I received my fisher tag this year. In the past I had always used body grip traps with the leaning pole set. This year I plan on adding some cubby sets. My cache of traps includes some MB 450's and 550's. Just wondering if these traps are of the correct size for the critter, or are they too large?

Thanks, Frank.

I cannot comment on the traps you specify. However, be certain to tie off your trap very solidly. I have had fisher do an amazing amount of destruction with a 120 mag around their neck. If their feet touch the ground, they fight hard. Same for snares. They can do amazing things.

All things being equal, I would stick to the body grips.

Thanks. I won't use any body grip smaller than a 220 for fisher. I had an incidental fisher wearing my 160 around his throat. I was able to release him, sounding like a horse as he thundered away. Our 220's have to be located either at least 5ft above grade, or recessed within an enclosure from 8 to 15 inches back, depending on the opening size of the enclosure. So I'll stick with the leaning pole sets using body grips, but I thought I'd experiment with a cubby and footholds. I just don't want to use the wrong size and screw things up. Their paws aren't real big, and I don't want a leg catch. Maybe there is no size foothold trap suitable for fisher. You're right, they are very powerful. I guess that's why I'm asking.

Frank.

A 160 MAG does a fine job and a 120 MAG is fine also when the animal is 100% suspended and away from the tree.

Sweet. Might have to look for some 160mags at the next convention. Nice setup with the cubby box. Baited?

Frank.

FLSH ETR & Musher, I've never been around fisher and probably never will. I have seen however how tough/mean/feroucis a 1 pound weasel is in a chicken house in the south. And a fisher is a 10 to 12 pound weasel? Wow. I can't imagine the power those things have. Any quick antidotes on fisher trapping?
Thanks, Richard

One fellow trapper told me that if fishers were as big as coyotes he'd stay out of the woods!!

Frank.

My leaning poles sets included a 220 wired to the base of the pole, a piece of venison secured just a few inches above the trap, and long call stunk lure above that and a fisher lure at the base of the pole. I learned not to put the bait too far past the trap or you may get a hip catch which will find you with a live and firey fella upon your return. I'm no expert but this set has caught me 8 fishers in my 5 year ( and very part time) career.....

I have never caught one in a coil or long spring, but my Dad and son do. They use MB-550'S and 1.75 BMI'S. I use 155's on the ground and 160's on a tree. Never seen a struggle.



Big male in a 160