Setting Traps on Land

Trapping on land can be more challenging than trapping in or near water. When you trap on land, you must be able to make selective sets, dispatch trapped furbearers humanely, and release non-target animals safely. Procedures for dispatching and releasing animals are described later in the course.

To be more effective, try to set your traps in these places.

• Brush rows and fence rows: These areas establish travel lanes and provide food (rodents, birds) for furbearers.
• Gullies filled with brush: These areas also provide food and shelter for the furbearer.
• Areas near farm lanes: Look for areas where different types of cover intersect. Also look for areas that pass through brush rows.
• Old dumps: Raccoons and opossums hunt for food in these areas.