How to Make Trap Pan Covers From Screen

The purpose of using a trap pan cover is to keep dirt out from under the pan on land sets. If not blocked, dirt can fill in under the pan and prevent it from going down when an animal steps on it. Trap pan covers made from flexible aluminum window screen work well at keeping dirt out and preventing the trap from freezing down in the dirt covering. Use a dark-colored screen as a shiny screen will show up should the wind blow the dirt off the trap.

Things You'll Need

  • Aluminum window screen, black or charcoal color
  • Metal snips
  • Tape measure, stiff sewing type
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the trap on a flat surface. Lift up the free jaw that is not under the trap trigger to a 90-degree angle. The jaw will stay up in this position.

    • 2

      Measure the distance between the jaw hinges on the inside of the trap.

    • 3

      Push the end of the tape measure under the trigger jaw with a stick until it is 2 inches past the jaw. Lift the tape with the stick and lay it over the trap pan. Extend the tape past the upright free jaw and lower the jaw flat and take the measurement that is 2 inches past the jaw.

    • 4

      Cut a piece of window screen on the dimensions measured. You should have a rectangle-shaped piece. The dimensions will vary according to the trap being used.

    • 5

      Cut a 2 1/2-inch-long notch the width of the trap dog that holds the trigger on one end of the screen.

    • 6

      Position the screen pan cover on the trap by lifting the free jaw and pushing the notched end of the screen under the trigger jaw. Pull the notched end from outside of the trap until the end of the notch is up against the trap dog. Lay the screen over the pan and lower the free jaw over the screen locking it down and in place.