I saw the new category and thought I would share a neat video with everyone that I stumbled across on You Tube. I was looking to learn a bit more about traps and snares at the time. The irony of learning about the outdoors over the computer never fails to escape me.
This 2 part video shows how to build a Figure 4 trap. Some of you might find the video of the outdoors-man Ron Hood assembling it to be educational. If nothing else it was entertaining to watch.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY-JEctyHOs
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seAevIIfUxY
While not a trapper, growing up on a farm I was always interested in trapping. It seems to me like it would also require a decent working knowledge of your intended games habits, and frequented locations. Something that most hunters also like to think about. You would need the equipment as well, or at least the know how to be able to fabricate it.
About the only trap I have any real experience with, besides the old antique jaw traps, and raccoon & skunk relocation traps, is the standard wooden snap rat trap. I also learned, although I can't remember where I learned it, that most rodents can not resist peanut butter. A small amount of peanut butter makes excellent bait, and can apparently also be used as a potential boolit lube as well, who knew.
I would say that the common rat trap is not to be underestimated.
I have caught many different things around the farm using the good old rat trap, besides just pesky rodents. Critters like rabbits, birds, squirrels, and even a few larger sized mammals. While most of them were not my first choice in game meats, they would sure beat eating hay. I also learned quickly to be sure to secure, or nail the trap down, or else it tends to get drug off - Another valuable lesson learned the hard way of course.
The simple rat trap is commonly available, as well as being inexpensive, and easy to use.
I will be watching and reading more here in hopes of learning more about the lost art of trapping.
- Bullwolf