Construction:
This
rabbit trap is rather simple and easy to build. The trap door is released when
the animal dislodges the "trigger" supporting the door. The swinging door must
be long enough to close tightly against the floor to prevent opening from inside. The
door hinge may be made from screw eyes and wire. Another method is to use metal
straps fastened to the inside and outside of the door, enclosing the hinge
rod or wire. Location
and Operation:
Rabbits
live in areas where good escape cover (brush piles, briars and such) is available.
They also prefer low-cut bluegrass mixed with clovers and shrubs. In order
to catch rabbits, the box trap must be placed in or along runs or trail made
by rabbits using these areas. Opinions
vary as to the importance of baits for the box trap. Some prefer baits such
as apples, carrots or corn, while others use no bait at all. Baits may attract
opossums and skunks in search of an easy meal. Comment:
With a little modification in the size during construction, this trap design
may be adapted to catch other, larger or even smaller animals. Nuisance animals
may be trapped and moved to another area, using the box for transport. Caution:
These
traps must be used in accordance with all rules and regulation of the Wildlife
Code of Missouri.
Certain
permits and landowner permission must be obtained before any trapping is done.
When in use, the law requires that the traps be checked daily and removed when
no longer in use.
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