How to Keep Traps from Freezing

This is the setup we run when temperatures drop really low and there is moisture present, which results in freeze/thaw/freeze up conditions. Keep in mind, I am in West Virginia. The harshest weather we have is -20 with the windchill on occasion. I realize that there are certain areas in the country where waxed dirt is a must. However, this works excellent for us, and I hope it will for you as well!

[@budmackes792]

I know this is an older vid but am definitely going to use this instruction in the coming weeks. Tired of seeing paw prints on my pan with trap frozen in place. Been using peat and salt but not the right way. Thanks!

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

Hope it helps. The key is bone dry peat! Tight chains!

[@TrappingTheMitten-JohnHowell]

Great video Biggs, I trap in Southern Michigan. I use basically the same method but I use less salt. I laughed out loud when you said, I'm not trapping in Manitoba! 😂 Thanks for sharing

[@derekmaloney8435]

Enjoy All the videos!👍 Great tips! Keep em coming!

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

Thank you Derek. Glad you enjoy them. God gave us dominion over the critters. Let’s be good stewards and hammer down. Tight chains!

[@derekmaloney8435]

@@biggstimetrapping9323 Agreed my man....Im from canada I run hounds in the winter to tree bobcats and harvest...i caught couple in live box trap over the years for training purposes..Have u ever used live box?Any tips ?

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

@@derekmaloney8435 trapping cats in cages isn’t that difficult. Just brush them in well. I don’t even waste my time trying to cage a coyote.

[@tommycorley8637]

Thanks for the info that works good down here in SC

[@kentuckytrapper780]

Works for me here in eastern Kentucky, great info. Thanks

[@oliverdavis617]

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[@titancameron6624]

@Oliver Davis Instablaster ;)

[@oliverdavis617]

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[@oliverdavis617]

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[@titancameron6624]

@Oliver Davis no problem xD

[@timothydembeck2980]

I know old video but you have some good information on your videos thanks for sharing

[@johnniecarter3013]

Thx brother! Good luck out there!

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

You as well, my friend!

[@bobmohr5532]

Thanks great video I'm from NY going to try this.

[@jasonnixon412]

Hello sir, curious how you prep your traps? Been watching as many of your videos as I can. Peat and salt worked awesome here in Michigan, got my first bobcat last week. Thank you! Just curious as to if you prep your traps to prevent so much rusting from the salt? Thank you sir.

[@StephenZimmer-xl8ux]

I've never used salt. I use dried peat moss inside the jaws with waxed dirt in the trap bed and on the trap - trap is essentially encapsulated inside the waxed dirt - peat inside the jaws without pancover - wet weather, freezing weather, wet and freezing weather...at most I flip off frozen crust on top of the trap.

[@MarioLopez-nv5zv]

great video I am from MI and i think it would work here too if dont right . thanks for the video

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

You’re welcome. Tight chains, trapper!

[@cw6136]

Where can I buy a "trappers cap"? My Google skills aren't very good apparently.

[@stephendowning6234]

What about putting wax paper down first, instead of that rock salt? I saw that in a video and tried it today. My first two coyote sets ever. Also, I saw a video where a guy put his trap inside a ziplock bag with a hole punched in the bottom to allow the chain out. What's your opinion of that? Love your videos. Thanks.

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

Wax paper under the trap?

[@jfreeman1549]

Great info thanks

[@jonathanclaar7736]

What kind of ice melt do you use and where is the best place to purchase it from?

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

Hi Jonathan. I don’t necessarily prefer one brand over another. As winter comes to a close, I generally keep my eye on places like Tractor Supply because they usually mark down their ice melt as the season ends.

[@CoffeyOutdoors]

great video

[@markswisher1152]

Thanks

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

My pleasure.

[@dantwaites7097]

Stock salt is my goto when peat wont work. Otherwise i made over 100lbs of wax dirt last fall. If you can buy a bale of peatmoss itll last a few years, just store it in a sealed garabage can

[@danielhanson4326]

It's a great way to rust up your traps and ruin them you got to make wax dirt in the summer

[@biggstimetrapping9323]

To each his own! I’ve been using salt with my traps for years and have never had one “ruined.” Could be because I take proper care of my equipment. Obviously, waxed dirt has its place, but it’s not a cure all. Hope you’re having a great season. Tight chains!

[@markswisher1152]

Thanks