Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Muskrats

Most of my experience with trapping muskrats has been in winter, under ice, so I may not be much help.

Almost any fresh vegetable is good for bait, but parsnips, carrots, and apples all should work well. If you are using a live trap, I'm assuming you are setting it on, or near their run.

I can understand using a live trap if you have it on dry land, as you don't want to catch the cat. However, I would probably use something a little less friendly, and far less obtrusive, than a live trap. To make it safe for kitty and even small dogs, you can use a far more deadly trap, like a #110 Conibear, fastened to a 2x12 plank, and floated/anchored in the water near where they go in and out of the pond.

The Conibears are inexpensive and are readily available at most big-box outdoor stores like Gander Mountain, Cabellas, and BassPro. Just be careful with these traps. They are mean traps. They are also humane, as the critter dies almost instantly when trapped in one.

Ken