Having a problem with #1 CS

[Duck-Hunter]

I have a few floats out. Every morning i have my floats cleaned out of bait. I have had a couple sprung or they look like they got bumped but never went off. Wondering what you guys do to make them more sensitive. I have the pan really loose and the dog right on the edge of the pan. I have set them off plenty of times tryin to get the dog right on the edge but still have had them sprung or still set with all my bait gone. any tips?

[David G Duncan]

Duck-Hunter,

A # 1 coilspring might not be the best trap for a float set for muskrats.

A # 1 or # 1 1/2 longspring trap are probably better suited for this type of set. They will fire easier and will probably get a better hold on the muskrat.

Also, they are probably heavier than a # 1 coilspring and will make it easier to drown your catch.

Good Luck!

[Duck-Hunter]

Dave,
Thanks for the info.

[trapper_max]

if the traps arent somewhat bedded, the rats might knock them over when getting on the float. i use mud.


tm

[rickr]

i stablize my traps by putting two small nails on either side of the base plate. it holds the trap in place till it fires, or one nail if the trap has a hole in the base. either way the rat can't slide the trap off till their caught.

[bkeee]

I use #1 Longsprings and drill a hole on the base. Once I set the trap I set the trap on a nail (through the hole I drilled) that I cut the head off to stabilize it. I've found that muskrat will pull the trap oof while climbing on the float, usually by the chain.

[mydogisscout]

you might try night-latching them also