Common Trap Sizes, Uses, Prices (click for prices) See Below For Pro Sets + Books
| #50-2 | 3 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ jaw spread, 4-way trigger | Mink, Muskrat, Weasel |  |
| #60-2 | 3 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ jaw spread, 4-way trigger | Mink, Muskrat, Weasel |  |
| #110-2 | 4 1/2″ jaw spread, 4-way trigger | Mink, Muskrat, Opossum, Skunk, Weasel |  |
| #120-2 | 4 1/2″ jaw spread, 4-way trigger | Marten, Mink, Muskrat, Opossum, Skunk, Weasel |  |
| #160-2 | 6″ jaw spread, 4-way trigger | Fisher, Marten, Nutria, Opossum, Raccoon, Skunk |  |
| #220-2 | 7″ jaw spread, 4-way trigger | Badger, Beaver, Fisher, Marten, Nutria, Opossum, Otter, Raccoon, Skunk |  |
| #280-2 | 8″ jaw spread, 4-way trigger | Badger, Beaver, Bobcat, Fisher, Lynx, Nutria, Otter, Raccoon |  |
| #330-2 | 10″ jaw spread, 4-way trigger | Beaver, Bobcat, Lynx, Otter |  |
Our take on Conibear traps.
We have all seen many videos on youtube, and read many articles online. Conibear body traps are a big deal. In my personal opinion the common prepper needs several dozen of the 160 size. The 160 trap size runs at 6” body spread. So it’s good for skunks, groundhogs, and possibly raccoons depending on your set. Read below for more information on sets and sizes and our problem with one of the main manufacturers.
The Conibear trap makers we like.
Korea V.S. China V.S. USA!
Now at this point you have to consider your choice of brands. From what ive learned on this journey there are three major brands. Duke, Oneida, and ALEKO. I did a small amount of research on each of these manufacturers. I will list them below.
Duke Traps (click to see traps)
At first glance this seems like the true American brand. Based in Mississippi, and with a country style website I assumed they were the only brand actually made in the states. We called them just to confirm and yes, their traps are made in Korea. You can decide if this bothers you or not. They have a very large selection of conibear traps on amazon, with decent reviews.
ALEKO (click to see traps)
This brand comes off as cheap to me. I have never used nor seen their traps but they have fairly poor reviews on amazon. I typically judge how serious a company is about a product based on the selection on amazon. Their selection is also poor on their conibear traps. Also while looking up information on this article I have concerns as to the location of manufacture. I found several listings on Alibaba (Chinese factory owner to US wholesale site) which show conibear traps. Buyer beware!
Oneida victor (click to see traps)
This company proudly states that their traps are made in the U.S. However their selection of conibear traps on amazon is fairly limited. They do shine in their leg hold traps. They have many sizes and shapes available. If you want to buy specifically from America then I suggest trying to use this company.
Good 160 conibear sets, recommended resources
Tried and true set ideas
Bucket sets
Bucket sets are simple to understand. You position your bucket so that the animal has to reach through the trap to get to food. Some of the trappers I work with say that even just setting the bucket on the ground, open up, and putting the trap inside so the animal has to reach through works best. My opinion is to have you think it through, how tall is the animal, what does it do when sniffing out food, and what kind of food is in demand at the time.
Hole sets
These are very similar to the bucket set, however you can adjust your hole size and placement fairly well. This allows you to customize the entirety of the trapping set rather than using a prop. Props can often smell odd, and will put the prey on edge.
Water sets
My only experience with water sets has been for fish. Stick funnels work well for small creeks or rivers. In these sets you would make a v with the bottom pointing downstream. The sticks lead the fish along the upstream edge into the hole in the middle. The fish swim through and hit the tines of a conibear. This captures the fish (usually) and with an anchored trap will hold it there for some time. NOTES: Check your local laws, also don’t leave the fish too long or crawfish will start to eat it.
Notes and tips on the 160 conibear trap
With the 160 you have a 6” x 6” jaw spread so you can get pretty creative. Some of the main things to consider are:
- Funnel the animal into the trap.
- Make sure to remove oils and machining debris from trap prior to use.
- Verify laws in your area
- Protect your hands!
Books we recommend for conibear sets.
Successful Conibear Trapping by V.E. Tingley (Click to view on Amazon)
From the amazon Description:
Successful Conibear Trapping is written V.E. Tingley.
It is 22 pages of text and illustrations. For some trappers
Conibear trapping is an art.
Tingley sets you on that course with this book.
Conibear Craft by Grant J. Case (Click to view on Amazon)
From the amazon description:
Grant Case’s “Conibear Craft” Book details many different body grip sets for taking muskrat, mink,
raccoon, beaver, fox, skunk & opossum, bobcat, otter, weasel, fisher, marten, badger, woodchuck and turtle.
This book also covers sizes and recommended uses, body grip parts,
setting tools, adjustments, trigger positions, holding methods and trigger modification.
Conibear 160 size and good comparisons
Why chose the 160?
I like the conibear 160 because its 6”x6” size really opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to small mammals. Mt thought on survival after SHTF or some Teotwawki situation is that the smaller traps will be most useful for two reasons. First, smaller animals are more difficult to shoot, so many of the moderately prepared people will most likely be focused on larger game. This leaves a booming population of rodents and fish that will be most easily caught with smaller conibear traps. Second is that there are more small animals available, and they can be trapped more sustainably. If you have a thousand or more hungry people and no laws, the animal population is going to be severely over utilized. In the long term (1.5 + years) it’s vital to have a sustainable food source small mammals and fish provide this.
What are its uses?
Like I mentioned above, trapping the more common animals. But also fish, the 160 is a big large for most fish, however it can be done. Also feel free to experiment with sets. For instance you could use pvc pipe and bury it to trap rats, or squirrels. The animal would have to go through the trap to get the food. Hell, you might even be able to throw a set conibear at an animal and catch it. I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THAT! But you get my point, be creative and learn from your experiences.
I really need to learn more about traps and such, so this will help a lot!
Thank you!
Trappers are kind of a tight knit bunch of people. We gather occasionally at a type of “convention” that are often called a rendezvous. There’s a lot of experience floating around at these things.theres also usually vendors selling traps and other gear, snares, books and videos. They’re thinly scattered far and wide, so you may need to travel 50 or 60 miles to visit one. There’s also often demonstrations of how to make a few sets. Geoffrey Conibear revolutionized the world of trapping with his trap. Just because you have a great trap, doesn’t mean you can catch what you are after. You need to practice. Luckily, trapping is legal in season, for some (furbearing) animals.check your local state game commission. You will also make some money when you sell the furs. The 110 is the workhorse for muskrat, mink, and in a Survival situation, rabbits and squirrels. Study and practice pays great dividends here. Good luck
Bullseye