The characteristics of bodygrip traps
By using the right size and strength of bodygrip traps, trappers can safely capture the animals they want while keeping them unharmed.
#110 – Muskrat and Mink
The #110 body-grip trap is one of the smallest and most widely used models. It is designed with a single spring and an opening large enough for smaller furbearers.
This size is generally used for muskrat and mink, two species that move through narrow channels, runs, or den entrances. The #110 is compact, easy to set, and ideal for tight locations such as muskrat push-ups, mink trails, and culverts. Because of its small size, it is highly species-specific and effective in controlled situations.
#120 – Muskrat, Raccoon, Mink, Skunk, American Marten, and Opossum
The #120 trap is slightly larger and typically equipped with double springs, providing more strength and holding power.
This size is suitable for a broader range of animals, including muskrat, raccoon, mink, skunk, American marten, and opossum. Its versatility makes it useful in multiple habitats—from forested areas where marten travel on logs or trails, to riparian zones where raccoons and skunks search for food. The two-spring design ensures a quicker, more secure dispatch for medium-sized furbearers.
#220 – Nutria, Beaver, Raccoon, Skunk, American Marten, Fisher, Otter, and Opossum
The #220 trap is mid-sized and powerful, capable of handling stronger and heavier species.
It is commonly used for nutria, beaver, raccoon, skunk, American marten, fisher, otter, and opossum. Because it has a larger jaw spread and strong double springs, it is often set in trails, channels, and runs used by medium to large furbearers. This trap is favored for species like fisher and otter, which require more power due to their size and muscle density.
#330 – Beaver
The #330 trap is the largest standard body-grip trap and is specifically designed for beaver.
With its wide jaw spread and significant strength, the #330 is used in beaver channels, dam breaks, and lodge entrances. Its size makes it highly effective for large aquatic furbearers, providing quick and efficient dispatch when used properly.
Bodygrip traps can be used on land or in water, but generally used in underwater sets for capturing mink, muskrat, and beaver. Local regulations often control trap use, especially for bodygrip traps on dry land. Typically, these traps have a maximum jaw spread of 4½ inches when set on land.
The effectiveness and safety of bodygrip traps are heavily dependent on putting the trap in exactly the right spot. Accurate positioning is vital to target specific species, as improper placement risks unintended captures, potentially harming non-target wildlife or domestic pets. Successful use of these traps demands in-depth knowledge of animal behavior and habitat preferences, emphasizing the expertise needed for their use.
Large bodygrip traps used on land may accidentally catch or harm pets or unintended wildlife. As a result, some states only allow these large traps to be used underwater. Smaller traps might be allowed on land, but trappers must use them very carefully to avoid harming animals they're not trying to catch.
While bodygrip traps are known for their quick and efficient captures, they remain a subject of debate in wildlife management. Their effectiveness is widely recognized in professional circles, yet concerns persist about the possible risks to non-target animals. This ongoing controversy often leads to discussions about their role and appropriateness in modern trapping practices, balancing their utility with ethical considerations.
The use of bodygrip traps requires expertise and precaution. Users must be well-trained and highly skilled in their application, strict compliance with regulations and best practices being essential. These strict requirements aim to ensure the safety of both target and non-target animals, as well as the wider ecosystem. This emphasis on expertise and responsible use underlines the complex nature of using bodygrip traps in wildlife management strategies.
