Many things contribute to a successful set. Trap adjustment and treatment, lure and bait, and minimized human scent are all factors in making a good catch. Of all the variables, bedding the trap seems to be the one thing dryland trappers absolutely must do properly. If a trap isn’t bedded solidly, it’ll rock – making a teeter-totter movement under a furbearer’s paw. That is a red flag that spooks the critter, or in a best case scenario, finds them curious about the trap instead of the bait or lure. This curiosity transforms into an uncovered trap or one that is dug out. Neither results in a catch.
Do yourself a favor on the line this year. Make a conscious effort to bed each trap solidly and have hard-packed ground right up against the outside of the jaws. It is good trap craft that will set you apart from many other trappers who aren’t nearly as productive.•