Using Foothold Traps on Land

For land sets to work, the trap must be bedded properly. Follow these steps to bed a foothold trap.

• Dig a shallow hole slightly larger than the trap. The hole should be deep enough to set the trap just below ground level.
• Drive a stake or stakes to anchor the trap.
• Sift loose dirt into the bottom of the hole.
• Place the set trap in the hole. Press down firmly, using a slight twisting motion to pack the trap into the dirt.
• Check for wobble using the four-point system.
• Press on the loose jaw.
• Press on the other jaw.
• Press on one lever.
• Press on the other lever.
• If you feel any wobble, pack more dirt under the wobbly area. Repeat the four-point check.
• Pack dirt around the outside of the trap.

After foothold traps are bedded, they must be covered.

• Use dirt, leaves, or grass to cover the trap.
• When covering with dirt, use a trap pan cover and a dirt sifter.
• Make sure the covering does not keep the jaws from closing properly.