Conibears for coon

[Mr. 16 gauge]

What size conibear is the best for coon? Here in MI, we need to put them in a bucket or some kind of cubby, so that dogs, ect. can't get into them. Therefore, I am looking for the smallest practical size I can use.
Thanks in advance.......

[bigbrother]

A 160 works perfectly. If you place it in a sqaure bucket, cut notches in the end of the bucket for the springs right in the middle, the traps stays above center in the bucket. Place a small rock or stick below the trap to discourage them from trying to reach the bait with their paw.

Another note is to keep your trigger off to one side as much as possible.

Good luck.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Thanks for the info, bigbrother.....the MI DNR shows how to make bucket and box sets with the conibears as to be legal and prevent dogs from getting to them, along with measurements to be legal.

One question: Why do you say "keep your trigger off to one side as much as possible"?

[bigbrother]

I keep it on the bottom slid to rt with both wires straight up. Maybe it doesn't help much but I think it causes less "no takes". They don't seem to have an issue sticking their head in there that way.

[Trapper7]

The best way to avoid dogs or non-target animals is to not set traps where these animals may frequent, any high traffic human areas, near residential areas, or wildlife management areas where hunters may visit.

If you have any doubt about the possibility existing that there may be non-target animals such as dogs, cats, etc, use bait that is not attractive to them such as, marshmallows, grape jelly, honey, fruit, corn, etc. Stay away from fish or meat. Coon are opportunistic feeders that will eat just about anything.

[Trapper7]

I should edit my reply by saying you can still set traps in areas where non-target animals exist, but not the best idea to use bodygrip or killer type traps. Choose a non-lethal type trap such as cage trap, foothold, or dog-proof. Cats can still be accidently caught in a dog-proof trap with little or no damage to their paw. Dogs cannot.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Trapper7;
MI law requires that conibears that are set on land be inside some kind of cubby or box....they even give particulars as to how high they can be set, how deep they must be, ect, ect.
Most of my trapping would be done during deer season (after bird season, so the dog issue is somewhat mute), and I thought that the use of conibears would mean that the coons would be dead and out of sight (in the boxes).
The whole thing has changed, as MI law has changed to allow the nightime hunting of coons with predator calls (before, only dogs could be used), so I may just try and pop some with the .22 magnum at night.
Thanks again for the reply..........