220 bucket sets - WHAT GIVES??

[MDCAT]

In our field we have a big brush pile.  On each side of the brush pile, I have a bucket set with a 220 conibear trap at the mouth of it.  These two sets I call my scrap sets.   We put table scraps, chicken bones, turkey bones, etc.  Last year I caught a lot of possums and skunks in these sets.  This year have not caught a single thing but I am getting robbed.  Something is getting into the buckets and packing out all the chicken and turkey bones and scraps without firing the trap.  No sign, no tracks.  I know a mouse is too small to pack a big old chicken leg bone out of that bucket.  The only thing I think it could be would be a field rat. 

Something is robbing me blind.  What gives??  Need advice and help on this.

Thanks,
Mike

[Thebear_78]

weasels and ermin will rob a 220 bucket cubby blind.  I would suspend a tuna can from the top of the bucket on a string,  that way mice, rats and ermin can't do away with it.

[VATrapper]

I would try tying one of the chicken bones to the trigger wires. Make it very secure though , not just tying a string in the middle try tying 3 on it.

[TRAPnHUNT]

MD... If you have a trailcam (or two), set it up and you'll be able to catch the critter in action that is stealing your bait. The same thing has happened to me in the past and I've done this same thing. It will help you to adjust and solve this problem.

Ron

[TRAPnHUNT]

I've used trailcams on my traplines several times to learn the "Does & Dont's" and it has helped me in this manner as well.

Ron

[MDCAT]

Ron never thought about my trail cramra -will give it a try
 
Mike

[TRAPnHUNT]

Let us know what you find out Mike!