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Post by chub618 on Dec 15, 2004 17:17:28 GMT -6
well so far i have been unsuccessfull at mink trapping!!!! caught alot of rats and coon but still no mink! what is the secret, i have a few books on the subject but still no success. i have few root type sets out and alot of pocket sets. maybe i have to just start setting everything and then go from there. ive tried the b/e set but only connected on a few rats at that set so far
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Post by BK on Dec 15, 2004 17:58:23 GMT -6
When you speak of the BE set you mention " that set" I would set a few to get the rats dead so your traps are open for mink, and without rats,.......... they will be hunting harder.
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Post by Ridgerunner on Dec 15, 2004 18:02:16 GMT -6
Chub, I'm assuming that you have mink on that stream.
If you are picking up sign, and have the time to stay with it, you will connect. On the "B.E." set, it is very common to catch the 'rats first, but not a set rule.
In the meantime, look over some other waters, and pay very close attention as to where mink enter and exit the water ... Set those locations as well.
If you have the opportunity, follow a small stream after the snow and ice are on. When you "pick up" a set of mink tracks, follow them as much as possible, and don't even try to set it up ... Just observe, even if it takes all week end ... On frozen water, you will see him use the ice to travel from open water to open water. Now, mentally remove the ice, and try to visualize how he would proceed to any one of a number of "minky" locations ... This little bit of scouting will help you develop a "feel" for what mink are likely to do.
Good Luck,
"Ridge"
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Post by Ridgerunner on Dec 15, 2004 18:07:02 GMT -6
Afrer looking at BK's post I see that I neglected to mention the obvious ... That is: When you make B.E. sets, set heavy. In other words, gang set around small bends, and set every protrusion as your number of traps will allow ... BK is saying that closed traps are opportunity lost ... Amen BK.
"Ridge"
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Post by trappnman on Dec 15, 2004 18:24:42 GMT -6
Keep in mind 1 thing #1 for mink.....adult mink have predators coming form ONE direction..above. (yeah, giant muskies not withdstanding ;D )
Mink travell edges, or so most of us believe, for two reasons...to hunt and to be protected from predators..... in most case, or so I think, from raptors.
So- any small area that offers a little overhead or sideways protection... will get mink stopping and pausing there.
In fact, in mild weather, I think the protection factor is the main reason mink work pockets. Later, when it gets hard to make a living...bait/lure has more value...
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Post by dj88ryr on Dec 15, 2004 18:28:53 GMT -6
chub, I noticed you didn't mention the most important thing, is there mink sign there?? Tracks, scat etc? If there is, keep your traps out, you need to be committed to leaving your sets go empty, if they were there, they will be back, be ready, the closer we get to Jan. the more you will have males looking for mates.
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Post by BK on Dec 15, 2004 20:09:24 GMT -6
Steve hit the nail on the head about the cover,....... overhanging bank sets can be great when the water and the temps are right.
Take a beaver pond that loses water in the winter as so many do, the ice provides overhead cover in a well protected air space to hunt, free of cold and wind.
And in the case of the BE set,...... water serves as the overhead cover.
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Post by Ridgerunner on Dec 15, 2004 20:37:07 GMT -6
Steve, yes yes ... Since I don't know how to copy and paste, your comment about mink "stopping and pausing there" ... The "resting" spots ... A pearl of wisdom/ experience there!
Chub, another way of looking at the caught muskrat that BK refers to is akin to a "no vacancy" sign at a motel ... in other words, the mink simply goes around that obstruction ... BUT, what if ... there is an open coni at the next obstruction? ... Bingo.
"Ridge"
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Post by jim on Dec 16, 2004 5:49:02 GMT -6
They sure like overhanging banks and etc. but I think more for the hunting then for protection. I have seen several times where they go on a marsh from rat house to house on the snow where they sure would be easily seen by raptors, just my opinion.
Jim
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Post by trappnman on Dec 16, 2004 8:18:18 GMT -6
but at what time of day jim?
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Post by woody on Dec 16, 2004 8:38:20 GMT -6
Chub, I souldn't put this out in the open ;D but since I like you  Here's a suggestion that might help  If you are trapping any farms that have barns/rats. ask the farmer if you can trap some out for him, should only take a day or 2 get a few of them. Go back to the creek and put in your pockets so the hle is slanted up and just a little bigger then what a rat would make  make it deep enough to get the whole rat in the hole with about 6 inches between the rat and opening of hole. (maybe alittle more if you want) then place the rat so it is facing/looking out the hole. as the mink looks in the hole and see rat and will try its hardest to get the rat. and if your trap is in the right spot. Mr snake with fur, will be on the slide wire in the morning ;D I can't take credit for this set either, but a great "Minker" in Ohio told me about this set and it works best around bridges If you can give it a try. good luck. woody |
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Post by jim on Dec 16, 2004 9:18:25 GMT -6
Steve; I just saw the tracks but what difference does it make , there are hawks in the day and owls at night.
Jim
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Post by NattyBumpo on Dec 16, 2004 10:16:25 GMT -6
We want you to catch them mink. What are you baiting the pockets with? Do you have mink lure? Use your rats for bait. Quarter them and use big fresh pieces. If you can get crayfish or mice use them. Go to the store and buy a rainbow trout and spread scales all over the place around the pockets, and stuff trout pieces in the pockets. |
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Post by trappnman on Dec 16, 2004 13:23:53 GMT -6
yes there are owls at night Jim.... but darkness is a protective cover....
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Post by chub618 on Dec 16, 2004 17:03:41 GMT -6
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Post by dj88ryr on Dec 16, 2004 17:07:27 GMT -6
Mink trapping is a waiting game, the only predictable thing about Mink is their unpredictability. Leave your sets out, the males will start roaming more soon, lookin for nookie. The scat could be mink, without seeing it, can't be sure, but around the right size. |
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Post by trappnman on Dec 16, 2004 18:20:18 GMT -6
I had an email asking about how to skin a mink, so figured would answer here. Mink aren't hard, but many trappers are a little elary of skinng the first one or two,. I know I always had my dad skin the mink when I was young...didn't want a hole in it!
First thing- lay it on it's back on a table. Ring each back leg. Then cut a line straight across from leg to leg (from ringed spot to ringed spot...cut about 1/2 inch dfrom the base of the tail, this wil lmiss te glands.
Now, work your fingers behind and around each leg, getting it free. THen hold the mink by th tail, so the underside is up and the mink is away from you. Pull each leg down to the tail, make a straight cut just under the anus, pull each side tight to this cut and cut again to the tail. Repeat this on the other leg and this frees the tail and leaves the proper amount on the back of it.
Work your finger under the tail to free the first inch or so, pull the bone out using a tail puller if you have one or two screwdrivers work ok..then split the tail.
Now take the hide with one hand and the rear legs in the other and PULL up until the front legs. Ring these and "pop" them. Pull again until the ears, cut them flush, the eyes next, ...pull gently to the nose and finsh by trimming the chin and nose.
Sounds harder than it is, believe me!
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