Best Trapping Practices The illustrations and data provided in these documents were inspired from the results of the trap testing completed through the work of the Trap Research and Development Committee of the Fur Institute of Canada. They are intended as general guidelines for trap users. Text and design Gaétan Fournier Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (Québec) Pierre Canac-Marquis Fur Institute of Canada Graphic design and illustrations Mélinda Morissette Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec May 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS KILLING TRAPS General information Muskrat Otter Beaver Weasel Marten Fisher Raccoon Canada lynx 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 KILLING NECK SNARES General information Setting principles Accidental catches (cervidae) Accidental catches (eagles) 12 13 14 15 LIVE CAPTURE TRAPS General information Canids (fox, coyote, wolf) Raccoon Canada lynx Live capture cages Black bear 16 17 18 19 20 21-23
GENERAL INFORMATION KILLING TRAPS Principles Criteria Approach angle B Centred approach facing the trap A B Trap dimensions (adapted to the size of the animal); A Set (angle of approach by the animal, trap position, trigger position and configuration, trigger adjustment); B Pole will control the approach Trap Model Mechanical properties (velocity, momentum and clamping forces); C Trap position B Dorso-ventral (ideal) Side hit (avoid) Bad strike D Appropriate strike Strike locations (targeted vital strike zones). Illustrations show rotating jaw traps but can be applied to other killing type traps. D 3 Trigger Adjustment Slow (double strike) Quick (single strike) Strike type Single Double These criteria and principles apply to species-specific killing traps. For a list of certified traps for each species, see: B J. Goodman D J. Goodman
MUSKRAT KILLING TRAPS To Get Optimal Lethal Strike Locations On land and submerged Burrow or house entrance Recommended Strike Locations Strike Type 1 2 3 4 Single 7.7 cm 120 frame 120 frame 6.7 cm Head 1 2 Atlanto occipital (neck base) 3 Neck 4 Thorax Semi-submerged Guiding sticks to reduce the opening thereby allowing rapid contact with the trigger 4 These specifications only apply to killing traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see: = Approach by the animal
OTTER KILLING TRAPS Trail set (on land) Bait or lure set 220 and 330 frame 8.5 to 10.5 cm To Get Optimal Lethal Strike Locations Trail set semi-submerged 220 frame Channel set submerged 330 frame 3 cm 13 cm 11.2 cm Strike Types Recommended Strike Locations 1 2 3 4 Single Double* * Any combination of thorax 4 and strike location 1 or 2 or 3. (neck base) Neck Trail set (on land) 220 and 280 frame Head 5 Fur Institute of Canada Bait or lure set These specifications only apply to killing traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see: = Approach by the animal
BEAVER KILLING TRAPS To Get Optimal Lethal Strike Locations Lure Set Submerged semi-submerged 330 frame 280 frame Bank hole 280 and 330 frame Recommended Strike Locations Strike Types 1 2 3 4 Single Double* * Any combination of thorax 4 and strike location 1 or 2 or 3. 2.5 cm 10.8 cm 8.9 cm 5 cm 5 cm Head 1 2 Atlanto occipital (neck base) 3 Neck 4 Thorax Lure Set On land On land also 6 These specifications only apply to killing traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see: = Lure = Approach by the animal
WEASEL KILLING TRAPS To Get Optimal Lethal Strike Locations Closed Box trap Recommended Strike Locations Strike Type 1 2 3 4 Single Double rotating jaws / baited trigger Modifi ed Rat Trap 2 Atlanto occipital (neck base) 3 Neck Head 1 4 Thorax 14 cm Reduced opening for better selectivity and approach by the animal Plastic cone to ensure correct approach Screws 3 cm 120 frame 6 cm 3 cm 2 cm 4 cm 2 cm 2.5 cm 3.5 cm 9.5 cm 7 5 cm 3 cm 5 cm 14 cm 1.75 cm 1.5 cm These specifications only apply to killing traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see: 14 cm = Bait = Approach by the animal
MARTEN KILLING TRAPS 120 frame To Get Optimal Lethal Strike Locations Box set Recommended Strike Locations Strike Types 1 2 3 4 Single Double* * Any combination of thorax 4 and strike location 1 or 2 or 3. 2.5 cm 3 cm 8.5 cm Head 1 2 Atlanto occipital (neck base) 3 Neck 4 Thorax 7.6 cm min. 8 12.7 cm pole These specifications only apply to killing traps for this species. For a certified traps list, see: = Approach by the animal = Bait
FISHER KILLING TRAPS Pole set or Box set With baited trigger 160 frame 120 6.5 cm frame To Get Optimal Lethal Strike Locations 220 frame Strike Type Single Recommended Strike Location 1 2 3 4 6 cm 2 cm 5 cm Small stick between jaws 2.5 cm 5.6 cm 9.5 cm 9 cm Head 1 2 Atlanto occipital (neck base) 3 Neck 4 Thorax 10 cm dia. 2 cm 9 11 cm max. 10 to 12.7 cm 8 cm 45 to 60 1.5 or 1.8 m 160 120 28 cm = Bait = Approach by the animal These specifications only apply to killing traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see:
RACCOON KILLING TRAPS To Get Optimal Lethal Strike Locations Pole set* or Box set* Trail set Strike Type Single Recommended Strike Location 1 2 3 4 8.9 cm 220 frame 11.7 cm 14 cm 280 frame 1.9 cm 7.6 cm 11.7 cm 15 cm Head 1 2 Atlanto occipital (neck base) 3 Neck 4 Thorax 6.4 cm 3.8 cm 10 cm dia. 10 11 cm max. 28 cm 28 cm * Trap size and distance between the bait and the center of the trap is a major factor in obtaining atlanto-occipital strikes. These specifications only apply to killing traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see: 45 Center trap on pole for best approach Sets above the ground (vertical or horizontal) is to avoid captures by a front leg = Bait = Approach by the animal
CANADA LYNX KILLING TRAPS To Get Optimal Lethal Strike Locations Pull trigger Strike Type Single Recommended Strike Location 1 2 3 4 Set details 280 and 330 frame String Trigger wire 2 Atlanto occipital (neck base) 3 Neck Head 1 4 Thorax 10.2 cm 11 38 cm Technique to encourage lynx to take the bait with its mouth thus avoiding capture by a front paw. 38 cm = Bait = Approach by the animal These specifications only apply to killing traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see:
GENERAL INFORMATION KILLING NECK SNARES Efficient locks (equipped with a compression spring) Recommended attachment points Spring Amberg lock Loop Camlock dented S-Hook Loop Ferrule Stinger spring Flat washer (optional) Always tie off the snare for the largest possible animal you may catch To enable the neck snare to close behind the ears and a proper positioning of the lock on the dorsal part of the neck (see ) A high attachment point Flat loop or swivel Types of cable (galvanized steel) Lock Target species Diameter Construction (inches) Breaking point (lb) + Lynx/Bobcat Fox/Coyote 1/16 1/16 1 x 19 7 x 7 500 480 Coyote/Fox Wolf 5/64 5/64 3/32 3/32 1 x 19 7 x 7 1 x 19 7 x 7 800 650 1 200 920 Use of a neck snare holder (whammy) to provide a suffi cient temporary resistance 12 S-Hook (To avoid cervidae captures + provide better lock sliding movement) Improving construction Ferrule Flat washer Neck snare holder Lock Senneker trigger (increases clamping force) Swivel (to avoid cable torsion and breaking) Swivel Stake Support wire
SETTING PRINCIPLES KILLING NECK SNARES Stricking areas (Canidae + Felidae) Snare set sites and attachment points Ideal Densely wooden area To avoid Attachment wire fi xed high Flat knot or swivel Short neck snare Loop diameters and heights A B Species A B Fox Bobcat Lynx Coyote Wolf Wolf (Northern) 18 cm (7 ) 20.5 cm (8 ) 20.5 cm (8 ) 25 cm (10 ) 35 cm (14 ) 40.5 cm (16 ) 18 cm (7 ) 20.5 cm (8 ) 30.5 cm (12 ) 25 cm (10 ) 35 cm (14 ) 45.5 cm (18 ) Swivel Open ground Stake Neck snare holder (Whammy) Support wire Long neck snare Position of support wire Freed support wire Area where the carotids and the trachea are most exposed Lock positioned on back of the neck after closing N.B.: On top of these considerations, in order to ensure a rapid loss of unconsciousness and death, killing neck snares must be properly constructed: effi cient locks equipped with compression spring, smallest possible cable wire diameter for the target species. The assembly must produce the best possible mobility (S-Hook) and effi ciency of the sliding lock (Senneker trigger, Power snare). 13
ACCIDENTAL CATCHES (cervidae, cattle, sheep) KILLING NECK SNARES To avoid capture and retention of cervidae, cattle and sheep, killing neck snares must be constructed and set the proper way. S-Hook Accidental catches of moose in neck snares intended for wolves (nose catch) In a conventional set Diverter; wire no 11 (set details) View from above Side view 28 28 28 Double ferrule 15 15 Conventional Camlock with S-Hook 54 % of the catches involve the nose Attachment wire no 9 S-Hook opening point between 320 to 750 lb 14 Using a diverter wire Camlock with breakaway rivet Rivet breaking point at ± 270 lb Flexible neck snare Heavy sliding parts 46 % of catches involved the hooves (rear hoof in 2/3 of cases) Lock + S-Hook Stopper ring 10 from sliding lock (wolf neck snare) Leg catch = rupture produced by S-Hook
ACCIDENTAL CATCHES (eagles + birds of prey) KILLING NECK SNARES Problems Trapping period = critical period for migration Canid enclosure set: High risk trapping technique e Solution: Use of trail sets (no bait) Solution: Solution = Use of a adapted bait containerner (eg. Steel bucket with lid) Holes for gaz emanations Scent emanations pipe Ground level AND / OR Use of snare sets with scent lure and very small size hidden baits (1 lb/0.5 kg) hidden inside a bait container (plastic tube with holes and lid). Ensure that the bait can t be released from container. AND Construction of open or inverse enclosure set Buried bait container Field or opening Trail or opening * * * * 30 m 30 m No snare set in this area Access road 15 Ex.: Trail crossing Natural dense vegetation edge Made-up trail in dense vegetation or woodland N.B.: the open surface must allow the birds of prey to easily land and take off close to the bait (if exposed to their sight) LEGEND: * Attractant: (lure) + (small size bait hidden close to the ground in a bait container) Position of neck snares Buried bait container Hand made trail Existing trail or dense vegetation edge For more information on proper birds of prey handling and rehabilitation techniques, consult: uqrop.qc.ca/en/
GENERAL INFORMATION LIVE CAPTURE Elements of Trapping to Avoid Injuries / Limb Holding Traps Daily check of the trap sets Proper adjustment of the pan trigger... Jaw type traps and certain footsnares...produces an appropriate strike location Jaw type traps + Foot encapsulating Bend here for adjustment Centre mounted swivel Use of swivels avoids injuries by twisting Jean-François Houle Movement radius = chain length X 2 Jaw Type Traps, Footsnares, Foot Encapsulating Traps Shock absorber springs Strong (coyote, wolf) Regular (fox) All limb holding traps for raccoon and lynx: use stake anchoring systems 16 Canids, lynx, raccoon: With a stake, use short chain or cable Canids jaw trap only: With a drag anchoring system, use a long chain (see Canids sheet) Stake or drag trap anchoring: Use an inline shock absorber spring and a suffi cient number of swivels = Swivel = Shock absorber spring These specifications only apply to the species-specific live capture traps. For a list of certified traps for each species, see:
CANIDS (fox, coyote, wolf) LIVE CAPTURE Trap Set Details to Avoid Injuries FOOTSNARE / JAW TYPE TRAP Jaw type trap (not set) Footsnares (set) Optimal Strike Locations 1 2 3 Résultante 1 Toes 2 Pad 3 Wrist Centre mounted swivel Jaw type trap and footsnares Use of swivels avoids injuries by twisting Jean-François Houle Movement radius = chain length X 2 Stake Shock absorber springs Strong (coyote, wolf) Regular (fox) With a stake, use short chain or cable (see table) N.B.: For all footsnare cable, use stake only, no drag Recommended anchoring chain maximum length Mobile (drag) Stake Fox 1.5 m 0.3 m Coyote 2.5 m 0.5 m Wolf 3 m 1.2 m Use of at least one shock absorber spring and a suffi cient number of swivels With a drag anchoring system, use a long chain (see table) = Swivel = Shock absorber spring These specifications only apply to the live capture traps for these species. For a certified trap list for coyote and wolf, see: 2 1 3 17 For more details, check the PIGEC manual (ftgq.qc.ca/fr/publications/index.htm)
RACCOON LIVE CAPTURE Trap Set Details To Avoid Injuries FOOT ENCAPSULATING TRAPS Lil Grizz Get rz Egg trap Optimal Strike Location 1 2 3 - Bait set under pull trigger Light compacted soil ± 60 - Positioned this way, the restraining arm (steel rod) strikes on the pad side Ideal raccoon approach angle 1 Toes 2 Pad 3 Wrist Duffer For all trap models: - Short chaining system - 2 swivels - Stake anchoring system Obstacle behind the trap 2 3 18 1 Duffer and Egg trap: Compacted - Partly buried underground (compacted soil) - Bait set on the trigger Compacted soil These specifications only apply to the live capture traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see: = Approach by the animal = Swivel
CANADA LYNX LIVE CAPTURE Trap Set Details to Avoid Injuries FOOTSNARE / JAW TYPE TRAP Optimal Strike Locations 1 2 3 Trap anchoring - Stake only - Short (max. length 24.5 cm) Favour this type of strike......to obtain this strike, properly position the trap 1 Toes 2 Pad 3 Wrist 2 swivels + shock spring Centre mounted swivel 3 2 1 19 These specifications only apply to the live capture traps for this species. For a list of certified traps, see: Set only for capture by one front foot = Approach by the animal = Swivel
GENERAL INFORMATION LIVE CAPTURE CAGES Installation Details CAGE Cage set in the shade and if possible protected from bad weather and to prevent exposure to sun and hypothermia; gutter Daily check, early morning; If set close to water edge, anticipate water level fl uctuations to avoid drowning; Choose quiet trap sites to avoid stress. For a list of raccoon certified traps, see: 20
BLACK BEAR LIVE CAPTURE FOOTSNARE MAX. 24 HOURS TRAP CHECK Footsnare D F Mobile Anchor Systems 13/64 Ø C B Chain with 1/4 (grade 30) links Shock absorbing spring (250 lb) 110 F 2.4 m (8 ) F D 5/16 Ø E A B Steel cable 7 x 19, 3/16 Ø B Specifications: A. Flexible steel cable, construction 7 x 19, 3/16 diameter B. Double ferrule 3/16 C. Lock: 110 angle, 3/16 thickness, 5/8 width, rounded edges (single use) D. Swivel: minimum 880 lb test E. Diameter of 6 and less (bucket set) 8 and less (trail set) F. Quick link (1 660 lb test) Bucket Set B Fixed Anchor Systems with steel cable 3/16 Ø or chain (1/4 links) 1.2 m (46 ) or less Solid tree, min. 6 Ø B D Trail Set 60 cm (24 ) or less D 21 IMPORTANT: fixed anchor ensures a more reliable operation of the footsnare swivel. The cable or the chain must turn freely around the tree
BLACK BEAR LIVE CAPTURE FOOTSNARE / FIXED ANCHOR SYSTEMS THE SWIVEL MUST ALWAYS BE FUNCTIONAL BUCKET SET TRAIL (GROUND) SET Tie wrap 50 lb Tie wrap 50 lb Anchoring cable: total length 1.7 m (66 ) Swivel Bucket: minimum depth of 38 cm (15 ) Swivel No hole in the bucket (C) 1 m (buffer zone) (B) Bear trail Sweet bait 12.5 cm (5 ) 1.2 m (4.5 ) The bucket lid MUST be secured (screws) Wood screw 1 ½ Screw 1 ½ Bait tied to the bottom Back about 1 ½ lower than the front Catch Circle Diameter = anchoring cable (A) + footsnare length when closed (B) + 1 m (C) (A) Swivel Swivel The anchoring system must turn freely around the solid tree (minimum 6 Ø) 22 The bucket must easily fall to the ground once the bear is captured Bait and moveable branches guiding the bear to ensure an approach by the front
BLACK BEAR LIVE CAPTURE FOOTSNARE / MOBILE ANCHOR SYSTEMS THE SWIVEL MUST ALWAYS BE FUNCTIONAL BUCKET SET TRAIL (GROUND) SET Tie wrap 50 lb Tie wrap 50 lb Anchoring mobile log (drag) = 18 cm Ø (7 ), 1.8 m (6 ) length Swivel 12.5 cm (5 ) Shock absorbing spring (250 lb) Swivel 12.5 cm (5 ) Bear trail Tie wrap 50 lb Sweet baits Sweet 1.2 m 1.2 m baits Solid tree, 23 (4.5 ) (4.5 ) min. 4 Ø Shock absorbing spring (250 lb) Swivel IMPORTANT: always guide the bear to approach from the front of the trap. IMPORTANT: the tie wrap ensures a complete and fast closure of the footsnare cable around the bear s front limb.
Copyright Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec Fur Institute of Canada Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (Québec) PUBLISHED BY THE Fédération des Trappeurs Gestionnaires du Québec May 2017 (2 nd edition) LEGAL DEPOSIT Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec 2017 ISBN: 978-2-924030-20-2 (printed version) ISBN: 978-2-924030-21-9 (PDF)