Raccoon bait for dog proof traps

[777dogman]

I am looking for your go to bait for raccoons when using dog proof traps. TIA

 

[cman79]

Cheap cat food always works for me.

 

[naked wombats]

Marshmallows are perfect.
Sweet. Visual contrast to look like an egg.
Gooey enough to stay put when pulled on by the coon.

 

[777dogman]

Cman72, when you say cheap cat food do you mean dry or canned?

 

[M44]

Second on the marshmallows, however I use the jumbos. You have to compress them and then push under the trigger. They expand for a tight fit .

 

[MallardSX2]

Cheap cat food or dog food. Put a solocup on top. Keeps the mice and the birds off of it and also keeps it dry.

 

[Nine Banger]

I use cat food with vanilla and liquid smoke on it. I use a funnel to put it in smaller containers that fit in my pocket.

I'm refilling 2 of these in batches. The smaller containers fit in my pocket and keep my hands free to multitask.



I'll take older leftovers out on the line too and drop pieces down the chute if I run out or don't want to make a batch but this gets messy and tedious. I usually squirt a lure like vanilla in a line away from the trap into the game trail.

 

[Chris in TN]

Sardines. I prefer the ones in water or even oil for bait. They don't seem to like the ones in hot sauce, which is a bummer because *I* prefer those.

I've also used little bits of fresh squirrel giblets. They really will investigate anything that smells.

 

[Snowwolfe]

When we lived in TN, I mixed peanut butter with dry cat food. Once squirrels and other critters learn what is in the traps they need to be stopped so I would place a orange golf ball on top of trap.
It was almost a never ending battle. At least 3-4 times a week there was a coon, possum, or stray cat in one of the traps. Mostly coons though,

 

[pirogue]

Start out with dry cat food. Sometimes add the marshmallow. They become trap shy fairly quick, so then I go to the golf balls. (Living adjacent to a course makes my trapping easier). They help in keeping mice out, if that’s a problem in your area. I drill a shallow hole in ball, in case I want to put a drop of fish oil in, but it’s mainly for visual. Also helps shed a little rain off. I’ve learned their favorite color, and just about determined their favorite brand.