Larsen trap height....

[Guest JohnGalway]

Hi folks,

 

I'm building myself a larsen trap. I recently, by a large stroke of luck, caught a magpie. I'm going to use TBF's plans, maybe modify it a little and perhaps make it a bit larger. I know where I want to site it. Problem is badgers and foxes are in that area aslo, maybe cats but I've not seen one there. I was thinking of driving four fence posts, putting a couple of cross timbers on these and securing the larsen ontop of that. I think this should work OK, I've seen larsens positioned ontop of barrels before (don't have one to hand unfortunately). Any comments on this please?

 

ATB,

 

John

[john b 38]

John

I think that if the birds can get underneath the trap and see/interact with the call bird you might struggle to make a catch.

 

If the bottom is solid though you'll probably be OK.

 

If you're purpose making a structure though I would make one post 'outside' the square and leave it significantly higher - that way you'll create an ideal sitting post.

 

[Guest JohnGalway]

Hi John,

 

Yeah I was going to put a floor in it The high post is a good idea that I'd not thought of I've the trap I have out now in the wrong spot, too many bloody jackdaws going into it

 

ATB,

 

John

[Guest Ditch_Shitter]

Many Pine Martins round where you are, JG? They can bedevil a Larsen just as much as anything else.

[Guest JohnGalway]

One sighting years ago, nothing since. No mink in this particular area either.

[Guest Ditch_Shitter]

That's cool then, mate. (I could always pick ye up half a dozen ..... if ye'd like some to contend with? ).

 

In that case then, I'd say just about any structure that keeps the cage out of charlies reach, and which doesn't afford him an opportunity to scramble up to it, should be a winner.

 

Only I was discussing this with someone else who had a similar problem once. I seem to remember we thought on top of hay bales should defeat badgers. Did it f*ck! But I really don't believe the fence post scaling badger has ever been born.

[Guest JohnGalway]

So I'm eating dinner about 20 minutes ago. I hear a loud "clunk" on the roof So my first thought, since I live in the village, is it's another jackdaw I'll need to be releasing. I pick up some food for my little Judas on the roof and scramble up the ladder (I don't like them). Well feck me, there in front of me is a second magpie My very first magpie caught "deliberately" Tomorrow i'm getting cracking on two larsen traps, one I've mentioned above and the other from John B's excellent book I may have to wait to get springs for one of them but I'll now be able to relocate todays magpie to round up his country cousins and also relocate my original little Judas to a spot I knwo maggies love.

 

I love it when a plan comes together