A bodygrip trap is a lethal device designed to capture an animal’s entire body and cause a rapid dispatch. Unlike a foothold trap, which secures an animal by the paw, the bodygrip mechanism is engineered to strike the animal’s torso, head, or neck. This device is widely used by trappers and wildlife control professionals for the management of furbearing species. The design allows for quick, humane dispatch when the trap is properly matched to the size of the target animal and set correctly.
Core Design and Dispatch Mechanism
The bodygrip trap consists primarily of two square or rectangular wire frames that form the jaws. These frames are held open under immense tension by powerful coiled springs, which can be single or double, depending on the trap size and required striking force. The spring energy defines the striking power of the trap, which is significant even in smaller models.
To set the trap, the trapper compresses the springs and secures the jaws open using a trigger assembly. This assembly includes a small wire trigger, often configured as an inverted “V” or “W,” and a locking mechanism called the dog or catch. The trap is placed in a location where the animal is expected to pass directly through the open frames.
When an animal makes contact with the sensitive wire trigger, it displaces the dog from its locked position. This instantaneous release causes the springs to snap the two rectangular jaws closed with great force. The resulting impact on the animal’s body or neck is intended to cause immediate unconsciousness and dispatch.
Applications and Target Species
Bodygrip traps are used for the management and harvesting of furbearers. Selecting the appropriate size for the target animal is necessary to ensure a precise, lethal strike.
Trap sizes are matched to specific species:
- Smaller traps, like the #110 series, are intended for species such as muskrat, mink, and weasel.
- Mid-sized traps, such as the #220, are employed for larger furbearers like raccoons, skunks, nutria, and fisher.
- The largest variants, including the #330, are reserved for powerful animals like beaver and river otter.
Traps are frequently placed in aquatic environments, often submerged in the animal’s travel paths, such as dam breaks or den entrances. On land, these traps are set within restrictive enclosures or cubbies to direct the target animal into the opening. This placement minimizes the chance of non-target animals, like pets or birds, accidentally encountering the trap.
Critical Safety and Handling Procedures
Due to the immense striking force of the coiled springs, bodygrip traps are inherently dangerous to handle, particularly the larger sizes. Personal safety devices, such as safety locks and safety hooks, must be engaged at all times while the trap is being set to prevent accidental closure. For powerful models, typically the #220 size and larger, trappers must utilize specialized setting tools, such as setters or safety pliers, to safely compress the springs.
Regulations governing the use of these traps are often strict and vary by region, usually dictating maximum jaw spread and required placement to protect non-target wildlife and domestic animals. In many jurisdictions, larger traps must be fully or partially submerged in water, or placed in a recessed box or enclosure on dry land. These placement restrictions are intended to prevent animals too large or small for the intended target from entering the lethal strike zone.
Before a set is finalized, all safety devices must remain secured, only being removed as the very last step once the trap is properly anchored and positioned. The springs store substantial mechanical energy, and an accidental firing on a person’s hand or arm can cause severe injury. Trappers are trained to follow stringent safety protocols, including carrying emergency release tools.