Quick Answer
For spring muskrat trapping, the best baits are typically aquatic plant material, such as water lily pads or cattails, and commercial muskrat baits like muskrat pelts, stink baits, or fish guts. Use these baits in conjunction with well-placed and well-baited traps to increase success rates. Freshness is key when it comes to muskrat baits.
Choosing the Right Bait
When selecting a bait for spring muskrat trapping, consider what’s available in the environment. Aquatic plants like water lily pads and cattails are excellent choices, as muskrats often use these plants for shelter and food. You can use the entire plant, or just the leafy greens, depending on what’s most attractive to the muskrats in your area.
Baiting and Placing Traps
To effectively bait and place your traps, follow these guidelines: use 2-3 pieces of bait per trap, and place the trap in a location where the muskrat is likely to encounter the bait. This might be near a burrow entrance, or in a spot where the muskrat commonly feeds. Make sure the trap is well-concealed and set in a location where it won’t be disturbed.
Tips for Increased Success
To increase your success rate when muskrat trapping in the spring, use a combination of baits and be patient. It may take several days for the muskrats to become accustomed to the traps and baits. Be sure to check your traps regularly to avoid losing valuable catch, and consider using a trap with a quick and humane kill, such as a Conibear or a Victor trap.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.