Overview of Traps

Traps are your most important tool because they catch and hold the furbearer.

• Traps can be set either on land or in or near the water, depending on the animal you want to catch.
• Some types of traps are designed to kill the trapped animal (mechanically powered killing devices). Others are designed to capture the animal alive and hold them unharmed (live-restraining devices).
• The most common type of killing devices are bodygripping traps.
• Live-restraining devices include foothold traps, foot-encapsulating traps, cage traps, and some types of cable devices. With these traps, you are able to release non-target animals.
• Some furbearers are found more often in or near water. For these animals, trappers use drowning systems, which hold the animal underwater until it dies.

Certain types of traps are illegal because they are unsafe or inhumane.

• Deadfalls and traps with teeth are illegal in Ohio and in most states and provinces.
• Make sure you know which types of traps are legal where you plan to trap.