Traps and Trapping
This page contains resources on the traps available to manage wildlife damage problems.
When searching for the right trap to use to manage wildlife damage, one can be overwhelmed by the available options. This portion of the site is dedicated to helping you sort through the options to find the best solution for your particular situation. Please understand that we will have to speak in general terms as the applicability of any of these options depends on the setting, local laws and regulations, as well as personal preferences.
We hope that you will find this information helpful in making more informed and responsible wildlife damage management decisions. Contact your state wildlife agency to determine who can set traps under what circumstances, and legal requirements.
Types of Traps
Foothold
These are sometimes mistakenly called a leg-hold. Trappers want to catch an animal on the pad of the foot, not above the ankle; the pad has more cushioning. It is the difference between catching someone on the palm of their hand versus their forearm.
Footholds come in a number of different designs and configurations:
Parts of a foothold | Double-longspring foothold |
Longspring with stop-loss bar | Coil spring foothold (round jaw) |
Jump trap foothold | |
Video on foothold trap -National Trappers Association
Cable-Restraint Traps (AKA Snares)
Many people mistakenly believe that snares kill the animals caught in them. The fact is, whether a snare kills or not is determined by the trapper. This is why calling them cable-restraints is a more accurate description of snares.
Traditional Snare | |
Collurum Cable Restraint
Manufactured by Wildlife Control Supplies. This live-capture device is one of the most species-specific traps on the market for canines. It has been so effective at capturing animals with minimal injury that dog catchers are beginning to use the device to catch stray dogs. |
Body-gripping Traps
Body-gripping traps, commonly known by the trade name Conibear® (photo below), are designed to kill the animal. They were originally invented as a more humane way to capture furbearers. A snap trap, often used for mice or rats, is another tip of body gripping trap.
Cage or Box Traps
Cage traps or box traps, mistakenly called live traps, capture the animal by essentially imprisoning it.
To learn about cage trap safety click Cage Trap Safety.
Species-specific & Specialty Traps
The enclosed foothold trap is a live restraint device made of durable nylon and steel with an enclosed trigger and casing that encapsulates the captured foot. The trigger is in a tube, which reduces the capture of nontargets, making it species-specific by the size of the tube. This device demonstrates exceptional performance with animal welfare, safety, selectivity, and efficiency. Approximate Size: 3 ¾” in diameter and 4 ½” long. Approximate Weight: 5/8 lb.
Duffer Trap
- Instructions (PDF)
Egg Trap
- Instructions – (PDF)
- Setting Tools – (PDF)
- Instructions – (PDF) written by Wildlife Control Supplies
Wildlife Trapping Baits & Lures
Baits and lures are an important factor in any wildlife trapping situation. To be successful, you need the correct enticement for your target animal.
- Baits: are generally solid materials used to entice an animal into the trap. They make the animal think food is available.
- Lures: are generally liquid materials and can stimulate wildlife activity through the mating impulse, food impulse, or territorial impulse.