Avoiding Problem Areas

Trappers should take care to avoid placing sets in areas that are likely to result in a conflict.

• Situations that may cause problems are sites where there is a high likelihood of capturing domestic animals, livestock, or non-target furbearers.
• Other problem areas may include locations where there is significant activity, use, or visibility by the public.
• In particular, trappers should avoid placing sets in the following places:
  • On land in locations where the animal might become entangled
  • In pastures with livestock (see example below)
  • On hiking/biking trails (see example below)
  • In areas visible from roads or residences (see example below)
  • Near parking areas
  • In areas where small game is frequently hunted with dogs, especially during popular seasons (for example, pheasant)
  • In other high-use recreational areas
  • In main water channels or primary crossings where river otter signs are present (River otters are increasing in Pennsylvania, but their harvest is highly restricted.)

Treating Cable Devices

One way to increase capture rate and avoid human detection of cable sets is to properly treat the device before it is placed in the field. As shown here, untreated cable devices are easy to detect but treated devices are nearly invisible.