Picking a trap size for a set.

Ok those of you that have a mixed bag of trap sizes. Lets talk. I have 1.75, #2s and #3s what about a spot can deteirmin the trap size that gets put down. Never mind the targeted animal for now. Case in point I set a blind trail set the other day. A bridge #2 was put down. I did not use one of my #3s because well deer can get stuck in them. A 1.75 just did not seem to fit the game trail. What are your thoughts if your setting a new spot and need to choose from like three different sizes.

Guides guides guides then the trap size Isn't a issue.

What brand of 3's are you using that hold deer? they make one jump and pull right out of mine.

I got them from a friend. One is a duke. I got no clue on the others. They might be bridgers

they wont hold deer. might hold a 3 week old fawn. their foot is tapered. no pads like on a fur bearer. deer will pop right out unharmed. you don't need to worry about them. if your trapping in spring and hold a fawn it will be small enough releasing it wont be a problem

I use two sizes of trap. 1 1/2 and 3. 1 1/2 for coons rat's and mink and 3's for everything else. A blind trail set gets a 3. Where I live a coyote or bobcat is lots more common than a fox. I am pretty sure its that way where you are also.

I bought some #2 victors and outfitted them with Mike's big pans for blind sets. So far I like them.

I cant say I've ever heard of a deer held in a #3.

I have held both deer and antelope in fully modified Bridger #3s. Not every time but it does happen. Target species determines trap size, location doesn’t factor in at all for me.

I've had them k9 extremes hold deer, they were on a drag but even after they got hooked up they were still there when I got to them. But on the topic of discussion, I'm with Bob species determines trap size, and not location for me, but most of mine are of the #3 size anyway.

bob what kind of modifications are you doing?

I think traps with a large jawspread that grab higher on the leg have a greater chance of holding an animal with hooves. That's what I've heard anyway. They always jump right out of a 550 or 650. I can see how a #3 Bridger with laminations could catch high enough on a deer's leg to be well above the hoof.

Thanks for the replies.

you guys need to get out and set some traps

Mb 650’s grab plenty high and I’ve yet to hold a deer ! White tails anyway, but do antelope have somewhat of a club foot ?

Might just be that northern deer typically have bigger heavier bodies than southern warm climate deer and northern deer have more weight to throw against the trap.

Antelope can be held in about any size coyote trap,from 5"-6.5",They are relatively easy to release though.I have seen deer make some pretty substantial burn circles in such sized traps but they managed to self release.Larger sized traps can be a prblem though.

Hoofed animals have a better chance to pull out if the jaws impact on the sides of the hoof.

Larger jaw spreads also have an advantage in snow and crusty,frozen ground conditions.