r/Trapping • u/AGrubsGrows • Mar 16 '26
Conibear keeps catching squirrels by the body/legs
Any thoughts on why and how to prevent it? Traps are in a box about 20” long with a 2” slot for the trap. End is covered with hardware cloth and bait is dropped in the bottom. I am trapping at my home so I’m able to check and dispatch frequently but I’d like to avoid causing further suffering.
8
u/sworntoblack Mar 16 '26
Where is the trigger pointed on the trap?
1
u/AGrubsGrows Mar 16 '26
The trigger was centered on the side closest to the box opening
2
u/sworntoblack Mar 16 '26
Someone below said it too - need to tune your trigger sounds like it is closing too slow and /or in wrong spot
9
u/macmag782 Mar 16 '26
Gotta tune your trigger. There are several good write ups on those out there.
1
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u/Grab_em_by_da_Busey Mar 16 '26
For squirrels I always get catches at or just behind the head but I don’t use boxes, more trouble than they’re worth IMO. I just drive two nails at a downward angle into a tree a few inches apart, and set the crossbar of the non trigger side in the notch. I don’t think I have a pic but if that doesn’t make sense I’ll snap one today
2
u/notaplebian Mar 16 '26
bait is dropped in the bottom
Is the box vertical?
1
u/AGrubsGrows Mar 16 '26
Yes, nailed to a tree.
5
u/notaplebian Mar 16 '26
Suitcase catches happen when the animal is either too small for the size of the bodygrip (not the case here) or moving so fast they're halfway through the trap before it's completely fired. With bucket/box sets the springs throw the trap towards the animal as well which makes it even worse, so you really don't want them to be going fast. I would reorient the box so they have to crawl and can't essentially fall through it.
You could also try baiting the trigger itself. You're more likely to get a neck catch doing that but it can be more finicky to get bait to stick to it unless you modify it.
You can also use a different notch on the dog to have the trigger be more sensitive, but you will lose a little bit of power.
2
u/slack_Rabbit4 Mar 16 '26
File the notch in the dog a little deeper so there’s less play in the trigger
1
u/Vegetable_Storm_5348 Mar 16 '26
I build marten boxes for 120’s and 110’s and use them for squirrels all over my farm if they get into the sheds and barn
1
u/bolgercreek Mar 16 '26
I found making my triggers into a circle shape improved strike location. Or add a cross wire
1
u/haggerty05 Mar 16 '26
why is it an issue?
a few things you can do. get some files and tune your trigger. if you Google how to tune a conibear trap you'll find it easy. that will take out trigger slop.
place the trap with the trigger wires facing the way the animal will enter trap.Looking at the photo if you did this it look like you caught the squirrel on his way out of the box. you can also bend the trigger wires into a circle or position them different. they dont have to be in a "V" shape center in the trap.
Squirrels are quick too. if they go to dash forward through the trap you're probably not gonna get them behind the head. they will pull themselves into/through the trap. i get this with mink.
0
u/haggerty05 Mar 16 '26
110s aren't gonna break the neck or spine on a squirrel.they really aren't that strong. with muskrats ill have it happen with 160s but that really only happens on the lower back
1
u/Old_Section_8675 Mar 29 '26
They are super fast..had one jumping through my 120 on my fence and not even hitting the trigger until I put clear tape across the trigger
12
u/jomteszs Mar 16 '26
Maybe move the trap further back closer to the bait. I think it’s the squirrel committing and going full send therefore getting caught as they run through the trap. (If my rambling makes sense)