Conibars and Dogs

[yoda]

Ok lets take a little poll here, there seems to be a big concern on peoples dogs running into the conibar traps, and I guess rightly so, So here's the poll: How many of you sportsman know how to open ANY conibar trap made with a 3 foot piece of 1/4 inch rope ? I'll let this run for a day or two and then give the answer to those of you that don't know :D

[Michiganmallard]

This is a good poll Yoda but I just want to make a point.
I don't think that people should be too concerned about their dog getting into a conibear trap. The chances of a dog getting into one is about the same as it wandering over onto a neighboring property and getting shot. If the trap is set properly for it's target species and is on a legal property with permission the chances of a dog being caught is extremely small.
One more thing, even a 330 conibear can be opened by hand and 220's are easily done. I just don't want everybody thinking that these traps are impossible to open up should an accident happen. The rope trick is handy but not absolutely necessary. Just remember, one spring at a time and latch the safety hooks.

[Glen]

I know my post on the "accidental catches" thread gives the impression that I'm opposed to the use of body grip traps. I'm NOT! It's the illegal, or careless use of them that I have a problem with. For example: If some gomer puts a #330 in a game trail. Or trespasses. Or tries to make a fox set with one. Fox urine will attract dogs and you'ld have to be awful lucky to catch a fox or coyote in a body grip.

I realize the chances of losing a dog to a trap are next to none. But I don't think I would deal with it very well if I did.

Take care,
Glen

[TrapperJohn]

Yoda,

I made what would of be a really bad move when I was first trapping beaver under the ice with 330's. I reached through the hole I chopped (wearing a shoulder length glove) and inadvertently snapped the trap on my wrist. Thanks to the rope I carry, I was able to remove the trap by myself after making a lerger the hole in the ice by placing a loop over the toe of my hip boots and hooking the safty hooks with the hand in trap.

By the way this happens to be the largest thing I,ve ever caught and help in a trap.

[Brittanyhunter]

Unfortunately there will always be some irresponsible guys that will set up body traps illegally or illadvisadly. Even with the rope trying to get a double springed trap off a dying dog is a tall order. I'd suggest that any concerned hunter practice and practice often with a 220, 280, and 330 that has a large, oversized pillow in it. Wire the trap close to the ground as a trap in the wild would be. Make it as hard as possible to get a good angle on the trap springs. Try setting it in thick brambles. Setting an empty trap in the basement is useless.

Still, as MM states, the chances of encountering such a trap is small, especially with fur prices as they are.

[yoda]

Guess I should have posted this in the Upland & Waterfowl forum, sounds like most of you boys are right on the stick ;) Brittanyhunter, A even better way to get the hang of opening these traps would be escort a beaver trapper for awhile, I'm sure he'd let guys practice getting those 50 pound beaver out of them.. Does a monkey and a Basketball ring a bell in anyones mind the first time you try :D :D :D :eek:

[Brittanyhunter]

Good idea Yoda. Having wrestled my fair share of dead Beaver, otter, and even little raccoons in my own conibears I know how hard it would be to get a writhing dog out of a trap. Especially if it was my beloved dogs.

Though I know they are out there, I've yet to meet a trapper that would knowingly endanger non-target, domestic animals. That makes it easier for me when I'm running dogs.

[Thebear_78]

I was putting a 330 conibear in a leaning tree set up in the UP for bobcat or fisher a few years ago and accidently snapped the trap on my arm, the bars crossed about 3" below my shouler and at mid forarm. Luckily I had a heavy carhart coat on so it didn't hurt as bad as it could have. Long story short I had to drive the 30 miles back to town and have a friend help me out. It was pretty imbarassing walking through the dorm back to my room to have my room mate help me out.

[David G Duncan]

Yoda,

Interesting quess. I agree that this is a very low probability problem for dog owners. The rope trick is something I know about, but the other trappers never saw the real need to use.

The 330's do take some strong hands and some technique to get the keeper hooks on the springs latched. In fact, a brand new 220 would be a challenge for a non trapper. The problem with the rope trick is that you need the piece of rope in your pocket.

My only experience with getting a part of my body caught in a 330 was an under the ice set for beaver, when I waded in and felt around with the toe of my hip boot. A 330 across the in-step of your foot sure does get your attention. Fortunately, I could get up on dry land and removed this very effective beaver getting in short order.
:D :D

[vizslak]

I always meant to purchase a smaller conibar so I could practice just in case. As I remember, you wrap the line around the rings on the trap and pull them together. Is this right? Will a decent boot lace do the job? I always keep a short nylon leash in my vest too.

[Thebear_78]

I always carried a short piece of nylon 1/4" rope with me after that. tie a loop in the end and then another loop in the other end, wrap it around the spring and cut to length so that you can reach it easily with your foot to pull the rope tight.