Quick Answer
The best bait for trapping opossums is a combination of strong scents, such as fish or chicken, and attractive ingredients like oats or cornmeal. This bait combination typically includes a mixture of 2 parts oats, 1 part cornmeal, and a few pieces of fish or chicken. This blend is often placed in a shallow tin or tray to hold the scent.
Choosing the Right Bait Ingredients
When selecting bait for opossum trapping, it’s essential to consider the opossum’s natural diet and preferences. A combination of strong-smelling ingredients like fish, chicken, or even cat food is often effective. However, it’s crucial to balance these scents with more appealing ingredients like oats or cornmeal, which will draw the opossum in and keep it interested.
Bait Ratios and Presentation
A typical opossum bait mixture consists of 2 parts oats, 1 part cornmeal, and a few pieces of fish or chicken. This ratio is designed to provide a balance of scents and textures that will attract an opossum’s attention. When presenting the bait, it’s essential to place it in a shallow tin or tray to hold the scent and make it accessible to the opossum. Place the bait in a location where opossums are likely to frequent, such as near a food source or along a fence line.
Trapping Techniques and Tips
When setting traps for opossums, it’s essential to use the right equipment and technique. A humane trap with a trigger system designed for opossums is recommended. Place the trap in a location where the opossum will likely encounter the bait, and bait the trap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When handling opossums, be sure to wear gloves and follow local regulations regarding the release of trapped opossums.
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