Mink trapping has been a long-standing practice, with these small carnivores being pursued for their luxurious fur and to stop them from harming livestock.
As members of the weasel family, minks are elusive creatures, known for their keen senses and exceptional agility. Before you attempt to trap a mink, make sure you understand their habits, behavior, and biology, in order to carry out the process effectively and humanely.
Trapping Equipment
There are various types of traps available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some popular mink traps include the 110 conibear, #1.5 coil spring, and foothold trap. Let’s take a closer look at these three trap options.
Body-Gripping Traps
Body-gripping traps are designed for small game such as minks. Its quick and lethal mechanism ensures instant capture of the animal.
When using this trap, placement is critical to avoid accidentally trapping non-target species. Body-grip traps are often used in conjunction with cubby sets or submerged bait stations.
Coil Spring Traps
A coil spring trap is another popular choice for mink trapping. This foothold trap effectively immobilizes the mink without causing significant harm, making it suitable for catch-and-release methods.
You can set up a coil spring trap along the edges of waterways or near mink trails to increase the chances of a successful capture.
Cage Traps
A more humane option for trapping minks is the cage trap. This type of trap features a treadle mechanism, which triggers the door to close when the mink steps on it.
The cage trap should be placed in strategic locations to lure the mink inside, such as near their den or feeding areas. Made from sturdy gauge wire, these traps are both durable and efficient in securing the animal without causing harm.
Baits and Attractants
Minks are primarily carnivorous, so using meats from their natural diet can help attract them to the trap. Choices of bait may include fresh fish, frogs, poultry, muskrat carcasses, and crayfish. Opt for bloody chicken meat or entrails to further appeal to minks’ preferences.
Minks are keen on detecting scents, so adding an attractant can enhance the appeal of bait is a good idea. Essential oils from their prey, such as muskrat or fish oils, can be used to lure minks. Be mindful not to use too much oil, as too strong of a scent may deter them rather than attract them.
Proper bait positioning is essential to prevent minks from stealing the bait from outside the trap. For a one-door trap, the bait should be placed behind the trigger plate and away from the trap’s walls. For a two-door trap, the bait should be positioned in the center.
To further entice minks, the bait can be sparsely covered with fur or feathers, depending on the type of bait used. By incorporating this added attractant, trappers increase the chances of capturing minks by piquing their curiosity and stimulating their natural hunting instincts.
Mink Trap Locations
When trapping mink, it is essential to choose the right location for your trap. Mink are known for their frequent travels and specific habitats, so understanding their behavior will greatly increase your chances of successful trapping.
Mink tracks are a clear indicator of their presence. These tracks often consist of small footprints with distinctive claw marks and are usually found near water sources.
Water Sources
A river bank is an ideal area to look for mink tracks, as mink tend to travel along the water’s edge in search of food. In addition to river banks, they may also leave tracks near smaller water sources such as ponds or streams.
Burrows and Tunnels
Once you have identified an area with mink activity, look for tunnels or burrows that they may use for shelter or as a route to navigate through their territory. These tunnels can be located near the river bank, underneath a fence, or along a shed wall.
Positioning your trap near these tunnels will increase the likelihood of capturing the mink, as they are likely to pass through these areas during their travels.
Visual Barriers
In addition to tunnels, mink may also travel along natural or man-made barriers such as fences or stone walls. These barriers can help them avoid predators and move through their environment more efficiently. By positioning a trap along these barriers, you will have a higher chance of capturing a traveling mink.
When setting up your trap, be sure to securely fasten it to a nearby tree, stake, or another sturdy object to prevent the mink from escaping once captured. This is especially important when using body grip traps, as a poorly fastened trap may allow the mink to escape and avoid future traps.
Trap Setting Techniques
Trapping mink requires knowledge and skill. In this section, we will explore various trap setting techniques that you can utilize in your trapping endeavors. These techniques include blind sets, pocket sets, bottom edge sets, vertical edge sets, and submersion setups.
A blind set is made by placing the trap in a location where the mink travels frequently. This usually involves observing the animal’s trails, signs, and natural pathways. Blind sets are highly effective because they take advantage of the mink’s existing habits and instincts.
The pocket set is another excellent technique where a small hole or pocket is dug into the bank of a river or stream, and bait is placed in the back of the pocket to draw the mink in. The trap is positioned at the entrance of the pocket, ensuring that the mink steps into it as it investigates the bait. Pocket sets can be made more effective by creating a small guide that makes the mink more likely to step into the set.
Bottom edge sets are made by anchoring the trap near the water’s edge, where mink are likely to travel along the bottom when swimming. The trap is placed along the edge of the water, partially submerged in the mink’s path. This technique works effectively because it leverages the mink’s tendency to swim along the bottom in search of food while staying close to cover.
The vertical edge set is similar to the bottom edge set but involves positioning the trap higher up along the bank or a tree trunk close to the waterline. Minks will often climb vertical objects as they move in and out of the water, making this an excellent opportunity to catch them.
The submersion setup is a technique used to make drowning sets for mink. The trap is placed in a shallow area of water and anchored with a drowning wire or heavy object. When the mink is caught in the trap, it will be quickly submerged underwater and drown. This method is commonly used because it is efficient and minimizes the risk of escape or injury to the animal.
Live Trapping and Humane Methods
Live trapping and humane methods are preferred when attempting to catch minks. These methods ensure that the animal is captured and relocated without causing unnecessary harm or distress.
In comparison to lethal traps, live traps are safer and more family-friendly, making them a suitable option for both novice and experienced trappers.
Live trapping mink involves using a cage trap. Minks are attracted to the scent of bait placed inside, and once they enter, a mechanism triggers the door to close, safely confining the animal without injury.
Protecting Livestock from Minks
Minks are known to be predators of small animals such as birds, muskrats, rabbits, and mice, as well as causing significant damage to farmers’ livestock by killing chickens and ducks. Farmers and poultry keepers across America encounter these carnivorous predators, which are related to ferrets and stoats.
Exclusion
One essential strategy in preventing mink attacks is to physically exclude their entry into the livestock area by using tight security measures. Seal all openings larger than one inch with wood, tin, or other solid materials.
Furthermore, installing one-inch mesh poultry netting around chicken coops and over ventilation openings will create a barrier to prevent minks from entering and preying on chickens.
Monitoring and understanding the travel habits of minks can assist in determining their presence around your livestock. Minks are known to cover up to ten miles a night and visit the same spots near water areas.
By identifying potential mink movement routes and signs of mink presence near the chicken coop or farm, you will be better prepared to implement effective trapping and exclusion techniques.
Trapping
Trapping minks can be an additional method of protection for your livestock. Before attempting to trap a mink, contact your local or state wildlife agency to make sure it is legal to do so. Many states have specific trapping seasons due to minks being sought for their fur.
Galvanized mesh live traps are a popular choice due to their effectiveness. Place traps with bait that will attract minks, such as fish, fresh meat, or a dead mouse, near the locations they frequent or have been observed.
Legal and Seasonal Considerations
When planning to trap minks, first consider whether it is legally permissible to do so. Different jurisdictions have different regulations regarding trapping these creatures, as they are often sought after for their fur. Always contact your local or state wildlife agency to inquire about the legality of trapping minks in your area.
Trapping Seasons
Seasons play a significant role in the process of trapping minks as well. Many states have established specific trapping seasons to manage population numbers and protect the animals’ well-being.
Trapping Methods
These restrictions may also extend to live trapping methods used for pest removal. It is crucial to adhere to these regulations to avoid legal complications and ensure ethical treatment of the animals.
You should also familiarize yourself with the preferred trapping methods and techniques for minks within your jurisdiction. Some areas may allow the use of live traps, while others may permit only lethal traps. When selecting a trapping method, take into consideration any specific guidelines or requirements set forth by the governing wildlife agency.
Non-Target Species
Another factor to keep in mind when trapping minks is the potential presence of other wildlife species in your trapping area.
Many states require trappers to obtain specific permits and follow regulations designed to protect other animals, such as otters, muskrats, or weasels. Properly identifying mink habitat and carefully selecting trap locations can minimize unintended consequences to non-target species.
Wrapping up the Trapper’s Guide to Mink Trapping
Understanding the mink’s natural habitat and behavior plays a significant role in a successful trapping endeavor. Minks are primarily found near water sources, such as rivers, streams, and ponds.
Recognizing their movement patterns, which often involve the same routes and locations, can help trappers set up the most effective traps. Mink trapping involves a variety of equipment, baits, and techniques, which need to be combined with caution for legal and seasonal considerations.
Next, check out our guide for Woodchuck Trapping.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.