Anchoring Encapsulated-foot Traps

In my previous post, I defined what encapsulated-foot traps were, how they were commonly called dog-proof traps, and how they were an important tool in wildlife damage management. This week, I wanted to explain how to anchor them.

Anchoring or staking traps is critical because failure to secure traps properly will result in lost animals as well as the lost traps. Here is an easy way to anchor your traps. Cut 6 foot lengths of 7×7, 3/32 aircraft cable. Use aluminum double ferrules to make loops at each end. Loops should be small enough to be used with ½-inch re-bar stakes without sliding over the top of the stake. If you follow these directions, the loops will be small enough to slide through the swivel attached to the chain of your encapsulated-foot traps. The advantage of the cable is that you can use them to secure traps to trees, which if you are trapping for raccoons, will always be close at hand.

To secure the cable, I suggest using split rings. Split rings are similar to rings for your keys except the split in the wrapping allows you to attach cables to them easier. Simply insert the loop into the split side and slide it to one end and then push it around the loop so it locks into the ring. It’s quick easy and raccoons won’t undue them. You may be wondering why don’t I recommend using quick links to secure the cable? I don’t because raccoons can unscrew the links. While some trappers have not had this problem, I know of a trapper that has. If you do decide to use quick links, use a wrench to ensure the screw is tight. For myself, I don’t want to wonder, did I tighten that screw enough? I think good trapping is simplified trapping because the fewer the elements the less chances you have to make a mistake.

About the Author

Stephen M. Vantassel is a certified wildlife control operator who helps individuals, businesses, and agencies resolve wildlife damage issues through training, writing, expert witness, and research. His latest books are the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, 3^rd edition and The Practical Guide to the Control of Feral Cats. He can be contacted at wildlifecontrolconsultant at gmail dot com. If you would like your publication, video, or product reviewed, please contact the author at the e-mail above.

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