With DP traps I assume you are talking about coon, I use CB caps centered above the eyes, a side hit in the head with shorts is going to give an exit. Animal will be looking up at you so a straight on shot is easy and the bullet will go down into the neck rather than exit. I use a revolver and load it half with short hollowpoints for coyote and bobcat and half with CB's for fox and coon. A head hit anywhere will give a lot of blood so I pick them up by the back leg immediately after the shot so they don't roll in the blood.
Posts: 178 | Location: NE Pennsylvania | Registered: 24 December 2006
I have used this method since the late 60's back then I trapped where the discharge of a firearm was not premitted.
A hockey stick with the hooked end cut off, a hard whack across the bridge of the nose. When the animal goes down drop the stick across the neck stepping on it with the other foot stepping on rib cadge causing suffocation.
I have used this method on possum, coon, fox and coyotes, never on a bobcat.
I was taught to use a baseball bat. Whack them on the bridge of the nose, or between the eyes. Put the bat across the back of their neck and pull up on the back legs slipping the neck vertebrae.
This was for fox, badger and racoon where we didn't want a hole in the head portion of the pelt.
Coyotes I just shot between the eyes with a .22.
Jeremy
Posts: 1484 | Location: Indiana | Registered: 28 January 2011
You are allowed 3, .22 sized holes in a coon pelt with no dock by the fur grader. In the end its personal preference on the dispatch. If running a lot of traps use the pistol, saves time and hassle, under bridges and culverts a big bore has nothing on a .22 report, WOW! Be aware. I bring ear muffs just for that. A smack on the head is not as final and if you get carried away it makes skinning a bastard. Either way works
