Muskrats and Mink

[stickbowhntr]

I have a 1.2acre surface area pond and there are a few about same size within 3 miles of my home. I used to see muskrats [20 years ago would trap 10-20 out of my pond alone]. i see almost none during our fur season [late Nov to mid Jan but always some in spring. Mink I have never seen nor trapped here. I used to trap i simply because It's is 200' from my fur shed. My question is several of this type ponds are secure areas and easy access. Even with no sign, there are bass and bluegills in all the ponds, is there any sense to set them again? You think it would be waste of time to set for maybe 10 days now? We get skim ice every nit and then thaw daily. I am NOT a water trapper even my coons are land sets....HELP, Thanks

[C1972]

This is just my opinion, but I think having a red-tail hawk sitting in what seems to be, every other damn tree, can't be helping the 'rat population flourish. Plus, run-off from the new no-till farming HAS to have an impact someway, somehow.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy raptors. Although, I think they need to managed just like any other predator. Just my .02 Bill.

[stickbowhntr]

MAN you are so right with that Chris. I did walk around it this afternoon and found a small very small amount of rat sign...will set - up tuesday when I am off.

[lumberjack]

I would concentrate my sets on the outlet stream if there isnt much sign. Rats from the main creek will probably visit it during high water. Look for trails from the breast down to the run.
Pocket set/channel/ bottom edge it and that should take care of the mink too.
Sounds like a place where you will have to leave them set awhile, maybe not a high production area?

[stickbowhntr]

I am making flags to be triggered when trap fires and then I can see from kitchen and gas well road without have to run around for a few sets a lot...lol..IF KAsper could just see them..L.O.L.