unusual traps

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

We found several of these in addition to some standard traps. The design appears to be for a specific purpose, as the loop that passes around the trigger will throw anything that is across it from the side outward rather then allowing it to be caught in the jaws. Does anyone know the purpose of this type of trap?

[Former Member]

John, just an observation.

It looks as if it is designed to only catch the critter by the foot. This may be for the purpose to not damage any of the pelt. Or as little of the pelt as required??

[Don McCombs]

That is a stop-loss trap. The wire loop is supposed to be under the jaws, not over them. It holds the jaws tightly closed, so the animal does not pull free. Google stop-loss leg hold trap.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Thanks Don, that makes more sense. I looked at putting it that way but did not think it would work. I will try again.

[Yogie]

Yep, should go over the outside of the Jaws of the trap. Ain't nothin get out of that once that lock comes up on the outside, just keeps getting tighter...

[Boss Hog]

cept a coon, he will chew his foot off

[Rudi]

IIRC, these types of traps have been illegal in many Provinces since the mid-80's. Many animals would chew or wring off the limb caught in the trap leaving the animal to die slowly through blood loss. I am in agreement with this decision even though I still like to trap/snare rabbits in my back 22.

[Yogie]

We tried snares a while back for Coyotes but seem to snare more deer then anything else.
Rough way to go, I think I'd rather just eat my own leg off...

[Boss Hog]

we trapped for many years, the special interest groups killed the fur market and the traps too , I believe that was around the 80s also
Boss

[Rudi]

Trapping and hunting is what our First Nations communities do to provide an income. They have been harvesting animals for pelts for centuries - and after the Hudson Bay Co. was formed they actually got paid for their pelts. I think that kind of ruined many of the old ways, but that is a different story. Reason I know this is because my granddaughter's father and family are half Innu and half Mi'kmaq who have been harvesting animals for generations both here in NB and in Nunavut and the Ungava. Many of our early settlers depended on the fur trade as well and their descendants still do. The animals were revered by our First Nations because not only did they provide the pelts to keep them warm, they provided the basic necessity - food. Traps including the Stop, No Loss traps were an integral part of the tools of the trade. Many of these traps have now become illegal and only specific traps are allowed to be used.

Farmed animals are also a large business be it mink, chinchilla or fox for example. Sussex which is about 40 minutes southwest of us is famous for it's Silver Fox farm and the sister farm in Alberta. Silver Fox pelts commanded huge dollars and I do mean huge. Even here in the Maritimes, winters can be very very cold and furs do help a lot. I was with my buddy Gord when he showed me the Buffalo blanket that his grandfather acquired for the caleche in the winter. Man that is warm When I lived in Inuvik, I took advantage of the availability of Native products. I bought my first pair of sealskin and caribou mukluks and probably the warmest parka I have ever owned - and yup, it was trimmed with fur - Arctic Fox.

Those that live in the Arctic or the Scandinavian countries or even you know who over the pole, understand the value of warm clothing mostly provided by trappers wares. This is just historical facts. It is simply a way of life and an important way of life just like sealing.

Oh yeah, and for me PETA stands for People Eating Tasty Animals cause they is good fer ya