HOW TO SET.
In explaining size pen some make them 2 feet long, writes a New York
trapper, while one 12 inches long (as used on this trail), is
sufficient; not only that, but it is superior for the following
reasons: A 2 foot pen would let the animal pass inside and beyond the
drop when sprung, unless the animal stepped on the treddle.
The Indians' trap is made by cutting a sapling 3 or 4 inches in
diameter off the butt end cut a piece 2 foot and place on the ground
for a bed piece; drive four stakes, two on either side of bed piece,
leaving a space between of 12 inches, using the balance of pole for
the drop to play between the stakes. For balance of pen a few stakes,
bark or slabs cut from a tree.
For a spindle, cut from a hemlock, spruce or other dry limb a piece
eight or ten inches long, sharpen one end to a point, the other end
flatten a trifle for an inch or two on the underside, so that when
placed on the bed piece it will lay steady. Now with a sharp knife,
commence 1/2 inch back, and round off top side of spindle on which to
place a standard four inches in length, cut from same material as
spindle.
In setting, place the bait on the spindle so as to leave a space of
only six inches from bait to the standard; now take spindle in left
hand, standard in right hand, kneel down, raise the drop placing one
knee under it to hold it up the right height. Lay spindle onto center
of bed piece and place the standard on top of spindle, letting drop
rest on top of standard so as to keep the pieces in position. Now by
moving the standard out or in on the spindle, the spring of the trap
can be so gauged that it will set safely for weeks or months, sprung
easily, and hold anything from a weasel to a raccoon.
It is sure, as it kills immediately, giving them no chance to escape
by twisting or gnawing off their legs. It is not so quickly made and
set as a steel trap, and never gives "Sneakums" inducements to
approach it for future use. After the trap is set, place bark or
something suitable between the stakes above the drop and cover top of
pen so as to compel the animal to enter in front, and at the same
time ward off snow and sleet from interfering with its workings.
Weight the drop pole on either side of pen by placing on chunks of
wood or stone.
* * *
There are several ways to set deadfalls, as different triggers are
used. The manner in constructing these traps is varied somewhat in
the different sections. The illustration shown here is of a trap that
is used to a considerable extent in all parts of America. The trapper
for marten in the far North, the opossum trapper of West Virginia,
Kentucky and Missouri, the skunk trapper of the New England States
and the mink trapper of the west have all used this trap with
success. It is for the hundreds of young and inexperienced trappers
that the deadfall is shown here.
[Illustration: TWO PIECE TRIGGER TRAP.]
The trigger as shown, that is the one extending back into the pen, is
all one piece. This trigger is usually cut from a bush and often
requires some time to find one suited. If you intend to build a few
traps of this kind it is well to be on the lookout in advance for
suitable triggers. This trap is set with only two triggers, the one
with the straight part extending back into the pen and the prong on
which the "fall" is resting and the other trigger is driven into the
ground so that it is only a little higher than the under log of the
trap.
This trap can be set with the triggers known as figure 4 if
preferred. Coon, mink, opossum, skunk and marten are usually not hard
to catch in deadfalls, although now and then an animal for some
reason is extremely hard to catch.
In building deadfalls it is best to split the end of the pole
fartherest from the pen or bait and drive the stake there. This will
hold the upper or "fall" pole solid, so that there will be no danger
of its turning of its own weight and falling.
* * *
I enclose plan and description of a deadfall I have used with success
on skunk and other fur animals, writes a trapper from New York State.
Never having seen anything like it described I thought it might be a
help to those using these traps. During November and December, 1897,
I caught 11 skunk in one deadfall like this one.
[Illustration: STRING AND TRIGGER TRAP.]
Stakes are driven in the ground to form the pen same as on figure 4
or other deadfall, but no brush or sticks should be laid on top of
pen as it would prevent the vertical stick from lifting up, A small
log or board with stones on may be laid on pole for more weight. The
pole may be from ten to fifteen feet long and about three inches in
diameter. AA 18 inches or more out of the ground and one-half inch in
diameter; B 20 inches, X one-half inch; C about 16 X 3/4 inches; D 20
X 3/4 inches; E same as AA only not crotch; F 1/4 inch. Rope long
enough to go around pole and over B and tie around C. D should be
from 1 to 3 inches above ground according to what is being trapped.
Bait should be laid on ground or fastened to stake near middle of
pen.