Cage set details question

New to cages. Do the experienced cage folks cover the bottom wire to try to make things more natural to canine or bobcat feet? I wonder if the wire feels different to them, especially where it can conduct cold.

I have a few cages out on my small line and wanted to get an idea of what the cage guys say. I'm targeting fox, perhaps coyotes, in tight places along fence lines. Think cage instead of snare and that is me. I thought about putting lure about 6 feet on either side of the cage along the trail\fence to get them interested and perhaps not focused on the cage in the trail. Does that sound like a tactic that would work?

Any other thoughts, hints or input in that application would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Tom

I definitely cover the bottom of the cage with dirt or whatever is around the set. I also like to put material on the pan so it appears more natural. I like to make a small hole in the ground and put my lure and bait in the hole and then set the cage on top of that hole in line with the pan. Hope this helps.

When I set a cage trap I ALWAYS stick a long stake thru the top/bottom and well into the dirt, so it can't be rolled over and unlock the door, either by the catch or somebody looking for a meal.

No pan on these cages but I did consider something akin to a dirt hole with a cage over the top. Not sure I want to use bait due to numbers of possum and coon around.

I don’t have to stake my present sets as I can wire them off to stay upright as presently set.

Tom

I always do "floor work" on all cage traps. A lot of critters will immediately put the brakes on if they step on metal. Depending on the species, my floors may be elaborate. The best piece of equipment you can possibly buy (and one I cannot live without) is a sturdy metal dirt sifter. Using one of these makes a huge difference IMHO. I also use whatever native grasses, leaves, etc. are at the site, and try to make it look the same inside as it does outside, and I never use my bare hands...I always wear leather gloves.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Desert trapper You seem to be able to cage coyotes. I would not waste my time because I know what the unfortunate results would be.
You need to start a new post and educate me ( us ) on coyote cage trapping.

thanks

I don't exactly understand what it is you're asking? I do what I do because sick ones can make healthy ones sick-and I believe in bringing in the suffering ones to end their misery. I live in an environment where they are absolutely a critical part of a healthy ecosystem, they aren't an animal that has recently "spread" like they have from the midwest to the east (and north) they've been here for tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of years. They're masters at pest/rodent control. High on the food chain here with the exception of mountain lions, which aren't too common in desert regions.

I fully understand other regions deal with significant predation problems, but those are different subspecies of coyotes. They are far larger, and have a lot of wolf DNA-and I fully understand why they're considered such a pest in other regions. We have more predation problems with feral dogs than our coyotes could ever dream of causing...and I trap a whole lot of feral dogs.

Dezert Trapper- perhaps there is no magic to getting a canine into a cage . There must be some fine points. How you get it done tweaked my interest.
Two people that I know of caught adult canines( red fox ) in cages on purpose.
One person had a chicken wired to the back of a cage. ( he got to explain that one to a judge.)
The other made a cage the size of a small car.
I am of the frame of mind that I will never do what you accomplish. Cage coyotes!
Please elaborate on your methods........Not picking on you, just interested.
Thanks

Hi Bob, Aah, OK! to be honest, I catch a whole lot of grief from folks who do not understand what it is I'm doing----and why. I did catch a desert kit fox 2 days ago, released immediately of course!

I'll try to post something more substantial when I have a little more time, I need to leave to check traps in a bit.