Caught in a 330!!!

Who on here has been caught in a 330!! This will be my first year setting a few and was wondering how you got out of it?

Not me and hope I never do!

Pretty sure you are likely to end up with broken bones from one of those

It was a Sunday morning and I went to run the line before church. Had been eyeballing a little ditch creek for beaver/otter and had the time to set it after checking my other traps. Took a Duke 330 down into the ditch and found some sign. I set the trap as I always did, and put it in place upside down as I normally do. The safeties fell off when I was putting it in place. Not a problem, happens all the time when I use the dukes. Not sure why or what happened, but I was removing my hand from the top of the trap and it lunged at me. It made good contact with my right hand and caught me about where the thumb meets the wrist. Of course I didnt happen to bring my setters or emergency rope. In the 5 seconds it was on me I think I saw my life flash before my eyes. I quickly wondered if I was going to have to drive home with this piece of metal on my arm or if I would just lay down in the creek and let nature take me. I am not really sure how I got it off as it happened really quickly. As best as I can remember I shoved the springs into the bank, put my knees on them to compress them some, and pulled my hand as hard as I could. Took a week or two to get back to full function, but other than that I was ok. I definitely recommend carrying some rope just in case you get in a bad spot. I also never stake mine until the set is made.

Not a 330, but a belisle 280 right behind the thumb joint.

Carry your setters, carry a spare piece of rope and use a safety.

Close
Caught my jacket and flannel shirt at belly level.

Many times. Keep a rope handy.

I did in a new 330 last yr. Got me right top of the hand. 2 days later got it in a 220. I had a bad week that month.

I’ve been in them all. I bought one of those bee big yellow safety grippers and am going to use it. I’m not as sharp or quick as I used to be

I bought a set of the cold creek trap setters with the lock, but I see I need to get a rope to have just in case.

Renewed my membership last season. Rope is good tool to have or piece of cable got me out once.

For getting out: Trapper Rons safety setters

I doubt there are too many seasoned trappers that use 330's or any other trap have not had their day in the sun.

Lol, that's why I figured I would ask! I have for sure had my fingers stuck in my share of foot holds but I couldn't imagine a 330!! I guess I am just trying to be prepared for the day!! Hopefully it never comes though!! Haha

Last season had a thumb or finger in one, with a glove on. Wasn't too bad, but don't reccomend it by any means!

I renewed my membership in the 330 club last week! Did a beaver job for the local municipalities and was cleaning up my gear at home. One of my Belisle's was full of weeds and I had to set it to get it cleaned up. I really like their safety's but must not have gotten the one on all the way. I grabbed both sides to open up the jaws it went off catching me by both hands! I really love my Belisle's but not then! Stood there trying to figure out a way to get one hand out is bad enough, but how do I get two out? Fortunately only one spring went off and I managed to slide one hand out. I used my one handed setters to relieve the other spring enough to escape. Makes one respect them 330's!

I use a RAMSET and highly recommend them.
( that's a Safety for a body grip, for those who don't know )


At this point in my life, I'm not willing to be hurt by a trap from my own neglect !

And just above the Mr Winkie and the Twins level! LOL

Not a 330 but both hands across the fingers in a Bridger 280 magnum. One hand in each jaw. Thankfully I didn't have it anchored yet, and though a bit awkward, with one free thumb and finger I was able to start and drive the four wheeler a half mile where the landowner and another local farmer who happened to be there removed me. It didn't hurt much until my fingers started to thaw and circulation returned. Lesson learned, I now use a setter to squeeze the jaws together and also use a safety device that is the last thing to remove once the trap is in place.

I’m a member of the 330 club. Caught 3 fingers on my left hand once, lost the feeling in the index finger fit a couple months.

Get you a good pair of setters and always keep them within arms reach.

Great Stuff Guys!!! I think i will pick up one of the ramset safety devices. I almost always trap alone, so i think this will be a valuable piece of equipment.

Had the exact same thing happen to me, taking the dog off and one spring closed. Both thumbs in the belisle 330. I am not sure how it happened but it was quick.
Had a guy with me and talked him through getting the trap setter from the bag and compressing the spring. It did not hurt that much in the trap but could not get my hands free. Was expecting the delayed pain/shock once my thumbs where removed but was not that bad. The trap that got me was still wired off, now when I am removing my traps I remove the anchor system than deal with the trap. At least that why I can do the walk of shame. will say it has not happened again and the Belisle 160 that pinched me hurt a lot more!

I remember setting my first 330 ( it was only about 4 and a half years ago). I was shaking so much I am surprised that I didn't set it off! I even had a safety on it. It got better as time went on. I even set several this year without the safety (left it in the gator). I started keeping it in my pocket.

I know a guy who got both hands in a 330. He had his young daughter with him. He was able to drive the truck to a friends house but she had to shift it for him. Lol. When his buddy stopped laughing he set him free.

Been whacked by Belisle 330's twice. One resulted in a broken finger, one a badly bruised hand.
Many times in smaller traps.
Can testify that you don't want to get caught in a Belisle 120 mag.

Generally two types - the have beens and the will bees.
It took me a long time but became a have been in a Bridger 330.

Cannot imagine the pain from a Belisle 120 magnum.

Got both thumbs in a brand new Bridger 120 magnum. Most painful catch I've been in. Never got bit by a 330. Second most painful was this winter when I got toed (fingered?) by a four coiled modified TS85. Most traps don't really hurt too much, especially if you don't catch yourself across a knuckle, those two were an exception though.

Nastiest bite yet was from a Montana #3 regular jaw. That trap is way oversprung to start with and those round faced jaws are essentially the same profile as a 22lr bullet. They don't just hit, they penetrate. The only trap to ever draw blood on me.

Never in a 330 but been in 220's a couple of times which is bad enough. Now I probably jinxed myself....

Got my foot caught in one of Bud Jenkins well-camouflaged 330 Bellisle. I'm pretty sure one or the other of us was in the wrong, but don't know which. I used my belt and all of the strength of ten Grinches to get out of it. I did reset his trap for him.

..I used an axe to get myself out of an 11x 12 Savenquea once.I pushed it between the jaws and twisted the axe to get the jaws spread .

As president of the 330 club i say welcome.