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About: Just a former Biology Teacher that takes and makes opportunities to enjoy and learn outdoor skills. Have fun, respect nature, and if you've any ideas as to what you'd like me to demonstrate hit me up. Visit … More About HorseBackBob »

Step by step instructions on how to set and place a gopher trap.

Step 1: Things You'll Need (Trap and Chain)

This is a Victor Easy Set Gopher Trap 0611. You'll need to attach a chain or tether of some type to keep the trap from being pulled underground or carried off by a gopher-loving coyote or some such. In the pictures above you'll notice that I've crimped a light chain onto the base of this trap.

Step 2: Know the Parts and Pieces

It is important to know the parts and pieces before beginning this process as this trap is not humane and has undoubtedly injured a few uninformed/unfocused folks over the years. I'll use the terms labeled in the picture above as I demonstrate how to set the trap.

Step 3: Start the Setting Process

Position the trap with the Jaws pointed away and Trip Plate towards your body. Take two thumbs and begin depressing the flat center plate while making sure that the Setting Rods/Jaws Platform pivot under the Base.

While still squeezing, slide your thumbs one at a time over the horizontal portion of the Jaws. This may seem a bit dangerous, but doing this is much easier as the leverage gained makes it easier to keep the trap open.

Notice again that the Jaws Platform is beneath the Base.

Step 4: Applying Pressure to the Setting Rods

By holding the Setting Rods down close to the trip plate, you should be able to safely remove your thumbs from within the Jaws. If the Setting Rods are released, the trap will be set off. Be sure to keep the Setting Rods depressed and just in case, make sure not to let anything you'd miss losing from getting within the Jaw's grasp.

Step 5: Setting Sensitivity

The Trip Plate needs to be swung up into place at this time. While still keeping the Setting Rods held down, slide the ends of the rods under the edge of the Trip Plate. The Setting Rods, when slowly released will remain down as long as the Trip Plate remains vertical.

As shown above, sensitivity can be set by moving the Trip Plate back and fourth. Be sure not to pull the Trip Plate so far that the Setting Rods can be released as this will set off the trap.

Step 6: The Trap Is Set and Ready for Placement

The trap is ready to place in the gopher hole at this time. If placement is not immediately possible it is advisable to set off the trap with a stick to disarm it. Leaving an armed gopher trap around can be incredibly dangerous and should never be done.