MINK TRAPPING

[mole catcher 1]

Keeping with mink trapping, as mentioned in my last post most of the rivers round this way hold otters. This being the case it is important to use a trap where an acidental capture of an otter can result in it being released un-harmed. Thus comes into its own the cage trap. These mink cages i make myself using 12gage steel weld mesh. It is cut into 4 pieces of 30inchx10inch. 2 pieces of 10x10inch and a piece of 8x7 inch. but thats 7 sides i hear you shout, all will be explained

once all sides and the spare piece are cut a box needs to be formed by welding the 6 sides together

then at one of the 10x10 ends cut out the mesh leaving a 2mesh row on both sides and bottom and 1 row on the top

so it ends up like this

now make your bait hook

now fasten your bait hook to the cage top (the side that has only one row of mesh left from piece removed)

now with the piece that is 7x8inch fasten to the cage opening as a door with fence crimps, this in the pic is held by wire but will be replaced before it enters use. This is the door that closes when a mink takes the bait and will sit flush to the other piece welded into place. OF COURSE IT IS NOW IMPORTANT TO MAKE A SYSTEM THAT WILL HOLD THE DOOR SHUT AND MINK PROOF.

as you will see in this next pic i have welded 2 wire runners to the edge of the cage that hold a slider bar in place on top of the door which is held open by the trigger arm

so when the bait is touched the door drop and the slider bar falls and locks the door shut tight. With the added rows of mesh from the first piece that was welded in place, and the door forming an overlap as well as being 12gage mesh it is now mink proof

Without the help of my good friend iron man Andy and the use of his workshop i would have to spend my hard earned cash on shop bought cages, so mate, a big thank you and the beers on me

Edited March 31, 2007 by mole catcher

[john b 38]

Another good post Mole Catcher - well done.

 

 

I'll move it into the 'designs' sub forum once everyone has had a good look.

[ironman andy 0]

No problem mate.

I enjoy watching people try to weld .

In all honesty, you made a great job of them

See you later,

Andy

Edited April 10, 2007 by ironman andy

[mole catcher 1]

BUMPED TO THE TOP FOR LEON, SORRY TO ALL WHO HAVE ALLREADY SEEN THIS

[moley 115]

BUMPED TO THE TOP FOR LEON, SORRY TO ALL WHO HAVE ALLREADY SEEN THIS

very well made trap, would it not be easier to make a smaller cage for mink (say 6x6 ), than make one that size so an otter can get in ?not having a go , just a suggestion

[mole catcher 1]

would it not be easier to make a smaller cage for mink (say 6x6 ), than make one that size so an otter can get in ?not having a go , just a suggestion

 

 

it was made 10x10 because thats the size the mesh came in and as im a lazy bugger i thought sod it, 10x10 it will be

[moley 115]

would it not be easier to make a smaller cage for mink (say 6x6 ), than make one that size so an otter can get in ?not having a go , just a suggestion

 

 

it was made 10x10 because thats the size the mesh came in and as im a lazy bugger i thought sod it, 10x10 it will be

 

fair enuff

[mole catcher 1]

Besides, at the right time of the year i use them to catch ducks as well (crispy duck cooked chinese style MMMmmm)

[beagles 0]

how much would the stuff cost mate

[mole catcher 1]

how much would the stuff cost mate

 

couldnt tell you off hand, try your local steel supplier.