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Old 01-10-2017, 10:00 PM
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Default Freezing footholds-- need some tricks

Hey guys,
I missed 2 wolves last night, both stepped right on top of my footholds. Both failed to fire. I'm obviously doing something wrong with the way I am bedding them in the snow.

What are your tips and tricks for bedding in snow to avoid freeze up?

Thanks!
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Old 01-10-2017, 10:23 PM
Reddog Reddog is offline
 
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what traps you using?
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Old 01-10-2017, 10:36 PM
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nimrod nimrod is offline
 
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An old Native guy told me he used, a high alcohol beverage like bacardi 151, to marinate bait in to not allow it to freeze, maybe traps would not freeze, if you douse it when set, like oiling it.

no joke about the 151 stuff
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Old 01-11-2017, 04:09 AM
nube nube is offline
 
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I use wax paper on mine. If you use the light fluffy snow you can sprinkle it over top very lightly and it works well.
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Old 01-11-2017, 06:46 AM
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Wax paper,

Crumple and work until it doesn't crackle any more.
Cut it to just fit between the jaws, then set the trap and pass it under one jaw, over the pan and under the second jaw.

That keeps snow from getting under the pan and stopping the pan from moving and it keeps the jaws from freezing down.
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Old 01-11-2017, 06:48 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nimrod View Post
An old Native guy told me he used, a high alcohol beverage like bacardi 151, to marinate bait in to not allow it to freeze, maybe traps would not freeze, if you douse it when set, like oiling it.

no joke about the 151 stuff
Works well on bait, but on a trap will get your trap dug out.
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Old 01-11-2017, 09:58 AM
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maybe put a few drops of mineral oil on the springs, not sure if it has a scent or not though. I have also used wax paper for leg holds in the snow and it works pretty good.
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Old 01-11-2017, 04:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by philintheblank View Post
maybe put a few drops of mineral oil on the springs, not sure if it has a scent or not though. I have also used wax paper for leg holds in the snow and it works pretty good.
Mineral oil will get stiff. Dry graphite powder is a better winter lube for moving parts. I think a good dry trap,no lube, with wax paper is the way to go. Even wax paper under the trap to keep the pan clear of snow.
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