Setting WI Cable Restraints - A Video
Wisconsin
Contributors to this thread:
TrophyGameTags's Link
Here is a video showing my method of setting cable restraints under WI laws. I hope you find the video educational as well as entertaining. If you have experience with cable restraints and find I am doing something wrong, please let me know. I want 'em dead!
Looks good. I can't see anything to add.
Very spirited. LOL
Make sure you follow up with another video on how well it worked.
They work lama, it just takes time. I just got back from the trapline. Two of the new sets were tripping by deer last night, no sign of any coyotes in this area. I had just missed another last night in one of my old restraint sets, loop was closed on the ground and the coyote walked right down the trail. He'll be back. Picture is from another I caught earlier.
TrophyGameTags's Link
Oops, that last picture is tiny. Just another pic of a coyote in a cable restraint.
If you are interested in trying this, I am posting a link to the parts you will need.
For the anchor, I use the wolf fang disposable stakes. You will need 100' of 3/32 cable, and some double ferrules to complete them. My stakes are around 2' long. Obviously, a cable cutter too. I didn't buy any quick links, but I will on my next order. These are used to attach the stake to the cable restraint.
TrophyGameTags's Link
Here is a link to the type of restraint I am using. There are other brands that make a WI cable restraint, I just chose this one. I have all the parts to make my own if I want. The only other thing you will need is a roll of no.9 gauge wire. This is used to support the restraint. As you can see in the links, the restraints and other parts are pretty cheap. 72 restraints for $84! Get some fellas and get out there and have some fun controlling the coyote population.
Awesome video and info Trapper Mike. Can deer get their head caught in the cable restraint? I'm interested in trying this, but that would be my only concern. Prob a dumb question, but I don't know zip about cable restraints!
I'm sure it's possible, bohunter, but highly unlikely. The loop is approximately 12 inches in diameter, and you want the bottom of the loop 9 inches off the ground. Deer normally just push the loop to the side and it closes up if they walk down the trail your trap is on.
Bohunter it's possible I got two different fawns last year. Easy two release. Took my jacket threw it over her head. Calms them down. Get on them release the restraint right back over the head. Don't even leave a mark on them.
Nice video!! I carry a 4ft crow bar for pulling them stakes. Ground the opening in claw bit wider to help with grabbing stake. Then a small piece of plate steel for support in soft soil. Tried tacking it right on, but that hindered some applications. Crow bar also comes in handy for some dispatch applications. Where there is not room for my custom softball bat. Added some lead to the end of it for a bit more wallop! Have been considering switching to a piece of pipe instead. So that it could be used as an extension to the crowbar. For those really hard to pull stakes.
Never had any issues with deer either.
A+. Nice job and love the commentary and enthusiasm! Get those kids going on trapping as it is truly a great way to get them out and teach them woodsmanship and respect for the outdoors.
Thanks for sharing! Easy as cheese. :)
I'm getting pumped to buy some cables and give this a shot for the first time, coyotes are thick here! I always heard about boiling traps and wax etc... for foot traps, and have had them bolt when they cross my path bowhunting even with rubber boots. Why is it that they follow your path and stick their head in the cable where all the human presence is there from setting it up? I'm sure every effort is being made to be scent free as possible, any veteran tips for success?
Does the snare basically strangle them? Do you ever put bait by them?
WI does not allow the use of snares, which will choke off the animal in the trap. We can use cable restraints, which close down to about a 2 1/2 inch circle. Coyotes, dogs, whatever animal you catch, can be released from the restraint and be just fine.
You can use bait, but the trap has to be 25 feet away from it.
Bohunter, I don't do anything special with scent control. I've watched quite a few coyote trapping videos and they all say the same thing, don't give the coyote too much credit. They are a smart animal, but they're not that smart. The scent you leave at the set will dissipate anyhow over time, unlike you sitting in a tree stand bow hunting big bucks.
Drop Tine's Link
If you buy cable restraints make sure they are WI. Legal. When looking they will even say WI legal in the discription like the one in my link. I keep the area scent free as possible and looking as natural as I can. Also make sure when you set them to leave enough slack that you can raise them up as the snow gets deeper. You can't set them where tanglement will be an issue or around Rooted woody vegitarion grater than a 1/2".
Hey Mike, what was that youre using on the end of the #9 wire to stick in the ground?
I used a 6" pole barn spike. You have to put the spike in a vise and wrap it with a pliers or vice grips, as that no.9 wire is tough to bend in a small circle. If there was no frost in the ground, I would be using a 1' piece of 1/2 inch rebar with a hole drilled in it near the top. The rebar works better, as it holds the wire more rigidly.
Just ordered all the parts for a dozen cable restraints plus an anchor driver from F&T Post for $68, UPS can't get here fast enough! Thanks for all the info Trapper Mike.
TGT...
I want to thank you for this topic. It's certainly gotten my attention.
I'm beginning to transition to semi-retirement and this would be a perfect winter activity.
To be clear - I have to complete trapper training?
Turkeyhunter, this paragraph is in the trapping regulations on page 28:
"Who must attend? All first-time trappers must complete the Wisconsin trapper education course prior to purchasing a trapping license. It is recommended that you be at least 10 years old to attend this class. Class size may be limited, so early registration is recommended. No late applications will be accepted. Note: You must have a DNR customer ID number prior to the first class. Call 1 (888) 936-7463 to obtain this number. Persons who purchased a Wisconsin trapping license on or before May 12, 1992 or are actively engaged in farming in Wisconsin as defined by State Statute 102.04(3) and are a current Wisconsin resident are exempt from completing trapper education."
I'm glad to get others involved in trapping coyotes. For me, there's just something about outsmarting these wiley critters. When you walk up to your first coyote catch, it's almost as exciting as walking up on a bow killed buck. Good luck fellas.
If you had a Sportsman or Patron license before 1992 then you would have had a Trappers license,its included. Am I wrong on that?
I think you are right, but it's best to call 608-266-2621 (dnr hotline) and ask them.
I made one more new set today. The coyotes and deer were on this trail. I walked through it and made it very distinct with my boots. It might look to open to you, but I think it looks killer!
Thanks for the info and the links guys.
The trapper course is a good idea for all first time trappers. Lots of info that can be learned in a hands on environment. However, I know a pile of guys who never took the class that were able to get the license. Just by fibbing about it. better to take the class IMO.
Wish I could use disposable stakes up here. Dont hold very well in the sandy soil. With the frost now maybe be ok. Just rather not take the chance. In fact I have to double stake everything. Cross staking everything. Basically driving them in at opposite angles so an X is formed. Normally 2ft stakes are always used. Makes for a lot of hardware. Easier to hook up the no 9 to 1/2 rebar though.
I suggest a good fencing pliers when working with NO 9. Makes life a lot easier. Especially when I was using them for beaver. Gave that up as the fur buyers dont like it much. Dispatch can be a real hassle this way as well.
Do a lot along lake shores here as well. So will us a drill bit to bore a hole. Then drop a 5 inch piece of rebar with hole in the middle down the hole. Once down it will flatten out making it impossible to come back out.
Trapping is a lot of fun, and always something to be learned every day on the line!
Wisconsin Trappers association is a great org also. Tom Florin trapping supplies also has great prices.
I use Minnesota Trap Products myself. The Snare Shop good too. Lot of good ones out there.
Like anything there is a learning curve. The fun is in the learning though.
My entire family are trappers. Including wife and daughter. Good family fun!
When I drew my wolf tag I did some checking on how you prove you had trapping experience before 1992. Aside from trapping nuisance animals on my own land I had not done any 'real' trapping since the mid 70's. No electronic records of licenses that far back and wasn't sure I could find an old license. Not enough time to take the general trapping class before season, I did take the wolf trapping class but that does not count for this requirement. So, I called the DNR info line. They said I did not have to provide proof from that long ago.
I might just take the class this year, never too old to learn something new.
Has anybody had coyotes chew through there cable and get away?? I had two do that this winter!! I too just started snaring this winter and love it!! A great winter sport that the snow doesn't bother it! This one I caught my second night out and it had chewed half way through!! Good luck everyone, Great thread!!!!
Silvrtip
The girls and I motored out to the north end of the property this morning for a day of winter pruning on the tree farm.
We hadn't gone very far at all when I came across canine tracks in the snow. They were not fresh - maybe a couple of days old. I suspected coyote - too big for fox.
Here they are...
On the return trip before dark we swapped-out the SD cards on the trail cameras. The last camera is at the trail junction at the turn were the tracks were.
Yessir! Wiley Coyote.
I think I am going to sign-up for trapper training. Could be a fun hobby in retirement...
Silvrtip, you may need to switch over to wolf cable restraints if your yote are that fierce.
Note that right next to the penny is the choke hold stopper.
Also note that this cable still looks brand new. Can't use them till December 1 so it never had a chance to get set.
When sets are made on deer trails, and to avoid deer pushing the restraint off the holder...put a "jump" stick horizontally over top of restraint hoop to force deer to jump over set. Next, put a "tickle" stick under the hoop so the canine lifts his nose into loop. Canines hate noses hitting prickly tickle sticks. So...give it a try.
Jeff in MN's Link
Steve, I bet the drive in anchors at this link would hold in your sandy soil. Intended for holding down army tents.
Also if anyone is serious about wanting a Newhouse #6 California sesquicentennial or the #15 Wisconsin sesquicentennial in new condition with accessories let me know.
TGT's - any wiley coyotes in those snares of yours yet?
Nothing, Adam.
Ever since I set the last ones after that new snow last week, I haven't seen any sign of coyotes around my house. I had a bunch of deer in the neighborhood, maybe that has something to do with the lack of yotes.. I had one fresh fox track through my woods. Oh well, my sets are in place and ready for them if and when they come back.
Darn TGT's!
Since I'm working on my trapper certification right now and there really isn't much left of the season, I've been tagging a long with a buddy who traps to pick up some field experience. And like you said, the beauty of trapping is once you have your sets out they're hunting 24/7 so it's just a matter of time (and a little luck)!
My cables from F&T finally showed up. Hey Trapper Mike, how long do you usually cut your #9 wire? I also need to figure out the best way to shape the loop round and have that hangup trigger point to keep the noose from collapsing even in a strong wind. All will come with experience and learning from mistakes like anything else.
Cut them long enough that you can raise the loop up as the snow gets deeper.
Put a little upward bend in the wire and put your whammy in and let the washer rest against it.
Thanks Drop Tine, I did a little searching online and saw a lot of 5 foot mention for #9 wire length, hope that's good info.
I cut my no.9 wire at 30 inches. If we did have deep snow, this would not be long enough. 60 inches seems excessive to me..
Get those restraints in the ground, fun stuff bohunter.
Thanks TGT, glad I checked this thread again before I started cutting!
I got everything put together tonight and ready to rock. I guess the only thing that I didn't do is spray paint the cable restraints brown, heard that after the fact. Is painting a must, wasting my time if I leave them silver? I'm sure the paint stinks, heard maybe guys boil them after painting?
Boil in new cables in NaOH/H2O. Don't paint unless you can air-out for a couple months.
Simmered my cables last night in baking soda, set my first 4 out this afternoon. Not feeling very confident being a rookie, maybe I'll get lucky.
Take some pics of your sets, and share them on this site. Remember, patience, my friend...
As stated, patience is KEY. When setting, try to come perpendicular, reaching to put set onto trail. Minimize time at the set and don't brush against grasses unnecessarily. Try not to disturb the pattern of the trail. I you must step on the trail, use a pine bough or tree branch to smooth out foot prints.
It isn't a matter of if, but when, that a coyote comes through. I set my loops at the upper end so fox jump through if possible and escape. Try to check using binoculars from a distance or as far as possible that you can see the loop is still up. If deer are pushing your sets over, put a jump stick over the top of the loop. Try to keep a small prickly piece of stick on the ground under the loop so coyote lifts his chin and is guided into loop.
You WILL be successful. The males are moving long distance right now. Season is done tomorrow!
Seasons done tomorrow even on landowner ground? I need to figure out how to post pics!
No, season runs 365 days for landowner.
For posting pics, just use the "Embed a Photo" link below the text box when you are replying to a thread. "Browse" your computer and select the photo you want, pretty easy.
Checked sets yesterday and no dice. I was pretty happy that all cables were still fishing in 30 mph winds. I'll check them today after church.
Any updates from guys that have cables out?
Gusto, I've had mine out for about 10 days now. Had 1 miss on a sure yote, some other trips that were deer or high winds. Still looking for my first song dog on my rookie campaign. Was hoping to see some more success on this thread!
I have no idea where the coyotes went around my house, but I haven't seen a fresh track or heard any howling since I made my last video. That's fine with me, if other hunters had success, I'm happy for them. Like I said before, my sets are still in place if other coyotes come around. You can't expect success like trapping coon, which are too easy. I'm rooting for you Bohunter!
Still nothing, I'm planning on getting some more sets out there to increase the odds. I'm having a hard time finding fresh tracks also, thanks for the support Trapper Mike, hopefully your yotes will return and you can do some damage!
Coyotes are moving all day now. Without a lot of snow in areas, the coyotes are not restricted as much. I see coyotes in the same area year after year, not matter how hard they are pushed. I am not sure what it is, but they sure seem to like buffalo farms, maybe they eat dung. I see them +/- 1 mile from a buffalo farm all the time.
This thread has got my interest and attention. When I have the time I'm going to enroll in a trapper education class.
In the meantime this varmint has been showing regularly on one of my trail cameras.
I should probably fetch my winter cammo smock and a varmint rifle...
Finally found the motherload of fresh yote tracks/sign. A veteran dog trapper would definately be in business here. Gonna give her hell and make some new sets. Wish I had a ringer to show me the ropes!
Males are easy pickin's this time of year
Made 5 new sets yesterday, hoping for some action!
Nice job Treefarm, did you get him in a cable restraint?
Yes, thinking my season was done 15 Feb., I was ready to quit but somebody reminded me of trapping on one owns property. Cable are legal Dec 1 - 15 February, however, I still had cables out on my own land but will pull them soon as the weather warms. They set the cable seasons to avoid conflicts with non-targets species, and that comes with warmer weather approaching.
Awesome Treefarm, good to see some success!