Dog Proof Traps That Work for Raccoons

Are you trying to catch a lot of raccoons? Do you want to avoid trapping other types of animals like cats, dogs, or other critters except for raccoons?

Dog proof traps may be the answer. I have been using dog proof traps for several years now and sometimes they work better than any other kind of trap and sometimes they don’t work at all.

Dog proof traps are traps specifically designed for raccoons. They usually have a cup shape and can be filled with all the goodies that raccoons like to eat.

There is a trigger at the bottom of the cup that fires the trap so the raccoon reaches in to get the bait and pulls the trigger, it gets caught in the cup.

Dog Proof Traps Help Avoid Non Target Catches

So these traps were specifically designed to avoid catching dogs, cats, coyotes, and other large critters. They are called dog proof for this purpose, they will rarely catch anything but raccoons.

Now there are a few critters that can get caught in them occasionally besides raccoons, and this includes skunks, and sometimes a fox. I personally have caught a skunk in a dog proof trap once and never a fox.

Types of Dog Proof Traps

There are two types of dog proof traps and this can play some role in what you catch in them. As explained earlier there is a trigger in the bottom of the dog proof trap cup.

Now some traps have a pull only trigger and others have a push or pull trigger on the trap. Now most non target animals like skunk and fox that might get caught in a dog proof trap, will have a harder time setting off the pull trigger. They can have a harder time getting their paw to the bottom of the trap and setting it off.

If the trigger is a push pull version, then a fox and a skunk can be more likely to set the trap off because they just need to fit their paw into the cup portion of the trap and push down and it will fire.

There is no guarantee that the non target animals won’t get caught in them but using a pull only trigger will lower the number of non target catches, while a push pull trigger system will raise all types of catches in the trap.

Do Dog Proof Traps Work?

Dog proof traps in my opinion is one of the best traps for catching raccoons. I use them on all my raccoon trapping jobs, and most of the time they are my highest producing traps.

The other thing I like about them is that they are pet friendly. I have yet to hear of any pet, unless your pet is a raccoon, getting caught in them. I have set them in yards were there are cats and dogs running around and I have never caught any of them. I don’t think they even set them off.

My best yard I have trapped for raccoons was four dog proof traps and in one night I caught three big raccoons.

Bait For Dog Proof Traps

There are several baits that work well for raccoon traps. I have found that the raccoons are very attracted sugar. One of the best baits I have used is marshmallows.

I had heard that marshmallows were the best bait. Well I went to one house to check some dog proof traps and in the soft dirt around the traps I could see tons of raccoon traps.

All the bait around the traps had been eaten but inside of the dog proof traps the bait was untouched. So I needed something to get the raccoons to go for the bait. That is when I put several small marshmallows around the trap and inside the trap.

It is good to get the raccoons warmed up to the bait by leaving a little outside of the dog proof trap.

Well I checked the traps the next morning and I had two raccoons in two traps. Raccoons can’t resist a sugary treat.

Some other baits that have worked well in dog proof traps:

Trapper Racoon Bait

Where should you set dog proof traps?

Well dog proof traps are for raccoons so it is best to set dog proof traps where there are raccoons. Raccoons are located near water and trees.

Some of the best places to find raccoons is near ditches, along rivers and streams, swampy area. One of the best places to set a dog proof trap is at the bottom of large old trees.

These trees may have hollowed sections where raccoons are denning up. They come out at night to find food. During breeding season, starting in late December or early January, you might start catching the male or boar raccoons moving from den to den looking for females. You will catch them as they climb in or out of the tree.

Dog proof trapping kits

If you are looking to get started trapping, raccoon trapping might be a good option. You can even make money trapping raccoons if you wanted by charging a removal fee.

Here is a kit that can help you get started trapping raccoons:

Dog Proof Trapping Starter Kit

This kit comes with five traps and all the equipment you will need to get started trapping raccoons.

Most traps you buy you have to get the steaks separate, but this one comes with steaks and the equipment to attach them to the traps. These steaks are called earth anchors and are lighter than solid metal steaks.

Staking and Securing Dog Proof Traps

There are several ways you can secure your trap so when a raccoon gets in the trap he stays where he is at.

The raccoon can be secured to the location by one of the following:

Cable the trap to a tree or log
Stake the trap to the ground

Use earth anchors to steak the trap
Use a drag or anchor shaped hook attached to the end of the chain

Remember to check your laws on how you can secure your trap in different states some of these methods are illegal but all work well for securing the dog proof traps.

Swivels for Dog Proof Traps

There are lots of different kinds of swivels for traps and dog proof traps need them. The reason for putting swivels on the traps is for two major things.

First, a swivel makes it so a raccoon can not bind up the chain on the trap and be able to pull harder and get their paw out of the trap. The swivels keep the trap from binding on any brush, branches, or trees near by.

Second, the swivel can help keep the raccoon from binding up the chain on the trap and hurting itself on the trap. The trap’s ability to swivel can keep the trap in the same position on the raccoon’s foot and this causes less stress and damage to the raccoon’s paw.

Dog Proof Trap Setters

Redneck Convent Dog Proof Trap Setter

So this trap setter is a two pronged contraption that helps you get more leverage on the spring of the dog proof trap.

It can be helpful so you can get the jaws to close if you can’t close it with your hand. New traps can have some stiff springs.

Freedom Brand Dog Proof Trap Setter

This is a cheaper version of the trap setter above. It can also be used to set the trap effectively. It has a bent handle to hopefully give you more leverage.

Use a Screwdriver to Set a Dog Proof Trap

Yep, I don’t use any of the above tools to set dog-proof traps. I just use a screwdriver when setting these traps.

I can set them with my hands but setting a lot of these traps can get tiring on your hands. I just carry a long screwdriver and place it in the same position as the tools above and set the trap with it.

Dispatching Raccoons in Dog Proof Traps

The best way to dispatch a raccoon in a dog proof trap is with a .22 long rifle. A lot of people also like to use an air rifle to dispatch raccoons. The best place to shoot a raccoon is through the top of the head or through the lungs, right behind the shoulder.

When in the city limits it can be illegal to shot a firearm in city limits. In that case after a ton of trial and error, I found using a catch pole to dispatch a raccoon works the best. It is a little more intense than using a gun but it is the cleanest way I have found so far.

Sources

Fur-Fish-Game – Antique Traps: Dog-Proof Traps