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Post by musher on Jun 29, 2004 16:57:12 GMT -6
My main use for drags is when the ground is too rough to stake in. If I can, I wrap the drag and chain in the alders. I slide the chain under the leaves in order to hide it. Usually the critter stays right there.
When I want to get something out of sight I bury the drag. Before I do so I wrap some flagging around the grapple.Iif the flagging falls off it gives me a direction. If the flagging stays on it makes things easier to find. I believe in 10-12 foot chains. it's a kick to spot the flagging, figure it's yours (flagging is everywhere around here) then finally spot the cat looking at you.
I have one lost drag. I don't know what happened. It's possible I was ripped off as I don't see what else could have occured.
I put wolf snares on drags when the location demands it. Works great. The trail is easy to follow as wolves become brush saws when they tangle!
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Post by trappnman on Jun 29, 2004 17:32:10 GMT -6
So- hands down- what is the best drag?
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Post by BrandonH on Jun 29, 2004 17:46:06 GMT -6
JC Conner's Tracker Plus gets my vote as the "best drag."
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Post by 17kiss on Jun 29, 2004 18:11:14 GMT -6
I like Clefus's drags. ;D
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Post by skidway on Jun 29, 2004 19:22:53 GMT -6
I've only used the one's I've made out of rod in the shop so I can't really compare to anything else. JC Conner makes a good looking one but bent rebar is cheap and effective in the woods so it gets my vote.
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Post by Wackyquacker on Jun 29, 2004 19:54:14 GMT -6
There is a hands down best drag just like the is a hands down best trap. Conditions dictate the best drag. As long as the points are approximately parallel to the shaft, offset in some manner and the width of the drag is about 1/2 the length it will work well. Kickers, plows and dead weight can help but a fellow ought to consider need vs cost vs benefit. For example, I'm for sure that Oconners drag is a dandy...but its pricey, heavy and more effort for ME to make than a grapple. A plain old grapple is dandy in the brush and bogs...in open country, pastures and hard froozen ground the addition of the plow is a huge help.
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Post by 17kiss on Jun 29, 2004 20:34:09 GMT -6
Quacker , that is why my vote is for Clefus's drags. A little higher than some at $72/dozen , but has a great bite. I figured it out to make some similar and hard to make for price he is selling for.
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Post by Clefus on Jun 29, 2004 20:53:04 GMT -6
;D I try to keep stuff reasonable...
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Post by Cliffy on Jun 29, 2004 21:55:44 GMT -6
Pic for woody ;D On flat open ground I had a coyote take one 20 feet or so but usually less than 10 feet. They are between 15 and 20 pounds each, and yes, for sets near the road only LOL. Think a theif might get one about 20 yards before he figures it ain't worth it Cliffy
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Post by vttrapper on Jun 30, 2004 13:26:06 GMT -6
Best drag? I only use my homemade drags, but, I have had the best luck with drags made out of flat stock with the shovels pivoting, about 3.5 lbs. Flat drags out of rerod or flat stock work, but sometimes will not give a good drag trail. I would not want to use them unless I was in thick brush. Drags with bent up points work better, but not as well as the pivoting drag where both points are digging. frank
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Post by Maineman on Jun 30, 2004 15:58:41 GMT -6
I'll relate this back to Steve's question if anyone ever lost an animal with a drag...I set up the corner of a large hay bale year before last with a #2 bridger attached to 8 foot of chain and a 2 prong drag...The bale was only 5 feet from a wooded area..An area that would easily tangle any red fox in seconds...Problem was, when the fox got snapped, instead of looking for cover, he took off across 400 yards of open field and entered a hedgrow on the other side of the field... After over an hour looking, I found him...It taught me not to set drags in the open, EVEN if there is cover within 5 feet...Just because it's there, dosn't mean they are going to use it... Another question...What's the longest you've had to look to find an animal attached to a drag and how far did it go? Dave Z
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nickb
Skinner...
Posts: 72
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Post by nickb on Jul 1, 2004 5:45:31 GMT -6
Ole Melon Head (Clefus) makes a mighty fine looking drag. Workmanship is A #1. Ya just gets whats ya pay for!
One thing I know for certain, the weight of the drag/grapple is very important. ( Sounds like Cliffy has this part well covered)! ;D It can not hook up if it's bouncing up in the air as the animal speeds off.
Musher's use of survey tape is another good practice.
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Post by Maineman on Jul 1, 2004 10:29:16 GMT -6
Clefus, Received my Drags in the mail yesterday...Thanks...You weren't kidding about the package job...lol...
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Post by woody on Jul 1, 2004 10:59:40 GMT -6
Cliffy ;D when ya going to start selling them rail road track drags ;D
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Post by Cliffy on Jul 1, 2004 15:55:09 GMT -6
I was lucky enough to get some free scrap metal so they are no longer being produced (limited edition series) ;D
I'll sell ya a couple for $5.00 each, but shipping will be $ 49.95 each LOL.
Cliffy
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Post by Clefus on Jul 1, 2004 21:54:49 GMT -6
8-)Maineman I didnt want a postal clerk getting impaled.. ;D
I'll have to re-engineer the packaging...
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Post by Obejoyful on Jul 1, 2004 22:19:02 GMT -6
Maybe a couple of yotes in 10 years or so T-man. Not enough to be in any way concerned. Anyway back to the origional question.
If I'm useing a grapple which is what I think you're talking about, I usually bury them under the trap. If not I'll strech out the chain and cover it with ground litter.
If I'm useing a heavy log or a big rock as a drag, don't laugh it works great in open country, I'll again strech out the chain and cover it with ground litter.
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