Trapping Raccoons with Dog Proof Traps
A nice Minnesota Raccoon in a DP.
Dog proof traps, also known as a DP, are a cylinder-shaped trap primarily used for target raccoon and the occasional skunk. The traps are dog proof because the dog isn’t able to put its paw in the trap. In order for it to fire the raccoon must reach into the trap and grab the trigger. This makes the dog proof trap extremely useless when trapping where there is a chance of people and dogs being present. I use the Bridger T3 Dog Proof with great results.
When setting a dog proof trap, it is very important to make sure the trap is placed right where the animal is traveling. If you’re not setting where the coon naturally travel you are doing yourself a disfavor. It worth the extra time it takes to find good quality set locations instead of throwing traps out at random. This is probably the most important part of successfully and consistently trapping any furbearer. To learn more about scouting raccoon locations, read my article here.
If you have a raccoon trail you’re setting, you’re going to want to place the DP in the center of the trail so that the coon will bump its nose right into it. First thing you’re going to do it set the trap and stake it. Most trappers run earth anchors or rebar stakes on their DPs. Then you’ll take the trap and use the short spike welded to the bottom and place that into the ground so it’s sturdy. Fill the trap one third full of your choice of coon bait, anything more than that is a waste in my opinion as it get soggy over time. For lure all you have to do is put a pea sized dab on the rim of the trap. I make Ringtail Reaper, but any good quality lure will get the job done.
If you have an area with good enough sign for one trap, always try to set a couple more. A raccoon caught in a trap will attract other coon leading to multiple catches. It’s always a great rush of excitement seeing two, three, or even four coon lined up in a row waiting for you. Just be sure that your traps are placed far enough apart from each other so that the same coon can’t get caught twice. Gang setting raccoon will lead to a lot more catches for your time and miles.
The great part about dog proofs is the speed at which they can be deployed. When I am preparing for opening day, I preset all of my dog proof traps. In order to do so I have a holder built out of 2x4s and plywood that sits in the back of the truck or on the jon boat. The night prior to setting I set, bait, and lure the traps and place them in the holder. Less than a handful will get set off from hitting bumps though the day and need resetting. For me this is a huge time saver when trying to lay out a new line.
The author's DP holder for setting on opening day.