Foothold Traps: Types

Underspring or jump traps have a single flat spring located under the jaws of the trap.

• No longer manufactured, some trappers set used underspring traps in the field.
• Underspring traps are mainly used for muskrats, weasels, otters, and beavers.

Longspring traps are commonly used.

• These traps are large and heavy. The size is a disadvantage in hiding the trap. The weight is an advantage when used in a drowning set.
• Single longspring traps are best for small animals like muskrat or mink.
• Double longspring traps are better for large animals like beaver.

Coil-spring traps also are common.

• These traps are smaller than longspring traps. This is an advantage when space is limited.
• Coil-springs have two small springs and are the fastest type of foothold trap. Their speed, strength, and small size make them good traps for fox and coyote.
• Some trappers add two extra springs to increase trap strength and stability. This is known as “four-coiling.”

Guarded traps have a spring-loaded guard attachment. This attachment prevents a trapped animal from escaping or injuring itself while trying to escape. These traps are often used when seeking muskrats in shallow water, where a killing device will not work. However, killing devices or drowning sets are preferable for trapping muskrats whenever possible. This type of trap is commonly called a stop-loss trap.

Foot-encapsulating traps are designed for particular species, especially raccoons and opossums.

• The animal must reach its foot through a small opening to be trapped. This eliminates almost all unwanted catches.
• These traps come in various styles and are available from many different manufacturers.