Cage Trapping

First time for me to try cage traps. I've been building my own. Mostly because I have the tools and some free material. If I didnt have the freebies I would certainly just purchase the cages from mercer. Many hours go into building each cage.

Anybody else trying cages? The biggest reason im trying them is I wanted to trap areas that are legal to trap just they are frequented by bird hunters and/or folks just out walking their dogs. And I really dont want to open that can of worms.

So far my cages (3) have caught a kit fox and a raccoon.


This setup is at a 3 way intersection of trails. some cat sign and a bit of fox sign as well. behind the cage is a wall of salt cedar jungles for a good mile or so and then in front it slowly starts clearing up into prime rabbit and quail territory.


I really should have taken notes from Mercers demo at the rondy this summer. But right or wrong my setup is flagging at the back, dirt hole behind the pan under the trap, and loud skunky lure in the hole. In this trap I also have a turd 1/4 the way in. I have in one of my other traps some fake fur back in the corner for an attractor.

If anyone wants to point out something i've missed please point it out!

Hezzy, I've never tried cages, but I bought three from Mercer last spring. It looks and sounds like you do everything that is recommended and the trap itself is a great visual attractor. You'll get a cat when it comes by! Did you buy any cage magic sold by endorsed by Mercer?

No its on my "to buy list"

I also got 3 of his cages this year. I am itching to try them but can't find room in my little truck yet to take them along. I know a guy that ran six cages last season and got six cats (this is the main reason i got some). This is all he ran and his first time trapping. I saw Mercers demo at the Ely Rondy and he makes since with his presentation.  The only problem I have is in my tuck I can fit five dozen foot holds in the space I can fit the three cages I have. When I run out of foot holds the cages will be deployed.

Got 100 cages we built several years back.
Took a couple of months to build and about 5k invested.
Anyone thinks they can build them cheaper than buying is a fool.
Big learning curve with them but interesting too.

I would move your cat poop to the back of the cage. Make him have to go in to get a sniff. Also, add plenty of cat pee.

Looks OK otherwise.