Measuring Jaw Spread

There is no standardized system that links mechanical design features with trap sizes and names. Therefore, similar traps may be identified by their jaw-spread features. These features are listed in the trapping Best Management Practices (BMPs) and in state regulations.

State regulations may limit jaw spread (diameter) on foothold and bodygrip traps.

To measure the jaw spread of foothold traps, follow these steps.

1. Set the trap.
2. To measure at the jaw, measure the inside distance between the two jaws from the dog to the opposite side.
3. To measure at the hinge posts, measure the distance from the point where one jaw connects the hinge post to the point where the other jaw connects to the same hinge post.

To measure a bodygrip trap, measure the distance between the outermost jaws.