Is there one trap that can do it all? The author makes his case.
By Cary Rideout
Photography by Lorain Ebbett-Rideout
If there was ever a trap that could truly be an all-round choice it would be the venerable #1 longspring. One of the most overworked and often underappreciated of all the sizes, it has likely put more fur on the forms than any other — including the killer-style traps. If you’ve never set a single longspring #1, you’re a rarity, as they are the starter size for many tyros of the trails. With a 4-inch jaw and fitting young hands just right, they are the tool we all handle first and still set after decades.
The #1 longspring has a long history on traplines, and is still a solid choice. Photo credit Lorain Ebbett-Rideout
Originally intended for mink or muskrats, the trapping community has set them for far greater targets. Countless ‘coons, skunks and ‘possums have been held in the #1’s firm grip. Farm boy traplines would never have been possible without a bundle of rusty #1 longsprings and leaky rubber boots. With enough wire and some sort of deep water anchor, many a mink were caught, not to mention the unimaginable tally of muskrats.
Good, sound trap choices made after careful consideration always yield the best results. Photo credit Lorain Ebbett-Rideout
Northwoods trappers set strong, new steel #1 longsprings on pole sets and put martens, weasels and even big rough fishers in their packsacks. Foxes and bobcats have also had their careers cut short, even though the steel was underpowered in many folks’ opinions. But success never apologizes for those banner days. I must add my own #1 longspring catch in the form of a medium-size beaver that refused to pull free and was sullenly waiting for me one December morning. That Mighty Mite had two toes crimped tight and the flattail was added to the fur sack.
Still available today, the #1 longspring works hard each and every season.
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