Best Place to get a Weasel

FlyTrapper · #1 10-26-2013, 07:31 PM

Hi guys,

I have heard that the best to trap for Weasel on farmland is along the fence line, I will be using a Weasel Box and was wondering another good setup for Weasel. Thanks!

TRAPPER92 · #2 10-26-2013, 07:38 PM

Right along creeks in high grass and around beaver houses

KegRiver · #3 10-26-2013, 07:45 PM

Are you asking about locations for a good set or about the type of sets?

FlyTrapper · #4 10-26-2013, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KegRiver

Are you asking about locations for a good set or about the type of sets?

Both but mostly good sets.
Thanks!

KegRiver · #5 10-26-2013, 10:13 PM

Two of my favorite sets are a 32oz can with a #0 or #1 set in the open end.
Or a Victor rat trap.

Like this,

I drill two small holes about the middle of the V symbol and run a haywire through the holes so I can wire the trap to a post or small tree.

I'm not entirely satisfied with either set as they are both prone to mice and bird problems. But I seldom target Weasel.

Most of my weasel are caught in Marten and Mink sets.

Such a set would work for Weasel but I have always thought that a 110 is too large for best performance on Weasel.

If a smaller trap were made, I think my set would be very effective for Weasel. As it is, with the larger trap, I miss some and some are not caught humanely.

For locations; fence rows, bale stacks, brush piles, slough edges, creeks, any place mice might be concentrated.

An old old trick for catching Weasel. Set a #1 in a pile of feathers. It seems to work. Seems Weasels can't resist pouncing on feathers.

nube · #6 10-26-2013, 11:33 PM

I made a dozen boxes this yearand had a 2 " hole drilled at the front. Wire mesh at the back. Used rat traps like above but with a plastic pan. Will bait with Muskrat and I have some weasel lure.

Red Bullets · #7 10-27-2013, 11:20 AM

One thing to know is that weasels do not shy away from metal or human scent. Doesn't bother them so setting around old farmyards is good. Like Keg mentioned for spots to set. Also set around old machinery or pipeyards.
Once it snows you will know where they are travelling. A weasel will take 7 to 10 days to do his territory circuit. If you see tracks, the weasel will be back. Set close by.
Check your weasel sets more often as mice and birds will chew up a caught weasel.

Good Luck.

FlyTrapper · #8 10-27-2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nube

I made a dozen boxes this yearand had a 2 " hole drilled at the front. Wire mesh at the back. Used rat traps like above but with a plastic pan. Will bait with Muskrat and I have some weasel lure.

Ya I was at the Calgary Trappers Local meeting and that's what I was shown, I was planning on making, the one I saw had the plastic pan as well with the mesh. Also thanks to Keg and Red for the continued help and information so far!

braggadoe · #9 10-27-2013, 12:32 PM

nube · #10 10-27-2013, 02:41 PM

I have always used muskrat for bait and it works well. What type of Lure do you guys use? I have some Hawbakers that is old and I just bought some new stuff to try out. Not sure if it matters much. My plan is to drop off a few weasel boxes while I am out snaring yotes and Muskrats along the way. Weasels like the same type of habitat and I figured why not. The downside of it all is they are not worth much

Red Bullets · #11 10-27-2013, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nube

I have always used muskrat for bait and it works well. What type of Lure do you guys use? I have some Hawbakers that is old and I just bought some new stuff to try out. Not sure if it matters much. My plan is to drop off a few weasel boxes while I am out snaring yotes and Muskrats along the way. Weasels like the same type of habitat and I figured why not. The downside of it all is they are not worth much

The best lure for a weasel is to use its curiousity against itself. They like holes.
A set made to look like a hole will attract weasels. Feathers are a good attractant too. Even a mouse is a good.

I used to make a lure called amber oil. You use any kind of raw fish a fill a big glass jar with cut up raw fish. Put the lid on and poke 1 very small hole in the lid to help vent gases.
Now put the jar somewhere where it won't freeze and in the sun. It will take up to a year to break down . There should be a layer of amber colored oil on top. Bottle the amber oil and use sparingly. A drop or two at a time. Can mix with glycerine for extreme cold temps. Good for small carnivores.

KegRiver · #12 10-27-2013, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Bullets

I used to make a lure called amber oil. You use any kind of raw fish a fill a big glass jar with cut up raw fish. Put the lid on and poke 1 very small hole in the lid to help vent gases.
Now put the jar somewhere where it won't freeze and in the sun. It will take up to a year to break down . There should be a layer of amber colored oil on top. Bottle the amber oil and use sparingly. A drop or two at a time. Can mix with glycerine for extreme cold temps. Good for small carnivores.

Never heard it called that, but I have used it, with great results.

Most often I use beaver, because beaver is plentiful and effective.

Over the years I've used Fish Oil/Amber Oil, Beaver, Blood, Grouse guts, Feathers, Rabbit (didn't work well), canned Sardine, and even, just lure, such as pure Skunk essence and Beaver Castor.

All except the rabbit (Hare) worked, none seemed better then any other.
The blood only worked when it was fresh and unfrozen.

bunnyhunter · #13 10-27-2013, 04:07 PM

a law office...

Sorry couldn't resist!

tankdog · #14 10-27-2013, 04:38 PM

[IMG]img1291[/IMG]

hal53 · #15 10-27-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bunnyhunter

a law office...

Sorry couldn't resist!

...or try the front steps of the Senate, you'll need bigger traps though,

pickrel pat · #16 10-27-2013, 05:23 PM

Sardines are simple, cheap and effective.

FlyTrapper · #17 10-27-2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KegRiver

Two of my favorite sets are a 32oz can with a #0 or #1 set in the open end.
Or a Victor rat trap.

Like this,

I drill two small holes about the middle of the V symbol and run a haywire through the holes so I can wire the trap to a post or small tree.

I'm not entirely satisfied with either set as they are both prone to mice and bird problems. But I seldom target Weasel.

Most of my weasel are caught in Marten and Mink sets.

Such a set would work for Weasel but I have always thought that a 110 is too large for best performance on Weasel.

If a smaller trap were made, I think my set would be very effective for Weasel. As it is, with the larger trap, I miss some and some are not caught humanely.

For locations; fence rows, bale stacks, brush piles, slough edges, creeks, any place mice might be concentrated.

An old old trick for catching Weasel. Set a #1 in a pile of feathers. It seems to work. Seems Weasels can't resist pouncing on feathers.

I looked online for some Weasel box plans (same as what braggadoe posted) and I figured, if you made it a bit longer, so more of the Weasel is in the box and the hole slightly higher then there would not be so much risk of a bird and mouse accessibility to the animal. Just a thought.

nube · #18 10-27-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyTrapper

I looked online for some Weasel box plans (same as what braggadoe posted) and I figured, if you made it a bit longer, so more of the Weasel is in the box and the hole slightly higher then there would not be so much risk of a bird and mouse accessibility to the animal. Just a thought.

Flytrapper, there is a ton of weasel info on Trapperman.com website. Tons fo info there

Also I use a lot of skunk essence for in the middle of a chunk of small bush that I have bait in. I put snares in all the trails in and out and it works well to call coyotes long distance. I never thought of using it for attracting weasels. Might have to try as it is good for cold weather.

FlyTrapper · #19 10-27-2013, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nube

Flytrapper, there is a ton of weasel info on Trapperman.com website. Tons fo info there

Also I use a lot of skunk essence for in the middle of a chunk of small bush that I have bait in. I put snares in all the trails in and out and it works well to call coyotes long distance. I never thought of using it for attracting weasels. Might have to try as it is good for cold weather.

Cool, thanks for the info!

braggadoe · #20 10-28-2013, 07:07 AM

my partner is a weasel specialist. averaged 8$/weasel last year. he prefers other weasel carcass for bait/lure. second choice, feathers/guts.

FlyTrapper · #21 10-28-2013, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by braggadoe

my partner is a weasel specialist. averaged 8$/weasel last year. he prefers other weasel carcass for bait/lure. second choice, feathers/guts.

Very cool! Lucky that he got started at an early age, and has a dad to go with. My dad is not a trappers so I'm kind of on my own for getting started. Thanks for sharing!

jim summit · #22 10-28-2013, 07:45 AM

You guys ever heard of a weasel pipe? It's a 1 1/2" piece of pipe about 18" long with a cap on one end. Stick it into the snow till it just sticks out a bit, toss in some bait and weasel jumps in and can't back out.

Not sure about it meeting standards as it falls under home made traps. Thought it was a neat idea, very compact to carry around.

C Taylor · #23 10-28-2013, 08:01 AM

A 110 conibear in a road culvert by a slough with cattails in it. Chunk of meat on the trigger. Other spots I like is rock piles. Nov is when I find they move the most

The Spruce · #24 10-28-2013, 01:00 PM

My best luck for weasels (besides Marten and fisher boxes) has been setting any spot where there is gaps in the windrow on fields. The weasels use the slight tree cover to move around, the get cautious when about to cross the opening, and the pause gives them time to sniff out the bait in the weasel box. Has worked excellent for me, I leave a set in place for at least 7-10 days to make sure you picked up any waesels in the area. I use the small boxes with a neck breaker in front of the trap....this neck breaker has landed me some mink as well.

Happy Trapping!

KegRiver · #25 10-28-2013, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim summit

You guys ever heard of a weasel pipe? It's a 1 1/2" piece of pipe about 18" long with a cap on one end. Stick it into the snow till it just sticks out a bit, toss in some bait and weasel jumps in and can't back out.

Not sure about it meeting standards as it falls under home made traps. Thought it was a neat idea, very compact to carry around.

Never heard of it, but I had thought of building such a device, for Bears.

Doggone things tore up my cabin every year and I was contemplating revenge. Never did try it though. Perhaps that's a good thing.

nube · #26 10-28-2013, 01:44 PM

Any idea when they get white ? I think the season opens on Nov 1. I got to check on that but no use unless they are white in colour

remmy300 · #27 10-28-2013, 02:41 PM

ottawa..

braggadoe · #28 10-28-2013, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim summit

You guys ever heard of a weasel pipe? It's a 1 1/2" piece of pipe about 18" long with a cap on one end. Stick it into the snow till it just sticks out a bit, toss in some bait and weasel jumps in and can't back out.

Not sure about it meeting standards as it falls under home made traps. Thought it was a neat idea, very compact to carry around.

KegRiver · #29 10-28-2013, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nube

Any idea when they get white ? I think the season opens on Nov 1. I got to check on that but no use unless they are white in colour

They should be white or turning white now.

They usually prime up by the end of October. Same time the rabbits turn white.

Look for white rabbits.