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Course Outline

Types of Jaws


Padded traps have rubber pads on the jaws.

Padded Jaws Trap

Offset jaws leave a space (1/8 inch to 1/4 inch) between the jaws when closed.

Offset Jaws Trap

Double jaw traps have two sets of jaws. A smaller set of jaws lies inside the regular jaws.

Double Jaws Trap

Laminated jaws include an extra strip of metal above and/or below the jaw. This makes the jaw thicker to increase the surface area holding the furbearer's foot.

Laminated Jaws Trap

Sizes of Foothold Traps

  • #1 for muskrat, nutria, mink, skunk, and weasel
  • #1½ for nutria, raccoon, mink, American marten, fisher, opossum, and fox
  • #2 for fisher, northern river otter, and fox (although #1½ is recommended for all fox trapping)
  • #3 and #4 for beaver, coyote, and bobcat
  • #11 for muskrat, nutria, raccoon, mink, skunk, opossum, and fox
  • In submersion sets, #1½ traps are recommended when seeking strong, active furbearers such as raccoon and mink.
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