Marten Box Dimensions?

[jigs]

I am making some marten boxes for Belisle #120 traps and would like to know the inside dimensions. I will be using 3/4" sides and 7/16" front and back. also what length should I make them?

Thanks in advance.

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by jigs

I am making some marten boxes for Belisle #120 traps and would like to know the inside dimensions. I will be using 3/4" sides and 7/16" front and back. also what length should I make them?

Here's my specs for 120 Belisle trap boxes used on horizontal or leaning poles.
Dimensions: For 5/8 or 3/4 inch lumber or plywood
Bottom 8” x 18”
Top 8” x 14”
Sides 6 ½” x 14”
Inside Dimensions
Width: 6 3/4 inches
Height: 6 1/2 inches

I use long spring slots on my boxes so that with the trap set close to the bait the animal will be centered to the trap and stable when it fires the trap resulting in consistant humane neck/thorax catches. Whereas if set far in front of the bait the marten may jump a pan trigger, or get thru standard wires, and trigger the trap with its hind quarters resulting in a poor inhumane catch.

[HunterDave]

Here's a scan of one from the trappers manual. When I first saw it I wondered how many guys designed them like this with the wire cloth on the back.

[Big Grey Wolf]

I would consider thinner plywood 1/2" to make them lighter to carry. Also consider triangular shape similar to Halfords plastic design (smaller screen end then they are stackable.

[460ford]

6.5"x8" out of 1/2" plywood

The 8" is your top and bottom that sit on top and under your side walls.

I like a 16" long box with the dog pointing in. Had real good luck with clean catches.

[mark-edmonton]

I've made them both ways! Square and triagular. I like the triagular ones better as they are stackable!