Muskrat Float Bait Question

[speng5]

I've just got permission for some private ponds this year that have muskrats. At some point this year I was wanting to try some floats just for fun, I know they get mixed reviews, but I've got a pile of scrap wood that needs used so I might as well make floats.

The ponds I have permission for typically have a lot of ducks and geese on them, as no one there hunts them, and they hang out there just about year round. Two of the ponds are stocked with fish, have aerators, and thus have open water in at least one portion all year round.

My question is, if I use corn on my floats (this seems to be a common bait for floats based on what I've seen in the archives here and elsewhere), will I get waterfowl messing with the floats?? Anyone use floats baited with corn in an area with high duck/goose populations? I'm sure I could use apples or pears or whatever too but it would be nice to just grab some of the corn I already have that keeps pretty much forever.

[Selvig]

Geese will be attracted to apples and pears too. Geese are curious enough I think they would even mess with an empty float. I think you should stick with below water trapping IMHO. But maybe a float with a tunnel or cover would prevent the geese from reaching the trap but still let a muskrat in.

[speng5]

Thanks for the advice, I may try a canopy/cover type thing. Honestly the rat floats are just a shucks and giggles project, just for something new and fun to try for me. If it ends up being a pain to use them or make mods to them, I probably will just scrap the idea. I do want to snag at least a few rats from floats just to say I did though!

[iowatrapper]

I've used stools with corn and never had a problem with waterfowl.

[speng5]

Sept 23, 2013 15:34:03 GMT -6 iowatrapper said:

I've used stools with corn and never had a problem with waterfowl.

I wouldnt anticipate a problem anywhere else, my only reason for concern is there are so many about half tame geese around, all year round.

[whitewater176]

I use floating boxes with a 110 in each end with corn in the center

[ryanvandonselaar]

Thats a good idea!!

[vikesbull]

Do NOT use corn on muskrat floats (you will catch ducks), in the fall I have had luck with carrots. In spring do not need anything.

[speng5]

the neighbors whos back yard buts up to mine just cut down a big apple tree. They said I can have all the apples I want, do you think those would work?

[ratslayer101]

Oct 30, 2013 12:00:05 GMT -6 speng5 said:

the neighbors whos back yard buts up to mine just cut down a big apple tree. They said I can have all the apples I want, do you think those would work?

Heck ya they'd work. That's what I use and have had pretty good results with them in pocket sets, floats, and on stools.

[medicdano]

Yup! And then get the apple wood to use for smoking!!

[six5hunter]

Sept 23, 2013 19:30:48 GMT -6 whitewater176 said:

I use floating boxes with a 110 in each end with corn in the center

Yup, this and i put a screw in the middle and wire with a hole cut in the top to keep ducks / geese anything else from standing on top of it.