How to Make Bottom Edge Sets for Mink and Muskrats

The bottom edge set is a blind set that does not use bait or scent lure. The set draws on minks' and muskrats' natural habit of walking in the water, or swimming against vertical stream banks. You can make this set on a pond; however, you would do best to make it on a stream or slough with a slow or barely moving current. The proper spot for the set is where the water runs up against a straight, vertical bank. Use a small-body grip trap, such as the 110 Conibear or a No. 1 1/2 underspring or coilspring trap.

Things You'll Need

  • Body grip traps
  • Leg hold traps
  • Rebar wire
  • Hatchet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a place on the stream edge with a vertical bank. Approach the spot from the water by using a boat or leaving the bank then wading in the water up to the set spot.

    • 2

      Use a leg-hold trap if the water at the bank is less than 3 inches deep. Place the set trap so that the jaw hinges are parallel to the vertical bank and the jaw without the trigger is 1/2 inch away from the bank. Push and wriggle the trap down into the stream bottom so it does not rock.

    • 3

      Twist 2 to 3 feet of rebar wire to the trap chain ring. Twist the opposite end of the wire around a wooden stake and bring the stake straight out from the trap toward the center of the stream. Drive the stake down into the stream bottom until it holds solidly in place to complete the set.

    • 4

      Place a body-grip trap in the water instead of a leg-hold trap. Position the set trap so the jaw hinge touches the vertical bank and the spring extends out toward the center of the stream. Push the spring down until it touches the stream bottom.

    • 5

      Anchor the body-grip trap in position by placing a stick directly against each side of the spring and pushing the sticks into the stream bottom. These sticks will also serve as a guide to direct the animal through the trap. Push a cut portion of branch through the trap chain ring into the stream bottom to keep the trap at the set.

    • 6

      Use a body-grip trap if the water is over 3 inches deep at the vertical bank. Set the trap in the same manner as in shallower water. The animal will swim into the trap rather than walk into it.