[trapshack] Stoploss Traps for Muskrat and Mink
Delightful weather to be out in the backwaters. Warm temps and clear moon-lit nights have slowed down the movement of the animals. We’ve initially ended up with 25 muskrats, mostly of good size. The fur is of decent quality for being early in the season-dark brown with a red/blue mottled leather. Numerous scars and bite marks on the larger males indicates that the population density is quite high.
More than half the rats came from feed beds and resting areas. The #1 stoploss traps are so valuable in holding and drowning the rats with minimal leg trauma. I would consider these a must for stillwater rat trapping.
Tom’s Tip:
Stoploss traps for muskrat and mink are a great way to provide for rapid drowning and eliminate wring-outs. I don’t use the metal pin to delay the firing of the auxillary arm since using the pin shortens the chain making it possible for the animal to avoid getting in drowning depth water. Modifying the chain on these traps increases their effectiveness. I like to replace the ring with a box swivel and then add 3 feet of #2 machine chain, with a ring on the far end. Depending on water depth or the width of the waterway the trap can then be staked at the center swivel or at the end ring. The added weight of the chain also helps drown the animals.
My stoploss trap of choice is the Sleepy Creek #1 Longspring Guard Trap. Since these traps are key equipment for stillwater rat trapping, I would like to offer a special on these traps. Place your order for these traps during the month of December and receive an additional 10% off of the purchase price of Sleepy Creek #1 Longspring Guard Traps. Enter Coupon Code DECEMBER at Checkout.
