Catch/release poles

[jlanduyt]

I know how to make one and how it works but my question is how do you use it when I'm by myself?

[bradphillips]

I made my own, just cable, pipe, and a couple of end caps. No locking device.

So it is sort of like a rodeo

[jlanduyt]

Yeah I know that but how do you hold the critter down to release it with out getting hurt? All I can picture is stepping on the pole and when you reach for the trap the critter claws the stuffing out of you with its free paw.

[bradphillips]

If you have a lock on your pole it is a lot easier. You use one arm to force the animal one way and step on the trap levers to release a foot. Usually when you let them go they go the other way.

No matter how it goes there is a pucker factor, for them and you I am sure

[~ADC~]

I make my own. They lock and not the cheap clothesline tensioners on PVC. Metal pole and chain locks in a slot on the back. If you make the about 4-5' long you can tuck the back of the pole under your armpit and over your forearm to cut off snares or use both hands on the pole and step on the levers of a coil spring or the springs on DP's and longspring traps.

Watch letting them little coons go, they'll go right up your leg... or so I'm told.

~ADC~

[4fur]

I have always had the attitude that they are more afraid of me than I am of them, but it depends on the specie. I have had some mean dogs that I walked back to an open window in my truck and released them that way. And a nearby park ranger just went through rabie shots after getting clawed and bit by a bobcat.

I use a Leggets Trappers Helper for most coon and smaller animals. And I would recommend buying a $100 professional catch pole over a home made. It is about the only trapline tool you'll never lose and they last forever.

[bradphillips]

Yes, a commercial catch pole is money well spent. I made mine when I was broke and now I am to tight to buy one

[~ADC~]

I’ll try to describe the one I built… I took a 5-foot piece of metal conduit about 1 inch OD. Then I took a hacksaw and holding the conduit up and down I sawed a notch in the end about 1 ½” deep and wide enough for a small chain link to fit in it. Then I got a 6 foot piece of chain (small dog chain) and a 2’ piece of 1/8" cable. I attached one end of the cable to one end of the chain by running it through the last chain link and using a 1/4" nut mashed on the cable. Then using a drill, drill a small hole through the side of the conduit 1” from the opposite end you cut the notches in. run the other end of the cable through this hole and use a single ferrule to attach the cable to this hole. Then drop the chain back through the conduit. This will leave a cable loop at one end and the chain sticking out the other end of the conduit. To catch the animal, put the loop over the animals neck pull the chain and hook it in the notch on the back of the pole. To release them pull the chain out of the notch and let it slip back through the conduit.

This little cheap pole is great for releasing small critters you don’t want to kill.

I’m sure that’s all clear as mud. Here are some pictures....








Here it is in action releasing an otter...





~ADC~

[grinnergetter]

I agree with 4fur a good professional catch pole is worth a bunch. I have had a couple dogs that have been released from the window of the truck and still wanted a part of me. We have a five or six foot pole like the vets use and have had it for 15 years or better, a $100.00 dollar pole is not very expensive when you think of it in the long run. It is also a safe option. I run the pole and we have not had an incident in the last 25 years!

[jlanduyt]

Thanks guys. I hope I won't have to use it, but I'm sure I will. Thought you didn't want to be a mentor ADC? Glad you are though, thanks.

[~ADC~]

Feb 9, 2013 21:42:37 GMT -6 jlanduyt said:

Thanks guys. I hope I won't have to use it, but I'm sure I will. Thought you didn't want to be a mentor ADC? Glad you are though, thanks.

Sorry I picked up this dang bad habit of helping out a few years ago, its a tough one to shake. LOL

~ADC~

[jlanduyt]

Like I said, I'm glad you are. Thanks again.

[trapperjdb]

Catch/ release poles all work better with two people. I made one this last season with pvc and a cloths line tensioner I bought from Walmart. I used it about six times and it was a pain in the butt. It locked tight, but when it was time to release the animal, it was a pain. Next season going with the Leggetts release stick.

[jlanduyt]

Yeah, that's my biggest concern to is when I'm alone. I have a nasty feeling a Bobcat will come calling to one of my Coyote sets and I'll get my hand shredded or worse.

[grinnergetter]

Lack of oxygen always helps when it is time to let an animal go. Slow them down and go from there.

[justwannano]

A knock on the head generally slows them down.
just

[hvtrapper]

Commercial catch pole has protections built into it for both you and the animal.
As to the original question "How do you use one by yourself?" 1st off, NO experience with bobcats, but plenty of other critters. After noosing the animal, I pin it down by either leaning or standing on the pole while I remove the trap. Use your best judgment when it's time to take the pole off.

[cybball]

I built one exactly like Jayme's. Heck, probably got the idea from him years ago. Mine is identicle, except I'm using #3 chain. I like the heavy chain, but the stuff he has is perfect.
I've used it time and time again. Released a bobcat in a yote set once. I climbed into my pick up bed for that one. I've released farm dogs, cats (my inlaws), and a few other randoms that I didn't feel like brining home. Just good to have. Not sure what i would have done lots of times without it. The forked stick only works so well.....

[Bristleback]

FWIW, think I have 3-4 "convention specials" catch poles, all fallen apart.........finally bought a Ketch-All.........never been sorry, other than the first 3-4 lol.........

FOR SALE........3 or 4 "used catch poles" no warranty, buy as is, LOL

[BigT]

I just strip down to my underwares and jump on their back and wrestle them into submission!!

[jlanduyt]

Feb 13, 2013 18:58:09 GMT -6 BigT said:

I just strip down to my underwares and jump on their back and wrestle them into submission!!

Sounds like something from Gator Boys! LOL!

[hightoweria]

I let 2 bobcat go with only an old garden rack to hold the trap upright with my left foot, a pogo driver & ax handle to depress the levers. My catch pole was in the neighbors truck!!!Both cats just laid there, but their ears were laid back. I have a regular catch pole that I have had for close to 30 years and used it alot. There was only 1 time that I had to change to another option which was a piece of plywood with an upside down "V" cut out of the middle of the bottom. Tried the pole to no avail on that dog.

[grinnergetter]

ok big t briefs or boxers? I may want to try it!

[BigT]

gotta have boxers, cant crowd the merchandise!!

[LLLTrapper]

I can see you having speed for grinners, Grinner wrangler. HEHEHE LLL