|
|
Post by jbruegge on Sept 2, 2013 7:07:43 GMT -6
To start off- keep in mind this is not for fur trapping... I was talking with some folks the other day as they were kicking around an idea for a research proposal, revolving around a mark- recapture study with muskrats this winter. I immediately had a lot of concerns, and expressed them, but wanted to know what you guys thought. If you're going to release them with the intent to recapture, they obviously need to stay alive. That puts colonies, bodygrips, and footholds out of the question, since somehow rats are dumb enough to drown themselves in an inch of water. That means dry cages are the only option. Again, with the intent to recapture, that puts baited sets out of the running. Anybody ever try blind cages for muskrats? Seems highly inefficient. I think they'd be better off getting a population estimate by trapping out the place and keeping a tally... I told them if they do end up going through with it, despite the many concerns, I would be happy to dispose of their deads.  |
|
|
|
Post by TRapper on Sept 2, 2013 8:41:16 GMT -6
I have toyed with the idea of having a colony style trap set with a hole in the middle going to a cage that is above it and still half out of the water, allowing any caught rats to get ,to air...of course not fail safe but it is an idea...one I have done on squirrels in Missouri to catch all of them out of a hole in a roof or siding quickly...I have seen pictures of catching rats in float sets with a cage trap on top here is link to post on tman with rat in cage on a float www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3973044/1/Making_Muskrat_Floats |
|
|
|
Post by bradphillips on Sept 2, 2013 13:10:18 GMT -6
Muskrats are pretty feisty when cornered, not so sure how they would treat each other.
|
|
|
|
Post by trappinia on Sept 2, 2013 18:45:33 GMT -6
I think that a trap able to catch more than one live animal at a time is not legal in Iowa.
|
|
|
|
Post by ~ADC~ on Sept 2, 2013 18:58:05 GMT -6
I have toyed with the idea of having a colony style trap set with a hole in the middle going to a cage that is above it and still half out of the water, allowing any caught rats to get ,to air...of course not fail safe but it is an idea...one I have done on squirrels in Missouri to catch all of them out of a hole in a roof or siding quickly...I have seen pictures of catching rats in float sets with a cage trap on top here is link to post on tman with rat in cage on a float www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3973044/1/Making_Muskrat_FloatsThat would be illegal here Josh. All colony traps must be completely submerged in Iowa according to a few DNR officers on here. Its not in the condenced booklet you get at Wal-Mart but its in their big rulebook apparently. ~ADC~ |
|
|
|
Post by onehandmb750 on Sept 2, 2013 19:06:42 GMT -6
ADC, i am not that familiar with your regulations, can a small cage trap be used 1/2 on land 1/2 in water covered with weeds as a fake den?
I have caught them like that many times.
Dave
|
|
|
|
Post by iowatrapper on Sept 2, 2013 19:20:03 GMT -6
I don't want to answer for Josh but he works for Dnr and conservation departments so I'm guessing this is for some research and not just hobby trapping.
|
|
|
|
Post by ~ADC~ on Sept 2, 2013 19:27:31 GMT -6
ADC, i am not that familiar with your regulations, can a small cage trap be used 1/2 on land 1/2 in water covered with weeds as a fake den? I have caught them like that many times. Dave If its a cage trap capable of only catching one at a time it would be legal here. That may be a good idea for jbruegge. I think you're right iowatrapper.  ~ADC~ |
|
|
|
Post by jbruegge on Sept 2, 2013 19:29:20 GMT -6
This is being discussed as a research study in Illinois, actually in a wildlife refuge. All necessary permitting would be taken care of. Rules aside, I was just questioning the proposed methods for trapping them. Especially for capturing individuals more than once.
|
|
|
|
Post by onehandmb750 on Sept 3, 2013 17:38:53 GMT -6
ADC, i am not that familiar with your regulations, can a small cage trap be used 1/2 on land 1/2 in water covered with weeds as a fake den? I have caught them like that many times. Dave If its a cage trap capable of only catching one at a time it would be legal here. That may be a good idea for jbruegge. I think you're right iowatrapper. ~ADC~ The ones i use are 7x7 cages with spring loaded doors. By lining the bottom of the cage with weeds or grass from the pond to cover the wire with a little mud makes the feel at home. Cover heavy with grass or pond weed to keep them out of site from predators with the entrance and 1/2 the cage under water. Dave |
|
|
|
Post by catting on Sept 3, 2013 17:56:54 GMT -6
Would a smaller type live trap set on a plank or other floating material work? Set it just like a tunnel type muskrat float minus the foot hold or body gripper. Would probably have to cover the trap with some type of material to prevent possible aerial predators from eating your research.
|
|
|
|
Post by billallenisu on Sept 3, 2013 18:29:58 GMT -6
Josh, is the capture/ recapture study being proposed for a population study? I have a book somewhere that deals with different research methods for muskrats, or at least addresses it. I will try to find it if your interested in borrowing it.
Bill
|
|
|
|
Post by TRapper on Sept 3, 2013 19:11:35 GMT -6
a big fat DUHHHHH to me jayme, I knew that, must have been soaking in the inlaws smoke when I wrote that
|
|
|
|
Post by jbruegge on Sept 3, 2013 20:59:11 GMT -6
Josh, is the capture/ recapture study being proposed for a population study? I have a book somewhere that deals with different research methods for muskrats, or at least addresses it. I will try to find it if your interested in borrowing it. Bill Bill, yes it is a pop study. Will you be at the ITA this coming weekend? I am pretty strictly a fish guy, and have no experience with muskrats, other than fur trapping. This is certainly catching my interest, though. I would love to at least take a look at that book if you can find it. I will be there both days, all day. |
|
|
|
Post by billallenisu on Sept 4, 2013 4:28:47 GMT -6
I won't be at the ita, but I will gladly send it to you and you can keep it as long as you want or need to. I will dig it out tonight.
Bill
|
|
