Using Foothold Traps on Land
For land sets to work, the trap must be bedded properly.
Follow these steps to bed a foothold trap.
- Dig a shallow hole. The hole should be deep enough to set the trap at or just below ground level.
- Drive a stake or stakes to anchor the trap.
- Sift loose dirt into the bottom of the hole.
- Place the set trap in the hole. Press down firmly.
- Check for wobble using the four-point system.
- Press on the loose jaw.
- Press on the other jaw.
- Press on one lever.
- Press on the other lever.
- If you feel any wobble, pack more dirt under the wobbly area. Repeat the four-point check.
- Pack dirt around the outside of the trap.
After foothold traps are bedded, they must be covered.
- Use dirt, leaves, or grass to cover the trap.
- When covering with dirt, use a trap pan cover and a dirt sifter.