Bridger #2 Trap Modifications

Here we discuss some of the modifications that can be done to the bridger #2 traps.

[@stevetaylor2445]

Very nice job

[@geraldclavenna6413]

What brand of rivet do you use? Enjoyed the vid

[@innovativewildlife]

Thanks. I am still debating on whether or not to replace the pan to a PIT pan system. I have the PIT on a couple of Northwood #2's and love the system.

[@jlc904ubc]

This is great info. Thanks

[@innovativewildlife]

Only downside to Laminations is it may slow down the closing speed of the jaws. however, adding a 4 coil spring kit will solve that problem. I like the JC Conner kits, but with the bridgers, i was more going for the lowest cost budget for those -- basically to see if I could mod a good trap for less than a mb550. I did with the exception of a PIT pan system. with the PIT pan cost, it will get the cost right at the same price as a dozen stock 550's.

[@innovativewildlife]

If you are really good with the file, you can do the night latch, but I did not have the time or the patience to hand file night latches in a dozen traps and tune each one. but yes you can do that if you prefer. also the night latch will work better with a smooth end on the pan vs the latch thingy hanging off the back of the pan where the regular dog hooks into. Laminations are a no brainer. more holding area, holding power, and strengthens up the jaws.

[@tskfrcdgr]

Great recommendations, some of the bigger coyotes here in sd have been pulling my rebars up some and had 2 escapes. Trying to look into springs for the chains, jc connor specifically any recommendations?? Sure do miss that georgia red clay compared to some of the soft muck up here.

[@innovativewildlife]

I would try super stakes with #2 or #3 USA straight link chain. I had the same problem with rebar stakes here. If you are going to use rebar, are you single staking or double staking? I would recommend double staking--that is making a X -- one goes in one direction and the other from the opposite direction making an X in the ground. As far as the springs, Conners will be fine, I used the PIT springs 18's I believe cause they were a little cheaper and you can get them with the hooks in each end now.

[@jamesthornton9508]

Welding is bettered ! You did good ! Good luck on catching !

[@shameless716]

Hey Howard, what's the purpose of doing a different base plate?

[@thechristiantrapper3692]

Do baseplate and laminate your traps!on your own or do they come that way?

[@jbranham4130]

also if you got your file out to shorten your dogs why not file in a night latch? and the laminations?is it a good idea to have lams or no?

[@takingu2skoo]

did you see the coyote run off with the trap or your just guessing??? could it have been a deer or mountain lion? they so could take off with the trap

[@treyferguson9393]

Deer just pull right out

[@thechristiantrapper3692]

Also do I have to baseplate and laminate a trap to catch coyotes?

[@d.j.vermontcontstruction6357]

The Christian trapper nope. It's nice not necessary on bridges. You will need more springs tho.

[@treyferguson9393]

Not 100 percent necessary but definetly strengthens the traps, and you have less damage.

[@MrWhiskyDog]

Noticed your thumb nail.. I got mine the other day on a 4 coil.. can we call these a trappers thumb? something like gardeners have a green thumb..LOL

[@Impulse_Photography]

If they are taking off on you, maybe it is time to look into a better staking system and larger trap. I think, setup field cam so you know what is really happening first and foremost.

[@jbranham4130]

do you recommend offset jaws or no?

[@stevetaylor2445]

Offset jaw traps allow the levers to raise higher on the jaws and hold better.

[@alansummers3909]

Closed jaw traps amputate most catches.Onlyoffset Jawed traps are the only ones to be modified .

[@stevetaylor2445]

That's complete nonsense. Closed jaw traps don't amputate anything,there's not enough force for that to happen.they only hold the animal in place. If it amputated the catch you wouldn't have a catch because it would run away -not very useful to a trapper Any trap can be laminated and the laminations spread the force over a larger area of the animals appendage

[@ambertucker6236]

you must have caught something big because I catch coyotes in traps with smaller chain than that

[@TimberLineNorth]

Nice mods.

[@treyferguson9393]

Why not just take a pair of bolt cutters to that chincy chain attachment on base plate? No need to save it

[@daflyfisheman]

Crush the eye of the dog closed a little and it will help with keeping the pan at a constant level. Good work otherwise

[@jamesthornton9508]

You come out cheaper to get MB traps ! one Less problem to worry about !