The Use of Scent in Live-Trapping Muskrats

Abstract

At Gray''s Lake, Idaho, during the summer and early fall of 1949, 170 muskrats were live-trapped in 522 trap nights. With carrots as bait, trapping success averaged 23.6% in 279 trap nights. Following the addition of a commercially made muskrat scent to the usual bait, trapping success increased abruptly, averaging 42.8% in 243 trap nights. Other factors were apparently constant. The scent used is a thick, pasty liquid, and can be purchased from any of the trappers'' supply houses for $1.00 per ounce.