blackhammer

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/28/21 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by nimzy
[Linked Image]
Great pic!
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/29/21 06:06 PM

Checked today solo, beautiful morning after the snow! Always neat seeing all the tracks in the fresh snow too. When my daughter and I were checking Monday in the dark she had asked me if there was any wolves or coyotes around. I told here no, but knew better. Today there were fresh wolf tracks crossing Monday's tracks. Hopefully we get back to a season for them. 39 percent 2nd check. All nice size rats, but they usually are this time of year. Hopefully this weather allows everyone a chance on the ice if they so choose, it's fun!
Nice job on the beaver Mac!

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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/29/21 08:19 PM

Pulled today. had a 25 % catch rate on the 4th check, which for us is better than most pull days. Several plugged pushups so rats were moving with the cold snap. Tomorrow we will be in a smaller area. We have an 1nch of snow froze to the ice now so bubble trails are not easy to locate. Hope to setup up some areas before enough snow covers up the pushups.

Bryce
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/30/21 01:48 PM

Deerfly
I wish I still had the drive to go chase rats like you do..
I'm really only messing with these beavers because I want to make sausage and baloney. They are also cutting trees on people I know property. So access is very easy for me at their locations. The one we trapped earlier I could drive the truck to with in few yards of the creek. Fairly flat ground and not to big creek bank to climb. Plus I let my son do most. Heavy lifting. The place I have the traps now and have caught the 5 beavers. It's maybe a mile as crow flies from home. The guy who ask me to come there trap the beaver. His next door neighbor has a full size wheel chair lift goes up and down the hill to his boat dock. He said I will leave the key in it use it as you please. So I can walk 10 yards up his drive to patio. Load myself and gear in it and haul my crippled butt down the hill to the river. Otherwise I'm not sure I'd even agreed to try trap that spot. I could get down their hill if had sit on my butt and slide. But coming back up their stairs carrying anything much. It would been struggle I'm not so sure I would have done. Even it meant beavers for baloney lol.
So anyways no beaver yesterday. Has to be an end to them at some point. Going to skip checking today let them soak two night check tomorrow. I really think the land ower is getting a big kick out of checking traps with me each day. He gets more excited than I do and is really watching how I do thinks. He used to trap few rats years ago and still has his traps. But he has never trapped beaver.
It's all just been the go doing it for me. The scratch the itch.
Following this post watch everyone here has help me stay motivated.

Mac
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/30/21 07:05 PM

4 rats in the two small sloughs today. We did get out to a marsh we trap and we put in 3 dozen sets and will do more tomorrow before the snow comes. I am going to another small slough this afternoon to set before the snow comes.

Bryce
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 12/31/21 07:37 PM

Slow day 9 rats, set a couple dozen more feeders and pulled stakes where we decided not to set anymore.

Bryce
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/01/22 12:18 AM

Skipping a day 48 hour check did the trick. Day 10 beaver number 6 in the same trap as last 5. This one scaled out at 55lbs so is now second largest of the 6. I never thought for a minute there would be this many big beaver in this spot. I don't know what kind of travel path I found for that 330. But I may well leave it there for whole winter. For sure until it goes several day empty.
Sure glad I don't have to carry them critters up the hill. Took picture up hill from where the trap is. But T-man prompt says files to big? Not sure how that happens when took the beaver picture then one up hill?
But anyway here is todays beaver. River dropped again so pulled two traps that were frozen in. This one traps been doing all work anyway. So I only have the two traps there now. Was lot tracks in the over night dusting of snow. Was coyote fox and mink tracks all came right up to the ice over the beaver. Guess should took picture of that.

[Linked Image]


Mac
Posted By: eric space

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/01/22 12:58 AM

I love seein' all the snow and ice pictures. This was one of many I picked up on my driveway this morning, December 31,2021. Never have I seen this in winter here. If the wife was not sick with covid I would have went fishing.

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Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/01/22 01:16 AM

Stellar job Mac!Them bluff slough people will be throwing a parade for you.Funny how some colonies keep producing like that and others you can’t catch anything.
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/01/22 01:34 PM

Way to keep crackin Bryce! A slow day is better than no day trapping to me.
Another nice beaver Mac!
I checked and pulled my small set up yesterday, my nephew wanted to help so I brought him with. Catch was down from previous, for 26 percent. Alot of area left on the table, maybe after ice fishing and Caribbean islands. I get the shakes after about 8 days without traps in so we will see! Good luck to all trapping and the new year.

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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/01/22 10:49 PM

The two sloughs on 5 check caught 3 rats. The marsh we finished setting yesterday we got 18. Bigger rats moving today with the cold coming. I am starting to do more 2 day checking and I like that. Won't be out Sunday with the cold and wind. Monday looks better. Keep at them Deerfly. I am getting ready to ship a couple dozen to FHA, our pickup is January 8th, 7 AM!! I will send my 8 coons and 8 mink tood.
Mac, what are you doing with the big beaver hides? Some of those should be super blankets.
Bryce
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/02/22 04:22 PM

No beaver this morning in my now 1 trap trap line. Cold snap made some serious ice since Friday check. Was about 3 inches new Ice over my hot spot set. All the over flow on top from snow the other day is frozen solid. The other trap I still had there was so frozen in couldn't have fired if a beaver even manage to squeeze in it. So I'm now down to that one 330 in the sweet spot. Not going to look at it tomorrow will check Tuesday. Weather girl saying maybe balmy 30 on Tuesday. Be warm enough guy could check wearing Moosetrot's Packer Speedo.. LMAO.

Mac
Posted By: Moosetrot

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/02/22 04:26 PM

If you can get it off of me you can wear it, Mac! grin

Moosetrot
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/02/22 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by Moosetrot
If you can get it off of me you can wear it, Mac! grin

Moosetrot



Moosetrot
I'm not coordinated enough to pry that off you with long sticks I'd want to use to touch it. Lol So feel free to carry on 😉...Cold today should keep Rogers covid toe from swelling up..
So
Goooo Packers ...
I'm not really a football guy. But now that I'm an old whose and it's cold outside. I'll probably watch the game.. I don't feel like cleaning a closet..

Mac
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/03/22 11:11 PM

Rough one out in the marsh today. Lots of froze up pushups and feeders. Now we know better the few that are active. We pulled over half the sets. We did get 15 rats, with one being the smallest rat I have ever caught at any time. Pulled the two sloughs too today. Got 1 rat.

Will test a new small marsh Wednesday to see how thick the ice is. If there is 5-7 inches of ice I will rethink the winter trapping.

Bryce
Posted By: Witrapperman

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/04/22 02:17 AM

6 sets yesterday, connected with 1 rat today. Made 1 more set. Kinda disappointed in this marsh, happy i connected with my first 6 rats but theres about 3-4 main huts and probably a dozen smaller ones. Did have 2 sets of otter tracks in the snow from Sunday though so gunna have to go get some 160s and 330s and get the creek channel set. It was coold out there today in the wind. [Linked Image]
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/04/22 02:25 AM

Yes, I’m getting too old for this punishment. Groeny can go catch he’s own rats.
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/04/22 04:14 PM

No beaver this morning for me on my one trap trapline. New ice on the hole was so clear and the water. I could see threw the ice still see the set trap. Going to check it again on Thursday with plan to pull Saturday beaver or not. Had to be an end to that set at some point.

Mac
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/05/22 11:22 PM

Whew! got the marsh pulled this afternoon. Wind made it a brutal but we got it done. 6 rats to finish our checks this year there.
My other half dozen sets yielded another kit rat! Some of these must be born in October. Looks like some real winter weather ahead. Will see how thick the ice is in a few days.

Bryce
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/06/22 06:12 PM

No beaver again today in my one trap. Was frozen in almost to where if trigger was on top. The trap may well not fire. I'm going to pick it up Saturday call that spot done. Saturday I will try take some pictures show more what this spot is like.

Mac
Posted By: AJE

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/08/22 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by Macthediver
Got call other day from guy I've known for some years. Said had beavers cutting trees on his shoreline wanted to know could come try catch some. When made my last post with beavers was doing same thing different freinds place. The place weeks back was on creek where wasn't frozen over. This place is back water off Mississippi river. So I was immediately wishing he would called before was dealing with ice. But being it less than mile from.my house decided would go see what I could do for him. Yesterday I went put 4 traps in where beaver been coming up out the ice. Was several years since I set for beavers when I went to the creek and messed around there. Been even longer since did any trapping under ice. Even though look like a mouth breather in the photo. Guess haven't forgotten everything. Not sure why caught the beaver so far back must flew into trap house high speed? But as my son said caught it so still counts. Had two other traps fired one had stick in it. Could been rats no idea. Added two more 330s so will have 6 to look at tomorrow. Still haven't figured out where I put my good digital scale for safe keeping? So thinking may sneak this one in put on my wife's bathroom scale. I'm told it's highly accurate. Just afraid if do that it will some how get younger and weigh 25-30lbs less. LMAO!

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

One more to add to grinder for sausage.

Mac

Good catches. I've heard the mississippi basin has a lot of beaver
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/09/22 05:47 PM

I picked up my one last trap yesterday No more beaver and I had to spud at least 4-5 inches new ice to get it back. The river was on it's way back up so water came up threw ice soon as I popped a hole. I'm thinking at 6 I probably got all the beavers using that one spot. At least for now. here on river they will never be gone just move from another location.
I guess I will keep watching this post like I have since the start.
But I unless I go back out somewhere set some traps. Won't have anything to contribute.
I did take a couple pictures give just bit better idea of what this location looked like.

First picture is looking up hill from where my set was. Little bit of land owners home visible in left corner. The hill is way steeper than looks in the picture.
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This second picture is taken looking up shoreline from set location to the northwest. Can see the hand rail for stairs if look close, But can't see land owners dock is just past all down trees.
[Linked Image]

This third photo is looking south east from set location. The dock just down stream is where I used the neighbors wheel chair lift haul myself up down hill. There is a small marina past it where you can see one house boat. There is a guy lives down there on his boat just past that one. Actually heats it with wood.. The guy where I'm trapping said he has permission from the people living along there. So will come down with his sled and chain saw. Clean up the dead and down trees that the beavers have cut and can see in photos. He only cuts and takes wood from trees that lay down the hill any that lay across the hill he leaves to help hold the river bank. One day when I was checking traps he was out cutting arcoss the channel. Some of the land owners here property extends onto the islands across the channel. Probably a throw back to before lock and dams went in back in 1930s.
[Linked Image]

So this was where my adventure took place. It all really is right in the city more than I let the camera show.. My truck is parked on the city street and if the first photo panned right would see my truck not the house. House is on a street corner next house is to right.

So keep posting guys I'll be watching

Mac
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/11/22 11:09 PM

[Linked Image]
That time of year.
Posted By: RdFx

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/12/22 08:25 AM

Coyote tracks in snow by bvr house ???
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/12/22 12:18 PM

Certainly. This area was littered with coyote tracks, turds on the ice and yellow snow.
Kinda stands to reason, must be some powerful smells coming from that big ol beaver house and the adjacent rat houses, throughout this honey hole.

Ice and cattails are a magnet for beasts in winter...it’s pretty cool.
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/12/22 03:15 PM

Pulled 10 sets from two sloughs yesterday. It was 1 degree and windy! I am going to set 6 pushups today and do some body grippers in another area for a week or two. I am not real proficient yet with body grippers so I am going to practice with just eye balling what I feel are runs or lanes in the cattails through the snow. Have the rats all put up and did ship off a couple dozen to FHA with my few coons and mink.

Bryce
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/12/22 08:40 PM

This time of year it is! Scratching itches as they say catching different things. Shipped a few bags of rats as well Bryce! Fingers crossed. Off to the land of Sun and fun! So my wife says! I'll see what winter looks like when I return.

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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/14/22 06:49 PM

I have 10 sets in the last slough I will trap this year. Had 2 rats yesterday and 3 today. Will check 2-3 more times and be done for the year. New personal record but by only a couple rats.

Bryce
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/15/22 09:36 PM

First one for the year. Hopefully I will connect with another. These sure take patience to trap.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/15/22 09:42 PM

Nice work, Kyle. I have not set for otter this year. I may try later. Two more rats on the slough today, will pull Monday which will be my last day for this season if I don't set any otter sets later. I have 9 sets and 2 sets have caught 5 of the 7 rats in three checks! Always amazes me how some sets just produce so much more than others do.

Bryce
Posted By: Fishdog One

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/15/22 09:51 PM

Just came back from selling my under ice rats to Groeny, 7 @ 4 and 2 @ 5. Last week I let a female mink go from a coon cage trap on my land, way more fun watching her in the creek wash herself off than it would have been selling her today.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/15/22 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by Fishdog One
Just came back from selling my under ice rats to Groeny, 7 @ 4 and 2 @ 5. Last week I let a female mink go from a coon cage trap on my land, way more fun watching her in the creek wash herself off than it would have been selling her today.


Green or stretched and dried?
Posted By: deerfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/16/22 01:42 AM

Nice catch K snow!
Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 06:57 PM

Pulled the last sets today.
Will start to sort in a few days.

Bryce
Posted By: black beaver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:08 PM

Have any of y'all have to send in the jaw of your otter?

For the DNR.
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by black beaver
Have any of y'all have to send in the jaw of your otter?

For the DNR.


Registered my first yesterday, nothing about sending it in.
Posted By: black beaver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:15 PM

Well I got a letter from the DNR saying if your successful in getting a otter you have to send in the jaw of the otter like bobcat.
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by black beaver
Well I got a letter from the DNR saying if your successful in getting a otter you have to send in the jaw of the otter like bobcat.


That's what the message sounded like to me when I registered, if you got a letter, they want your jaw(s). I did not receive a letter.
Posted By: black beaver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:21 PM

lucky, I wonted the hole skull. cry
Posted By: Bruce T

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:22 PM

Nice catches and pictures.Thanks for sharing.
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by black beaver
lucky, I wonted the hole skull. cry


That does suck. My first otter was when they still collected a lower jaw from everyone. That was a big otter, wish I had the entire lower jaw to go with the skull.
Posted By: black beaver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:31 PM

Hey k snow what is your favorite otter set?
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by black beaver
Hey k snow what is your favorite otter set?


I am a novice when it comes to otter trapping. Of the 4 I have caught, 3 have been in classic bottom edge sets, an undercut point in a small creek set with a 330. The other was in the fast part of a channel, blocked down pretty heavy, in an area with a ton of sign. All in 330s, tuned to be pretty fast.
Posted By: black beaver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/17/22 07:43 PM

Thanks I am going to use that bottom edge set, I am from Texas and never had a chance to trap otter.
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/18/22 12:38 AM

Came close to my 2nd otter today. Had a pair play around my deep current sets. They ran all over the ice, couldn't find where they went in the water. I'll look more tomorrow.

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Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/27/22 09:41 PM

I don’t know why they call these bodygrippers.The second one was caught upside down.Had one trap snapped with a 6ft limb halfway through.Strange day.

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Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/27/22 11:08 PM

I tagged out on otter today. Number 2 is a 46 inch male

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Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/30/22 04:45 PM

Three dummies on the ice today two in a trap and the other holding a spud.Hard to beat fresh air and sunshine.

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Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 01/30/22 06:51 PM

Nice catches, Mad. Sure is a nice day to be outside.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/01/22 08:13 PM

Another beautiful day on the ice.

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Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/01/22 08:16 PM

Way to pile them up Mad.. people going to love you saving all the trees.

Mac
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/01/22 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by Macthediver
Way to pile them up Mad.. people going to love you saving all the trees.

Mac


Maybe we should start a go fund me page.
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/01/22 10:52 PM

I pulled 2 more raccoons out of a place I get to turkey hunt in return for raccoon trapping. Seems last night's warm up got them moving a bit.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/02/22 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by k snow
I pulled 2 more raccoons out of a place I get to turkey hunt in return for raccoon trapping. Seems last night's warm up got them moving a bit.


Good deal k.I haven’t seen a coon track in 6 weeks.
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/02/22 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by Mad Scientist
Originally Posted by k snow
I pulled 2 more raccoons out of a place I get to turkey hunt in return for raccoon trapping. Seems last night's warm up got them moving a bit.


Good deal k.I haven’t seen a coon track in 6 weeks.


We went a while without seeing any, then a couple weeks ago we had a warm night and every creek was covered in coon tracks. They moved only one night, then holed up tight again. I pulled yesterday, but should have left them in one more night. It stayed warmer a lot longer last night than the forecast said it would. It was still 28 degrees at ten o'clock last night.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/10/22 10:09 PM

Never had a beaver bigger than 67 pounds until today-81 pounds.

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Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/10/22 10:56 PM

Good one Mad should get more than couple brats from that one. Them beaver starting to get any castor in their bags.
. Hey post couple pictures of your ride.. what kinda boat you running.

Mac
Posted By: Bruce T

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/10/22 11:01 PM

Nice beaver
Posted By: k snow

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/10/22 11:22 PM

Caught my very first coyote today. Armchair hay set. Still has pretty decent fur, no rubbing on the neck or shoulders. Just a little bare spot on the inside of a hind leg.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/10/22 11:23 PM

Castors look about like mid December.I run a 14ft classic with a 300 hp 350 chevy.I’ll post a pic next check.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/10/22 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by k snow
Caught my very first coyote today. Armchair hay set. Still has pretty decent fur, no rubbing on the neck or shoulders. Just a little bare spot on the inside of a hind leg.

Congratulations K
Looking like another year without a yote for me.Dang smart around my playground.
Posted By: 330-Trapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/11/22 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by Mad Scientist
Never had a beaver bigger than 67 pounds until today-81 pounds.

How'd you weigh it?

I had to take one into a feedmill to weigh one time in 1987
Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/11/22 03:02 AM

Mad scientist either you catch a tremendous amount of beaver or you are a very lucky man. I don’t believe I’ve sever seen so many poor catches that hold the animal. No offense, just making an observation. Is it your gear?
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/11/22 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by nimzy
Mad scientist either you catch a tremendous amount of beaver or you are a very lucky man. I don’t believe I’ve sever seen so many poor catches that hold the animal. No offense, just making an observation. Is it your gear?


I was hoping someone could tell me the issue but I’ll just keep raking in the cash in the meantime.2 out of 10 good neck catches and the rest got me scratching my head.
Posted By: AJE

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/12/22 04:26 AM

Ensure you are stabilzing the trap properly.

I would remove that stick from the top of the conibear.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/13/22 12:37 AM

Won’t need to spend a lot of time skinning anyway.52 pounder caught in a run.

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Posted By: Hodagtrapper

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/13/22 12:52 AM

Nice boat!

Chris
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/13/22 03:22 AM

Hey Mad nice ride..
My son and I actually saw you Thursday afternoon. We had the dog out of the truck for run at goose. We were on north end by shelter 5 when you came by. I actually was wondering if might be you. Didn't think there was any trapping or fishing gear in the boat. So looked like someone just taking a joy ride. We even talked about where that guy may put the boat off trailer at? Didn't see any trailers at landing. Your boats is actually pretty quiet but then you kind just went by. Wasn't like you were really standing on it.

Mac
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/16/22 07:12 PM

Both 1022s connected after being snapped two days in a row.Middle pic is a 72 pounder after ice removal.

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Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/19/22 08:32 PM

To nasty yesterday for pictures on the line but caught 2 kits and a38 pd.Rat in a 1022 looks like a mouse in a 110.

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Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/20/22 02:41 AM

Mad
Good to see your still after them. That wind was brutal hope you were out early before the worst of it.
Clean them little ones up and slow roast them makes some good eats.

Mac
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 02/22/22 02:16 PM

Trapping some bank houses with cattail caches.Why is it when your rat trapping the beaver mess with you and when your beaver trapping the rats mess with you?

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Posted By: nimzy

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/02/22 12:52 PM

March. So far some “Good clean trappin.....not a lot of skinnin!” Lowell Benedict

Without water how can there be this much ice??
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/08/22 03:32 AM

Teamed up with a buddy and caught 15 today.

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Posted By: bblwi

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/08/22 04:37 AM

That is a real haul, and a lot to haul! Wow you have a lot of open water where you are at.

Bryce
Posted By: Trapper Dahlgren

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/08/22 09:53 AM

thats a good day lots of meat there ,
Posted By: Saskfly

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/08/22 12:58 PM

How long is the boat?!?
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/08/22 02:44 PM

Dang Mad
That is a haul lot sausage and BBQ in that boat.

Mac
Posted By: Bruce T

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/08/22 03:14 PM

Nice catches.
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/09/22 01:39 AM

Originally Posted by Saskfly
How long is the boat?!?


30 feet
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/09/22 01:43 AM

18 beaver 2 coon 2 rats and an otter.I’m giving skinning lessons tomorrow if anyone is bored.

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Posted By: Ave

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/09/22 01:55 AM

Originally Posted by Mad Scientist
18 beaver 2 coon 2 rats and an otter.I’m giving skinning lessons tomorrow if anyone is bored.


Nice load of fur there! Was that otter caught in a 12x12 sauvageau, or one of the smaller sized ones?
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/09/22 03:18 AM

Yeah thats a 11x12sauvageau.The rat is in a mb 1216.
Posted By: Ave

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/09/22 03:22 AM

Thanks. Both of those are great traps!
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/09/22 03:34 AM

Wow your mopping them up. Way to go. You still on 8 or is that 9?

Mac
Posted By: Mad Scientist

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/09/22 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Macthediver
Wow your mopping them up. Way to go. You still on 8 or is that 9?

Mac


Sorry Mac secret hot spot.If I told you I’d have to Putin you- Ha Ha
Posted By: Macthediver

Re: WI Trapping 2021 - 03/09/22 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by Mad Scientist
Originally Posted by Macthediver
Wow your mopping them up. Way to go. You still on 8 or is that 9?

Mac


Sorry Mac secret hot spot.If I told you I’d have to Putin you- Ha Ha


I understand.. LoL But even if fur was high be no point going there. Looks like You already wiped them out. I'm to banged up now to do that much hard work. I couldn't hold a boat that big at the dock if the wind was blowing.. Pretty cool seeing others play though.

I went out in river with metal detector for about hour yesterday. I can't tell you where I was either lol secret spot. I didn't even make enough buy an OZ castor from you..

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Mac
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