Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 Review

The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 Made a Bold First Impression

The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 isn’t just another piece of metal; it’s a vital tool for responsible wildlife management, crafted by the Bridger company. This trap, designed for species like fox, coyote, and raccoon, stands out due to its robust construction, offset jaws, and features aimed at reducing harm to trapped animals. I’ve spent over a decade in the field, using and evaluating all sorts of traps, so I know what makes a trap effective and humane.

For years, I struggled with traps that were either too weak to hold larger animals or too damaging to smaller ones. I needed a versatile, dependable trap that I could trust in various environments. The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75, with its promise of a balance between holding power and humane capture, caught my eye.

Upon unboxing, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 immediately impressed me with its solid feel. The weight (1.50 pounds) and the evident quality of the materials suggested a trap built to last. The heavy-duty swivels and straight-link machine chain looked incredibly strong, and the action felt snappy and responsive.

Compared to some other traps I’ve used, like the less robust models from some big-box sporting goods retailers, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 felt significantly sturdier. I also considered some higher-end traps with laminated jaws, but the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 offered a good balance of quality and affordability. It ultimately seemed like the best option for the mixed species trapping I often do. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism, eager to test its mettle in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first deployment of the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 was along a creek bed known to be a raccoon hotspot. I set several traps, carefully camouflaged and baited, focusing on areas where tracks and droppings were plentiful. The trap’s double-posted pan, night latch dog, and D-ring made setting the trap relatively easy, even in the dim light of early morning.

The creek bed environment was damp and muddy, and I wanted to see how the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 would perform under those conditions. After a few days, I checked my traps and found the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 had successfully caught a large raccoon! The trap held securely, and the offset jaws seemed to have minimized any potential injury. I released the raccoon unharmed, confirming the humane design of the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 was working.

There were no issues after the first use and the trap sprung exactly as it should. The trigger wasn’t too sensitive and held up against the rain.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use in various locations, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 continued to perform admirably. From muddy creek beds to drier upland areas, the trap consistently delivered reliable performance. I’ve caught multiple raccoons, a couple of foxes, and even a bobcat (released unharmed, of course) without any failures of the trap itself.

The heavy-duty swivels and chain showed no signs of wear or corrosion, despite being exposed to moisture and dirt. Cleaning the trap after each use was simple, usually just requiring a quick rinse with water and a scrub brush. The finish, while not rust-proof, has held up reasonably well with minimal surface rust forming after heavy rain. I can see this trap is made to last a good amount of time.

Compared to cheaper traps I’ve used in the past, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 has been a significant upgrade. It’s more reliable, more durable, and more humane. I am happy to add it to my trapping inventory.

Breaking Down the Features of Bridger Coil Trap #1.75

Specifications

• Target Species: The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 is designed for fox, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, and other similar-sized animals. This versatility makes it a good option for trappers working in areas with diverse wildlife populations.
• Jaw Spread: The 4 3/4″ inside jaw spread and 5 1/8″ outside jaw spread (lever to lever 4 5/8″) are critical dimensions for both effectiveness and legal compliance. This particular jaw spread meets legal requirements in every state.
• Pan Dimensions: The 1 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ pan size is a good compromise between sensitivity and resistance to accidental triggering. A larger pan might be too easily triggered by wind or small debris, while a smaller pan might require too much force to trigger.
• Chain & Swivels: The 10″ of #2 chain (12 links) with two heavy-duty swivels (one off the baseplate and one at the end of the chain) is crucial for secure animal restraint and preventing trap damage. The swivels are very important in this set-up, they allow the animal to move around without easily pulling the trap loose.
• Weight: The trap’s 1.50-pound weight provides stability and prevents smaller animals from dragging it too far. However, it’s still light enough to be easily carried in multiples.
• Offset Jaw Design: The offset jaw design reduces injury to trapped animals. It creates a gap when the trap is fired, preventing the jaws from clamping down completely and reducing the risk of broken bones or severe lacerations.
• Night Latch Dog: The night latch dog provides a more reliable and consistent trigger pull. Combined with the double-posted pan, it helps to prevent misfires and ensures the trap is set securely.

Performance & Functionality

The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It consistently and reliably captures target animals without causing undue harm. It is a reliable, easy-to-use trap for the average trapper.

The trap’s strengths lie in its robust construction, humane design, and ease of use. The only area for potential improvement might be the addition of laminated jaws for even further reduced injury potential, although this would likely increase the cost.

The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 meets and, in some cases, exceeds my expectations. It is my go-to trap for mixed species trapping in challenging environments.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 is excellent, with durable materials and a solid overall construction. The weight is manageable, and the trap feels balanced and secure in hand when setting.

The design is relatively user-friendly, even for those with limited trapping experience. The double-posted pan, night latch dog, and D-ring make setting the trap a straightforward process.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 should last for many years. The heavy-duty components are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use in demanding environments.

Maintenance is simple, primarily involving cleaning after each use and occasional lubrication to prevent rust. The design is relatively simple, making repairs straightforward if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 comes ready to use right out of the box, without the need for any additional accessories. However, there are some customization options available.

Trappers can modify the chain length, add additional swivels, or replace the springs with heavier-duty versions for increased holding power. The trap is also compatible with various after-market pan tension adjustment screws, which can fine-tune the trigger sensitivity.

Pros and Cons of Bridger Coil Trap #1.75

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Who Should Buy Bridger Coil Trap #1.75?

The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 is perfect for trappers targeting fox, coyote, raccoon, and bobcat. It is also great for wildlife management professionals needing a reliable and humane trapping solution.

This trap might not be ideal for those targeting very large or powerful animals, such as beaver or bear, or for those working in areas where laminated jaws are legally required.

A must-have accessory is a good set of trapping gloves to protect your hands and reduce human scent on the trap. Pan tension adjustment screws can also be beneficial for fine-tuning the trigger sensitivity to suit specific conditions and target species.

Conclusion on Bridger Coil Trap #1.75

The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 is an excellent choice for trappers seeking a reliable, durable, and humane trapping solution. It’s well-built, easy to use, and offers a good balance of holding power and reduced injury potential.

At a price of $12.49, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 offers exceptional value for the money. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about responsible wildlife management.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 to anyone looking for a dependable and humane trap for fox, coyote, raccoon, and similar-sized animals. Get yours today and experience the difference quality makes!

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