On my line, all scents are called “stink.” This started because the lady managing the operation got in the habit of telling me how rank I was after a day of setting. Consequently, my trapping duds now live in the woodshed.
However, calling a scent “offensive” is often unfair. Many popular DIY trapping lures actually have pleasant, musky, or even perfumy tones. To a human, a snout might wrinkle; however, to a furbearer, that smell represents food, fear, or a mate. Because I am “frightfully frugal,” I prefer to make my own. If you want to keep your knives dull and your stretchers full, you must master the art of the attractant.
The Learning Curve: Avoiding Foul Mistakes
When I was a young trapper, I mistakenly thought an attractant should be loud enough to be smelled in the next county. Therefore, I tried using skinned remains to concoct lures. Unfortunately, I had not yet grasped the science of controlled decomposition.
The result? I produced a lot of rot but zero catches. My faith in fixatives was sorely tested because I hadn’t learned how to balance the ingredients.
Why Testing Your Lures is Vital
Eventually, my partner and I experimented with kitchen spices like cloves, cinnamon, and mustard. We mixed these with “exotic” ingredients and jarred the concoctions in the August heat. However, we learned a hard lesson about pressure.
Specifically, you should never cap a fermenting jar in 90-degree weather. If you do, it will result in a “dazzling” display of murky colors on your ceiling. We tested our “swamp tonic” on Pepper, the farm dog, but he ran away in disgust. Clearly, we had created a repellent rather than a lure.
Three Proven Recipes for DIY Trapping Lures
After years of trial and error, I discovered three specific formulas that actually put fur on the boards.
1. The “Pure Quill” Skunk Fixative
A veteran trapper once shared a secret that changed my line forever. This mixture is the ultimate long-distance call for fisher, fox, and otter.
- Ingredients: Use one can of petroleum jelly and one bottle of “pure quill” (skunk essence).
- The Process: First, melt the petroleum jelly over hardwood coals until it is liquid. Second, watch it closely, as it can ignite easily. Finally, remove it from the heat and stir in the skunk essence before pouring it into jars.
- Application: For the best results, smear a “quail egg” sized gob into a tree notch or cubby.
2. Rendering Professional Fish Oil
Fish oil is a classic ingredient in many DIY trapping lures. You can use whatever species is local to your area, such as salmon, trout, or carp.
- The Method: Place fish remains in a glass jar and let it “percolate” in the sun.
- The Yield: Over time, the mixture will separate. The top layer is a fine amber oil, while the bottom is a grainy, rank mash.
- Usage: For instance, use the clear oil for precise sets and flick the heavy mash onto backing using an evergreen bough.
3. Utilizing Beaver Castor (Bark Stones)
Beaver castors are known as the “magical stones” of the trapping trade. They are highly effective for attracting bobcats and pine marten.
|
Castor State |
Best Use for DIY Trapping Lures |
|
Fresh |
Provides an immediate, pungent attractant on the line. |
|
Dried |
Can be ground into a fine powder for complex lure recipes. |
|
Oil Sacks |
Pierce these to allow a slow “dribble” of scent near the trap. |
Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance
In conclusion, a smart operator knows that “stink” is subjective. What makes a human gag might make a fisher change direction from a mile away. For more professional standards, you can visit The National Trappers Association to compare your results.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your DIY trapping lures, and above all—don’t skimp on the skunk!
