Selecting a Trap

Using the correct size and type of trap is essential to achieving a high level of efficiency while meeting animal welfare criteria.

Traps generally fall into two categories.

• Quick-Kill Traps
  • Body-Grip Trap: Designed for a quick kill, this trap is made of frame wires that clamp the furbearer’s body.
  • Snare: This is a special type of trap that is a quick-kill trap when used in a water set. It is less expensive, lighter in weight, and less likely to freeze in cold weather than other types of traps. Check the state’s regulations for snares before using them.
• Live-Hold Traps
  • Box Trap: A land-only trap, it consists of a mesh box with a swinging door to let the animal in but not out. Cage traps should be used when the possibility of catching pets is high. However, they are difficult to conceal and may be avoided by some animals.
  • Foothold Trap: Used on land or in water, the trap holds an animal’s foot and typically will cause little damage to the animal. The most common types are long-spring and coil-spring traps.
  • Cable Device: This trap is less expensive, lighter in weight, less likely to freeze in cold weather than other types of traps. A loop of cable encircling the animal gets smaller as the animal pulls and relaxes when the animal stops pulling.

Use the correct type of trap for the animal you’re trapping.

• Body-Grip Trap: Mink, beaver, muskrat
• Box Trap: Raccoon, skunk, opossum, fisher, or trapping near residential areas
• Foothold Trap: Coyote, red fox, gray fox
• Snare: Limited by state’s regulations
• Cable Device: Coyote, red fox, gray fox, beaver