How to Choose a Bobcat Trap

A variety of steel traps are on the market that are suitable for trapping bobcat. Traps are divided into sizes -- the larger the size number, the larger jaw spread on the trap. Spring design is an important consideration in choosing a bobcat trap. There are three basic types, double long-spring, under-spring, and coil-spring. Under-spring and coil-springs are designed to jump upwards to take a higher hold on the animal's leg. Some states require traps to have padded or offset jaws. Check with individual state trapping regulations as to which traps are legal to use.

Things You'll Need

  • Trappers catalog
  • Trapping books
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose double long-spring traps for trapping in deserts, light dirt or where there is little or no snow. Double-spring traps simply snap shut and do not spring up, so a larger jaw spread is necessary to take in the foot. Sizes 2, 3 and 4 are the choices for bobcat.

    • 2

      Select coil-spring traps where the trap has to snap shut through snow, ice, or frozen dirt. The springs are designed to deliver a powerful upward thrust snapping shut no matter what is covering it. Size 3 is the best choice; however, a size 4 is used when snow and ice are a problem in keeping traps working.

    • 3

      Use under-spring traps in sizes 3 and 4 which deliver a higher grip than a long-spring in light snow or dirt; however, they do not give a powerful upward thrust like coil-springs. Larger size under-springs are being replaced by coil-springs and are not as commonly found as in years past.

    • 4

      Set out the large killer traps, such as the 330 Conibear, in sets where the bobcat is expected to walk through the trap. They can be effective; however, bobcats do not like to squeeze through a tight place, which makes the 10-by-10 inch opening of a killer trap the least effective trap for bobcat.

    • 5

      Use only padded jaw traps or offset jaw traps with a gap between the jaws where state trapping laws require them for land trapping. These traps are available in the sizes and spring designs of the conventional traps.