Mink Trap bait?

Dogghound · #1 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 07:51 PM

I am currently involved in some mink trapping work (in the name of conservation) on the edge of the North York Moors. At the moment im using predominatly fish (Trout) but am having the problem of it rotting down quickly and being stripped to bone by maggots in as little as 3 days. I dont have the means to get lots of rabbits or birds to cut up (other than road kill) any advice on cheap alternatives or ways of getting it. The local gamekeepers are hard to get hold of.

Thanks

Plus I dont want this to get into a should I shouldnt I trap mink thread.

tameblackbirds · #2 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 08:01 PM

Does it have to be freely resourced bate?

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 08:04 PM

Anything within reason i.e water voles as bait are out of the question

.

tameblackbirds · #4 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 08:06 PM

Ha ha

wondered if local butchers could help they dump such a lot of scraps

valleyforge · #5 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 08:15 PM

If you are using a live catch trap, such as that used in a mink raft, then it's not usual or necessary to use bait at all.

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 09:20 PM

Thankyou both for your input.

Fauna · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

I am currently involved in some mink trapping work (in the name of conservation) on the edge of the North York Moors. At the moment im using predominatly fish (Trout) but am having the problem of it rotting down quickly and being stripped to bone by maggots in as little as 3 days. I dont have the means to get lots of rabbits or birds to cut up (other than road kill) any advice on cheap alternatives or ways of getting it. The local gamekeepers are hard to get hold of.

Thanks

Plus I dont want this to get into a should I shouldnt I trap mink thread.

Hi mate...i use smoked fish, kippers etc, if i'm traping mink. Smoked fish lasts longer in the trap (slugs love it though), it also gives off a stronger smell to other baits. I also collect feathers from dead birds and scatter around area of the trap, this helps as a visual aid for the mink to home in on.

Dogs · #8 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 08:38 PM

Hi mate

Good on you for doing a bit of mink trapping! Ive done a lot of it in the past and still do a bit at present....

Ive always prefered using fresh rabbit or game or fish, simply chopped into portions suitable for the trap. But as you say these need changing every 3 days in the summer, but can often last a fortnight in winter.

However I do know a cheaty method that is very cheap and works very well indeed... next time your at the supermarket or general store, buy a few pots of that sandwich spread of a fish flavour... there are a few good ones like salmon, shrimp, tuna, ect... all good! But before you use them, you must leave them OPENED (but with lid placed on gently) in a warm place for at least 24 hours, so they start to stink, i often leave in work vehicle, much to the disgust of any passengers lol!!

To use, simply spread a little bit onto the back of the trap and both sides of the trigger plate.... dosent need much!! One small jar will last a fair while, and the 'value' ones retail for only about 40-50p!

Hope this helps, and please let me know how you get on... ive caught many with this method, and though i dont think it is quite as aluring as natural prey species as bait, it may be just the thing for you.

All the best

Dogs

Dogghound · #9 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 08:51 PM

Fantastic thanks alot for this help Fauna and Dogs I really appreciate it. No success yet. But will try these methods and keep you posted. As I stated before this work is vital in the protection of a large and old population of water voles further up river.

Fauna · #10 (**permalink**) 30-09-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Fantastic thanks alot for this help Fauna and Dogs I really appreciate it. No success yet. But will try these methods and keep you posted. As I stated before this work is vital in the protection of a large and old population of water voles further up river.

No success may be a good thing there Dogg...no Mink about

This is the right time to start trapping, Mink will be on the move more through Autumn and Winter, young dispersing, setting up new "territories" and the availabilty of food being lower this time of year.

And cheers there Dogs i will try the sandwhich spread sounds like a good bait