First Thoughts on the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75
The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 from Bridger Traps is a serious piece of equipment designed for serious work. This isn’t some flimsy, dime-store trap; it’s a robust tool intended for the ethical and effective capture of animals like foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. What immediately grabbed my attention was the stated dedication to animal welfare, as indicated by its offset jaw design.
I’ve been trapping on and off since I was a kid, learning from my grandfather. My need for the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 stems from an increasing coyote population impacting the local pheasant population on my land. Unboxing the trap revealed a sturdy build, and the weight felt substantial – reassuring, considering the power needed to hold a coyote.
Compared to cheaper traps I’ve used in the past (some no-name brands and even some older, weaker Victor traps), the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 felt immediately superior. The heavy-duty swivels and chain looked ready to withstand a lot of thrashing. My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy respect for the power of the trap, a reminder of the responsibility that comes with its use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 in a field bordering a wooded area known for coyote activity on my property. It had rained the previous day, leaving the ground slightly muddy. Setting the trap proved straightforward, thanks to the strong springs and the well-designed pan and dog mechanism.
The trap fired cleanly during testing with a gloved hand. There were no immediate catches in the first week of use. This highlights the importance of proper scent control and location scouting in trapping, but the trap itself was ready to go.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a month of use, with proper baiting and scent masking techniques, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 has proven its worth. I successfully caught a raccoon, and the offset jaws seemed to minimize injury as advertised. The trap held firm and showed no signs of giving way.
The steel components exhibit only minimal surface rust, demonstrating decent resistance to the elements. A quick wire brushing and a light coating of oil are all it took to maintain its functionality. Compared to my previous experiences with less robust traps that bent or broke after a single catch, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Bridger Coil Trap #1.75
Specifications
The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 is specifically engineered for mid-sized animals like foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons. It boasts a 4 3/4″ inside jaw spread and a 5 1/8″ outside jaw spread. These dimensions are crucial for meeting legal requirements in most states, ensuring ethical and lawful trapping.
- Target species: fox, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, and more. This indicates the versatility of the trap for targeting different size animals.
- Inside jaw spread: 4 3/4″. Provides adequate space to target medium sized animals.
- Outside jaw spread: 5 1/8″ (top to bottom), 4 5/8″ (lever to lever). This ensures the animal is ethically and legally caught.
- Pan dimensions: 1 3/4″ x 2 1/2″. This pan size offers a decent strike area when set.
- Chain: 10″ of #2 Chain (12 total links). The chain provides strength, but may require additional modification depending on needs.
- Swivels: 2 Heavy Duty Swivels (one off baseplate & one end of chain). This minimizes the animals ability to escape.
- Total chain length: 13 1/4″ including swivel. The chain is an adequate length for staking.
- Weight: 1.50 pounds. The trap is a good weight and easy to manage.
- Offset jaw design reduces injury to trapped animals. This demonstrates consideration of animal welfare.
- Equipped with night latch dog, double posted pan, and D-ring for reliable setting. This contributes to the traps reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 performs its primary function of capturing target animals very well. The trap consistently fires, delivering a strong and reliable hold. It’s strong enough to hold even a determined coyote.
While the factory setup is generally good, the chain length could be longer for some applications. It meets my expectations and has improved my overall trapping success.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The trap feels solid and well-constructed in hand. The weight is manageable, making it easy to carry multiple traps into the field.
The trap requires some initial learning on how to set it properly, but the process becomes intuitive after a few practice runs. The double-posted pan and night latch dog contribute to a reliable and consistent set.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 should last for many seasons with proper care. The heavy-duty construction and quality materials suggest excellent longevity. Minimal maintenance is required; a quick cleaning and lubrication after each use are sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 does not come with many accessories. Trappers can modify the chain length, add additional swivels, or use different anchoring systems. The trap is compatible with various earth anchors and cable stakes.
Pros and Cons of Bridger Coil Trap #1.75
Pros
- Durable Construction: The heavy-duty materials and robust build ensure longevity and reliable performance.
- Offset Jaw Design: Minimizes injury to trapped animals, promoting ethical trapping practices.
- Strong Springs: Delivers a quick and powerful closing action, securing the target animal effectively.
- Reliable Trigger Mechanism: The double-posted pan and night latch dog ensure consistent and dependable sets.
- Versatile Target Species: Effective for trapping a range of medium-sized animals, including fox, coyote, and raccoon.
Cons
- The included chain length may be too short for some applications.
- Factory finish requires some additional preparation for optimal rust prevention in harsh environments.
Who Should Buy Bridger Coil Trap #1.75?
The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 is perfect for experienced trappers, landowners dealing with nuisance animals, and those involved in wildlife management. It’s also a good choice for individuals seeking a reliable and humane trapping solution.
Beginner trappers might find the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 a little intimidating initially, and should start with a trapping course. Also, those looking for a trap specifically designed for smaller animals like mice or squirrels should skip this product. Must-have accessories include a trapping trowel, scent masking agents, and a sturdy earth anchor or cable stake.
Conclusion on Bridger Coil Trap #1.75
The Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 is a well-built, reliable, and ethically designed trapping tool. The price of $12.49 is more than justified considering the quality and durability of the trap. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile and effective solution for trapping medium-sized animals.
If you’re serious about trapping and want a trap that will last, the Bridger Coil Trap #1.75 is an excellent choice. Invest in a quality trap, learn proper techniques, and contribute to responsible wildlife management.