Construction
Please read all directions before beginning any new woodworking project!
To be effective, the rabbit trap should
be constructed of fairly good lumber. The door and its guides
are critical points, since gravity must close the door after
the trigger is tripped. Be sure there is enough space between
the guides that the door slides without binding. Some people
extend the guides about 1 inch above the top of the trap to support
the door. When the door is raised and the trigger is set, at
least 2 inches or more of the door should be in the guide tracks.
The opening should be at least 4 inches high. This height can
be adjusted by changing the length of the string between the
door and lever.
The trigger is not complicated, although it may require some fine-tuning to insure a quick release when contact is made.
Location and Operation
Rabbits live in areas where good escape cover is available-in brushpiles, briar patches and thick fencerows. They also prefer low-cut bluegrass mixed with clovers and shrubs. In order to catch rabbits, the box trap must be placed in or along the runs or trails made by rabbits using these areas.
Opinions vary as to the importance of baits for the box trap. Some prefer baits such as apples, carrots or corn, while others use no bait at all. Baits may attract opossums and skunks in search of an easy meal.
Care should be taken to place the trigger notch on the edge of the hole nearest the door. This will insure its release when the animal pushes against it upon entering the trap.
Comment
With a little modification in the size during construction, this trap design may be adapted to catch other, larger or even smaller animals. Nuisance animals may be trapped and moved to another area, using the box for transport.
Caution
These traps must be used in accordance with all rules and regulations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri. Certain permits and landowner permission must be obtained before any trapping is done. When in use, the law re-quires that the traps be checked daily and removed when no longer in use.
Click here to view a printable version of the blueprint for this project.
