[Bigbrownie]

I ran my line this morning, mostly cable restraints out now. When I turned the atv into an overgrown field to check some sets I noticed bear tracks in the mud. I had a beaver carcass out in a field of goldenrod, covered with brush to keep the crows off it. I had some Gusto call lure and had 4 cable restraints hung 100 feet in each direction from the bait. When I got close, I could tell the beaver was gone, and the brush covering it was scattered. I glanced down at the cable nearest me and noticed it was kinked up. It was tore up, but nothing like a catch circle with a cabled coyote. Looking closer there was bear hair on the cable lock and bear tracks in the mud. Looked to be 200 lbs.

As close as I can figure, the bear got his noggin through the cable loop and it must have hung up on his head in front of his ears. I had my normal size coyote loop and had I anchored with an Earth Anchor with a longer than normal cable. Probably used his front paws to pull it off. What surprised me the most was that after all that commotion, it still wanted the beaver and carried it off. I looked around for 10 minutes, couldn't find it anywhere. My buddies had two bears on their feet on New Year's Day driving deer nearby here, and I had bear pics on my trail cams on Dec. 22nd and 28th.

I carry a catch pole and good cable cutter with me....but not really excited about having to use them with a bear. This was one of those days you're glad something gave you the slip.

 

[Kip Feroce]

Oh just think of the excitement you missed. Lo

 

[npellegrene]

Sounds like a interesting morning! Never a dull day when you have something set!

 

[Teddy (punchie)]

A story tell . Good memory for the rest of your life. Thanks For sharing !!

 

[bumprded]

I had a +/- 80# cub in a mb550 earlier this season. Really gets your blood flowing.

 

[Bigbrownie]

I had a +/- 80# cub in a mb550 earlier this season. Really gets your blood flowing.

That would leave quite a catch circle. Was the sow still in the area? Do you get helpers ( PGC ) to release?

 

[ken66]

Gets your blood flowing? Try getting your best hunting dog out of one as he's gasping for air, that gets your blood flowing and your temper also !!!

 

[Kip Feroce]

Gets your blood flowing? Try getting your best hunting dog out of one as he's gasping for air, that gets your blood flowing and your temper also !!!

Do you mean out of a trap or from the bear? Releasing a dog can be very easy. Getting from a bear may be problematic. It is usually easiest to release a dog that knows us. Have released too many breeds to list. Getting upset will upset the dog and make the release more difficult and dangerous. Speak calmly and get down to the dogs level and turn away from dog and keep talking calmly. This method has changed the demeanor of many dogs instantly for me from bare teeth ears back to a help me whimper ears forward please pet me mode. Hope this helps if there is a next time. Have caught most of my dogs at one time or another, beagles or walkers. None were ever injured beyond a sore paw for a day or an hour.

 

[chilli]

Ken66 can you explain a little. Some details if possible

 

[bumprded]

Gets your blood flowing? Try getting your best hunting dog out of one as he's gasping for air, that gets your blood flowing and your temper also !!!

I have had that happen twice over the years. The most recent was 2015 at a state game land 200 yards from the parking area. I was mad because the person didn't use common sense, but the dog got scared more than anything. As long as we follow the trapping laws, the dog should get hurt. But use common sense.

 

[bumprded]

That would leave quite a catch circle. Was the sow still in the area? Do you get helpers ( PGC ) to release?

Yes, I went and got help. When I got out to the road I was lucky enough to have the areas local trapper come by. When we got to my trap the brother or sister was there and ran off. We were keeping an eye out for mom. Luckily we never saw her. :nevreness:

 

[Bigbrownie]

I don't consider myself a pro with cable restraints, as this is only the second year I've used them. But I can't see how properly hung cables ( legal gear, no entanglements near, properly anchored and swiveled ) would be life threatening to any animal, wild or domestic. The critters I've caught acted like they were on a staked down leash. Some caught by neck, some around body and hips.

As far as leg grip traps, a trap with multiple swivels with laminated and offset jaws do virtually no damage to a dog's ( or cat ) paw. A few years ago I caught my buddy's dog 3 times over Christmas break. He knew I was trapping but wanted to hunt grouse there. That dog was a sucker for coyote urine and a slow learner. My buddy would let him loose, and he'd take off like nothing happened.

No trapper likes non target catches. Having knowledge of the animals you're setting for, using proper equipment, and a little common sense eliminate a lot of your problems.