got a question on Bridgers for you guys

[luked]

gonna be goiing with Bridger traps over Dukes.
planning on getting at least a doz 1-1/2s
but i also have a question.
wanting to get some #2s for yotes
the question i have is its odd to me that there is the 1.65 size trap inbetween the 1-1/2 and the #2
are the 1.65s something that is put to good use even though you have the 1-1/2s and the #2s?

[greenmuhcheen]

similar in size to the duke 1 3/4, both are recommended for coon/fox and so on. I dont own any bridgers but i can tell ya the duke 1 3/4 has some wicked springs on it

[tylercraiglow]

Why not go with all 1.65s? From what I've heard, they work very well for yotes and coon. I've got some 1.65s that are gonna be set for predators next season.

[luked]

that was a thought too was to just get all 1.65s
just a tad bigger jaw spread than the 1-1/2s
and for bigger critters like yotes I guess I could 4 coil them to make them a little stronger I that was needed
really don't know I'm new with this stuff so I don't see why it wouldn't work just fine for about anything I need with the 1.65s

[tylercraiglow]

Center swivel and night latch would probably be enough.

[luked]

planned on doing baseplate center swivel as well as night latch all mine
might have to think about just going with the 1.65s
long as they are strong enough for yotes I'll just use them mainly and not worry about having 2 diffrent size traps

[mofotrapper]

I have caught yote's in 1 1/2 many of times. I order 2 dozen of Duke 1 3/4 offset jaws to add to my collection and I am with greenmuhcheen, they have a spring from hell on them. I am gonna base plate them and add swivels but it is all up to you Luked, just depends on what you want to buy. Everybody is gonna tell you different on here, like why buy dukes and mod them when you can buy MB's and use them right out of the box.

[krank]

Yup....I had to lam the jaws on a 1.75 Duke because it would chop a pencil in two......

[bigjohn]

Like Mofo says,everyone has there own opinions on trap size,mods,chain length,and so on.Ask yourself,or ask them,why do most big time trappers use the #2s or bigger trap sizes for coyotes instead of the smaller sizes.One thing is the bigger jaw spread,making catches and holding coyotes a better percentage.I'll bet your catch would be alot better with the #2s than trying to target them with the smaller traps.
I've got quite a few #1 3/4 Northwoods,that I use for coyotes,but use them in areas that a dog catch is possible.If I didn't ever have to worry about dogs,I'd set nothing but #3s for both coyotes and cats.If we had fox,then I'd set #2s as they would be a friendlier trap for them.

[catmando]

ive got a few duke 1 3/4 that i put the beefer spring kits on or whatever their called. those traps are strong i wouldnt be afraid to set em for anything except maybe beaver might laminate em tho

[catmando]

im gona get a dozen or so bridger 2s tho i dont think u can go wrong especially modded

[ozarkmountainman]

I've used them, fully modded, and they were fine. Don't think I ever lost a coyote in one. However I'm using mostly 2's (Bridger) nowadays. No real reason. If you were going to choose between the 1-1/2 and 1.65 for ALL trapping, the 1.65 would get the nod.

They are by the way, VICIOUS when four-coiled. Plum nasty.

Dale

[cablehanger]

nthing wrong with 1.65 but really should be modified,and they are affordable,ive had those cast-jawed traps yall tal so much about that little hold down tang on the jaw(whatever its called) broke off some of mine,kinda hard to use the trap if you cant set it

[ozarkmountainman]

I also grind the inside of my jaws (just like the 1-1/2 Dukes) to help with damage. I'm also starting to laminate a few. I don't like it, but I've caught too many four-pound runaway K-9's the last few years.

Dale

[trapperw3]

i would use the #2 and i do the #2 bridger is all i use for dry land trapping if i didn't already have so many of them and was going to buy and all around trap it would be the mb550 these traps are ready to go out box they are a little pricey but what a trap just my two cents worth
paul

[redeagle]

For coyote work, I recommend the Duke#4. They are four-coiled, base plated, center swiveled, straight link machine chain, and have a nice 6-1/2" jaw spread. Just bend the jaw tips up, change out the j-hook if it's wimpy, and you are good to go.

[pemiscotpelter]

Sorry one question guys what do you think about the Montana #2 or the mb 450's?

[Deleted]

Duke # 4, will hold, coyote, wild cat, beaver, otter, coon, fox, possum, skunk, wolf, lynx, mountain lion, and small bear. i have the what if something bigger and badder comes along way of thinking, i cant help it. 4 coiled for cold frozen ground, offset for blood flow.

[catmanhpe]

I noted allot of the experienced trappers use fully modified traps or at least laminate the jaws. Would it be better to go ahead and purchase traps in the size you need already modified or would it be cheaper to do it yourself in kits? ,,,I also would have to get access to a welder.

[luked]

Feb 11, 2013 0:02:40 GMT -6 catmanhpe said:

I noted allot of the experienced trappers use fully modified traps or at least laminate the jaws. Would it be better to go ahead and purchase traps in the size you need already modified or would it be cheaper to do it yourself in kits? ,,,I also would have to get access to a welder.

if you have access to a welder and confident in your welding just do them yourself...i actually really like to tinker with my traps and do my own mods. if you dont or are not comfortable with it buy them already modified choice is up to you.