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Post by trapperjohn on Jan 2, 2006 17:38:46 GMT -5
I have made a dirt hole set, when i did i put the dirt on the snow in front of the hole. With the dirt on top of the snow does that alert the animals? If so how can i do a hole in the ground and keep the snow looking undisturbed.
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Post by Itrapny on Jan 2, 2006 17:55:03 GMT -5
As long as the snow isn't too deep the best set will still be a regular dirt hole set. You can even brush the snow away and set it. I wouldn't be setting on top of the snow unless the snow is over a foot deep. Once it gets that deep, you can put your trap inside a sandwich bag or wrap it in wax paper and make you "dirthole set" into a "snowhole set". The contrast of the dark dirt against the white snow will really be a great attraction to a hunting K-9 and you should use it to your advantage. Once it gets cold and stays cold you can sometimes make a set and actually sift snow over the set just like using dirt. If it gets to warm or sunny however, it can cause you problems with the snow melting during the day and crusting over at night though. I think your best best is to make your sets as usual and use dry dirt or peat moss to prevent freezing.
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Post by phade on Jan 4, 2006 16:56:36 GMT -5
I have to agree, and I learned that of all things while squirrel hunting.
I shot a nice grey on a branch, and it fell to the ground. We had about 8 to 10 inches of soft fresh snow on the ground, so the animal disappeared completely due to the falling, and impact. It was basically buried into the snow, but above the ground level.
I looked, and looked some more, but was never able to find that critter (I shot it at a good clip with my .22, so I didn't get the world's best view of where it fell through the ground cover.
I came back a couple days later, and wouldn't you know it, there were yote, and fox tracks all leading right up to the spot where that squirrel landed. I'm sure some of the scent from the squirrel mixed in with the ground/snow, as that spot was constantly re-dug up for almost a full month later.
I'm sure the canine that found it first and got the "worm" so to speak and had a free meal on me.
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