Illegal Trapping Devices
Examples of Commercially Available Cable Traps That Are Not Legal in Maine
The Belisle trap is considered a foothold by design, preventing its use for bear trapping in Maine. Although it uses the same cable design, the jaws fully close, preventing it from being a legal trap in Maine for bear.
Belisle Trap shown with open jaws, not set
Belisle Trap shown without cable, closed
An Unmodified M-15 set is not legal unless modifications are made as specified earlier under Legal Trapping Devices.
For use with a bucket or cylinder, the hole must be six inches or less in diameter with a pipe or cylinder inserted, and at least 12 inches tall to allow for the trigger to be set 12 inches below the opening.
Photo shows an unmodified (not legal) M-15 set
*All other trap styles such as foot holds/ foot restraining devices (coil spring, double long spring, and similar) are not legal devices in Maine.