Havahart traps

RonJ · Apr 7, 2014

I bought one to trap some possums and coons around the property. It's easy to set the trap and the door swings down with authority when tripped. However once the door is down it is very easy to push back up from the inside. I know a possum is easily strong enough to push the door up and escape.
What am I missing?

gregintenn · Apr 7, 2014

They work. I've caught both coons and possums in them.

RonJ · Apr 7, 2014

Cool! I guess coons & possums ain't as clever as I thought.

Gunslinger808 · Apr 7, 2014

Your good till you catch a skunk!
Ask me how I know...

Autococker07 · Apr 7, 2014

there should be a bar that lays on top of the door when its set, and falls into a notch to prevent the door from being forced open.... possums may not figure it out, but if you don't stake the trap down a coon will flip it over on its back and walk out, stopping by your trashcan for a snack and pooping in front of your door.....

reddogge · Apr 7, 2014

I used 1/4" wire mesh and made a "U" shaped bait holder and wired it to the top of the trap at the rear. Wire it so the bait is slipped in sideways, not from the front. Slip the bait in and the coon can't just reach in and grab it without tripping the trigger. Once tripped it can't be opened from the inside due to that little safety on top.

Erich · Apr 7, 2014

I've used these since I was a kid - don't recall any critter ever escaping.

L Pete · Apr 7, 2014

Erich said:
I've used these since I was a kid - don't recall any critter ever escaping.

No escapes as long as the trigger is set up "light". They work and they work well.

df06 · Apr 7, 2014

As someone above said, if you want to catch coons, drive a stake through the edge of the trap into the ground. Trapped coons will flip it over and escape.

Jessie · Apr 7, 2014

They should lock up when tripped. At least mine do.

RonJ · Apr 7, 2014

Thanks to all. The problem with my trap was the "bar" across the top was not crimped tight enough to the cage. It fell off and I found it on the deck, where I opened the box. Once it was back on and crimped to the cage it works perfectly. I'll take your advice and stake it to the ground.
Thanks again!

Buckey08 · Apr 7, 2014

Have a pro model havaheart trap that I use for coon, over the last 15 years it's batting 50% when it comes to keeping them trapped.Lot better live traps out there that do a better job!

loutent · Apr 7, 2014

I've been about 50% with the large one - mostly for groundhogs. If you bait it in the center there is a good chance it'll back out in my experience. I have read that some have better luck placing the bait at one end (so you have only one entry point) so it's well in the trap when the door shuts.

Buckey08 · Apr 8, 2014

A place in Alpena, Michigan called F+T has Freedom brand Professional live traps and from what I've heard when a coon walks in he don't walk out, this would solve the problem of making trap shy animals. Worth a hard look for anyone with a animal problem.

islamoradamark · Apr 8, 2014

some animals are really smart and hit that door really hard with there head when trap is being spung and sometimes getting out not very often. when u got a smart one ive put a rock on top of door to make it come down faster or a large stick out to side. always test trap to make sure the door latch come down smoothly and locks.

woodsltc · Apr 8, 2014

I used Havahart traps in the past but now use a trap that's similar but heavier and more solid construction than a Havahart to catch Coons that get in my bird feeder on my deck. I got it at the local Farmer's CO-OP.

I went to the heavier trap because some of the larger boar Coons (some push 25+lbs) would destroy a Havahart. Over the last few years I've caught over 40+ Coons..... one destroyed a Havahart after he managed to wiggle it to the edge of the deck and rolled it down the steps a good 12 feet. Since I've gone to the more sturdy trap ....... a couple have rolled it down the steps but inflicted no damage to the trap. Just leaves the Coon dazed and sad looking.

Don

sipowicz · Apr 8, 2014

I just leave my wife outside all night. If she could trap me she could trap anything.

Ivan the Butcher · Apr 8, 2014

I have used Have-a-heart in the past. Now I use a knock off, that I buy at Tractor Supply. The set of three (2 are smaller) is half the price. I have had animal lovers release captured pests, in town and suburbs. Country folk seem to know a pest when you catch one. All the pests I catch are now fertilizing the blackberry patch! The only reason I use live traps as opposed to the fatal variety is, it seems almost 50% of the animals I trap are the neighbors or my own cats. Ivan

CAJUNLAWYER · Apr 8, 2014

sipowicz said:
I just leave my wife outside all night. If she could trap me she could trap anything.

Yea but then you'd run into problems with the humane society....

RonJ · Apr 8, 2014

I think my problem is possums. Something is gnawing at the support posts of my deck. I don't know if coons do that but I've never seen it happen. I may have to cover the posts with sheet metal to stop that.

Havahart traps

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