How to choose a capture cage (box trap) for wild boars, etc.

As equipment for capturing wild boars, etc., the main choice is still the capture cage (box trap). A box trap is a box-shaped cage that is used to capture wild animals. Bait is used to attract prey into the box, and when the prey enters the box, the door falls down and the trap is complete! That's how it works.

In the case of other traps such as kukuri traps, it is difficult to catch prey unless you anticipate the movement of the beast and devise a setting method. On the other hand, box traps are lured by the power of the bait, so even if you misread the animal's movements, you can still catch them, making them suitable for beginners.

There are various types of box traps with different sizes, materials, and trigger methods, and it may be difficult to decide which one to choose. So this time, I will explain how to choose a box trap.

Choose a box trap based on the size of the target

The size of the box trap can be roughly determined by which beast is targeted. Using traps that are too big against small animals will cost you a lot of money, and you can't use box traps that are too small against large animals.

Also, the bigger the fish, the more likely you are to catch multiple at the same time, but the price will also be higher. The standard size of box traps used to capture large animals such as wild boars and deer is about 1 meter in height and width, and about 2 meters in depth.

Most of the nets have a pitch of less than 10 cm at the narrower side, and it is assumed that they will also catch small animals such as melons. Also, if it is this size, it is possible to capture large wild boars. *Large wild boars are very strong, so it is recommended to choose a box trap with a sturdy structure as much as possible.

Click here for Inohoi's recommended Large Box Trap>>

A size smaller than this is also widely available for wild boars and deer. Compared to the above size, the weight is slightly lighter, so it has the advantage of being easy to handle. It can also be used to capture Kyon, which has become a problem in the Kanto area in recent years .

Recommended for elderly people who find it difficult to set up heavy box traps, and for female hunters. Click here for Inohoi's recommended medium-sized box trap >> When targeting monkeys, they may put their hands into the mesh from the outside of the trap to get food, so choose a mesh that takes that into account. would be good.

Box traps for monkeys can also be used for raccoon dogs, palm civets, badgers, and uribou. Even if it's not as big as a wild boar or deer, if it's 0.8 meters wide and 0.8 meters high, you can expect to catch multiple animals.

Click here for Inohoi Monkey Box Trap>>

If you're targeting small animals such as civets or badgers, a smaller size (less than 0.5m wide and 0.5m tall) is fine.

Box traps of this size are inexpensive and are sometimes sold at home centers. This size is also used when capturing invasive species such as raccoons and nutria.

Click here for Inohoi's recommended small box traps>>

If you are targeting smaller animals such as weasels, martens, and squirrels, it is best to choose a mesh with a fine mesh of about 3 cm to prevent slipping through.

Select box trap from trigger method

There are several types of triggers that activate box traps. For example, the "kick string method" is often used to capture large animals such as wild boars and deer. A string is stretched inside the box trap, and when force is applied to it, the trigger is activated and the door falls.

The "footboard method" is where the door falls when you place your foot on a board placed inside the trap. If food is hung inside the box trap and the animal moves to take it, the trigger is activated and the door falls. There is also a "bait hanging method".

In the case of small animals such as raccoons, raccoon dogs, nutria, and palm civets, the "footboard method" and "bait hanging method" are often adopted. With the "kicking thread method", it is possible to make it work like the "tread board method" by placing a board on the stretched thread. * For the trigger method, please refer to this article .

Choose a box trap based on the material and shape of the cage

When catching large and powerful beasts such as wild boars, it is a good idea to choose box traps that use strong materials such as steel bars for the cage.

Due to the weak structure, the box trap is damaged, and if the beast jumps out, it may lead to a serious accident. On the other hand, in the case of a robust structure, the weight will also increase accordingly. There is no need to use overly strong against weaker beasts.

If it's not a large, powerful animal, a box trap made of wire mesh or other material will work just fine. There are single door type and double door type as shape, and double door type may be adopted for large box traps, but most of them are single door type.

In the case of a double door type, when looking at the inside of the trap from the animal's eye level, the cage is not visible at the end, so it tends to be easier to walk into the trap. If one door is closed, it can also be used as a single door.

For those who are thinking of setting up a box trap for the first time

Wildlife in Japan are protected by the Wildlife Protection Law, and basically cannot be captured without permission. There are two types of capture: “licensed capture,” where you obtain permission from the prefectural or municipal government office, and “hunting capture,” where you capture at a location where hunting is allowed during the hunting season. and procedures such as application permission are required.