64 FUR FACTS 



An old log or a wide plank can be used to advantage as a support 

 for traps. The log is moored to the shore by fastening it with a 

 piece of wire or rope and ^anchoring the end with stakes out into the 

 water by attaching a heavy string and a wire. Nail some light 

 cleats at the upper^side with space enough between to hold the trap 

 when set. Notches can be cut in the log and the trap set a little 

 low and then covered with fine leaves or grass. Secure the end of 

 the trap chain in such a manner that the animal can reach deep 

 water. A few drops of animal bait sprinkled along the log will 

 attract the muskrat and you are sure to get them. 



The box trap is also used. This consists of a wooden box with 

 a gate at each end. The gate is all wire and arranged to swing in- 

 ward, but not outward. The box is set just under the water, with 

 one end at the entrance to the muskrat burrow. The animal lifts 

 the gate on leaving the burrow and is imprisoned and drowned. 

 Others follow and a considerable number of muskrat can be taken 

 in this manner. 



A similar trap may be made entirely of heavy wire netting of 

 half inch mesh. Muskrat may be taken alive in this manner and 

 used to stock other ponds and streams. 



Another plan is to use an open barrel sunk in the soil close to 

 the bank of the stream or pond. The top of the barrel should be 

 level with the surface of the ground. The barrel is half full of water, 

 in which place pieces of carrots or apples. A piece of board about 

 8 inches square and a few floating chips will delude the animal into 

 jumping into the barrel to secure the food. Once in the barrel, it 

 cannot climb out, and this is a good method to take them alive. 



A floating barrel is also used. A hole 8 by 12 inches square is 

 sawed in the side of the barrel having both ends intact. A strong 

 cleat is nailed across each end, projecting 6 or 8 inches on the sides. 

 Enough water is placed inside the barrel to make it float with the 

 platform level of the pond. Carrots and apples are placed inside of 

 the barrel so that they can be secured, or sprinkle a little animal 

 bait on top of the barrel. The muskrat will dive into the barrel for 

 the bait and are thus caught. 



Another way is to build up a mound of mud and stone in shallow 

 water. On the top of the mound, just above the water line, sprinkle 

 a few drops of animal bait and set the trap just under the waters 

 edge. Leave very little of the mound above the water, just enough 

 to place the bait upon. The muskrat, in climbing to the top of the 

 mound, will catch its hind leg in the trap if properly placed. 



