Post by paintedpaw on Jul 19, 2023 15:44:09 GMT -5
Just for some topic a little different let me describe the proper way to make a running pole set for fisher.
First, don't pick any leaning pole. Be on location, that's important and those locations can be found when snow is on and in likely spots.
I like to find an individual tree with an over story that is leaning at approximately 60 degrees. the closer to 90 degrees the animal can climb the back side of the pole,
and the closer to 45 degrees, they can jump over the trap.
I like a tree of about 4" to 6", but no wider than the trap. In New York the trap must be a minimum of 5' above the ground. For years I trapped with 220's; but
I found I was catching too many females still alive in the trap, so I've gone to the Belisle 160's. Brand is a matter of choice.
I'm old fashioned and still attach the trap to the pole with the 2 finish nail method, two over the jaw in one direction and the third in the opposite direction.
The attachment should be to the uphill jaw. The trigger is on the lower jaw. This eliminates the possibility of the triggers digging into the pole or animal, folding harmlessly
along the back of the animal.Also prevents the possibility of pelt damage from the dog.Another good method of attachment is using KB stabilizers stapled to the pole.
I prefer a good size chunk of beaver for bait attached just out of reach of the trap. I run a wire through the meat, up and out, and back down through the opposite side
so that the bone is encompassed. Then wire it securely to the pole.
Before attaching the bait I rub it it up up and down the pole from the ground up to the trap to leave flecks of blood and meat to furthur entice the animal to climb.
I use the traditional skunk lure as an attractant, one smear above the bait and another near the ground a few feet away where you will not get into it. You will have to
resmnear every so often because vaseline based lure forms a crust.
I do not camoflage my trap. I want the birds to work the set and I also think the camo attracts attention from people. Also camo can plug the trap in the event of heavy snow.
Sometimes I hang a turkey feather if in bobcat country.
In New York suspension of an animal is illegal, however if any part of the animal ( tail, hind feet) touch, the set is legal. I carefully guage the distance. I want my fisher dead and hanging,not on the ground.
I like to check sets from a distance with binoculars, particularly if there is snow on the ground.
I'm sure there will be those that will disagree with my method andb that's ok, whatever works best for you.
First, don't pick any leaning pole. Be on location, that's important and those locations can be found when snow is on and in likely spots.
I like to find an individual tree with an over story that is leaning at approximately 60 degrees. the closer to 90 degrees the animal can climb the back side of the pole,
and the closer to 45 degrees, they can jump over the trap.
I like a tree of about 4" to 6", but no wider than the trap. In New York the trap must be a minimum of 5' above the ground. For years I trapped with 220's; but
I found I was catching too many females still alive in the trap, so I've gone to the Belisle 160's. Brand is a matter of choice.
I'm old fashioned and still attach the trap to the pole with the 2 finish nail method, two over the jaw in one direction and the third in the opposite direction.
The attachment should be to the uphill jaw. The trigger is on the lower jaw. This eliminates the possibility of the triggers digging into the pole or animal, folding harmlessly
along the back of the animal.Also prevents the possibility of pelt damage from the dog.Another good method of attachment is using KB stabilizers stapled to the pole.
I prefer a good size chunk of beaver for bait attached just out of reach of the trap. I run a wire through the meat, up and out, and back down through the opposite side
so that the bone is encompassed. Then wire it securely to the pole.
Before attaching the bait I rub it it up up and down the pole from the ground up to the trap to leave flecks of blood and meat to furthur entice the animal to climb.
I use the traditional skunk lure as an attractant, one smear above the bait and another near the ground a few feet away where you will not get into it. You will have to
resmnear every so often because vaseline based lure forms a crust.
I do not camoflage my trap. I want the birds to work the set and I also think the camo attracts attention from people. Also camo can plug the trap in the event of heavy snow.
Sometimes I hang a turkey feather if in bobcat country.
In New York suspension of an animal is illegal, however if any part of the animal ( tail, hind feet) touch, the set is legal. I carefully guage the distance. I want my fisher dead and hanging,not on the ground.
I like to check sets from a distance with binoculars, particularly if there is snow on the ground.
I'm sure there will be those that will disagree with my method andb that's ok, whatever works best for you.