This article focuses on the trigger’s position on the Putange trap.

You’ll learn to set the trigger like a true pro, a crucial step for effectively applying our complete mole trapping guide.

I thought a small tutorial on trigger placement for the Putange trap might help you. As you know, I always use seasoned traps.

For precise trigger placement, this makes all the difference because you can do it much more accurately without the trigger slipping. If you’re unfamiliar with this technique, you can learn more about the importance of properly seasoning your traps here.

Without a seasoned trap, you won’t be able to apply these tips.

Setting the Trigger Horizontally

The ideal trigger position is horizontal, as this orientation allows larger moles to pass through.

 

 

When the trigger is vertical, the trap’s two arms are closer together. I’ve observed that in such cases, large moles either simply dig a new tunnel nearby, or they displace or move the trap until it fires because they cannot pass between its arms.
 
In short, this is a small but critical detail. Setting the trigger horizontally is the very first thing to implement in your trapping strategy starting today.

2.Setting the trigger height on your putange trap

The second detail to master is the trigger’s height on the trap.

Very often, you might be tempted to center the trigger perfectly, with the trap’s arms holding it in place. However, the problem with this position (even if it can sometimes work) is that the trigger touches the ground because it extends below the trap.

 

 

The best approach is to set it as high as possible so it barely protrudes from the bottom. This way, as soon as the mole or vole touches it, the trap fires instantly without being obstructed by the ground underneath.
This truly makes a difference, preventing the mole or vole from triggering the trap by simply moving it. By positioning it correctly, the trigger no longer scrapes the ground.
 

3.Setting the trigger position for a humane catch

Another crucial detail to prevent the mole from suffering is to position the trigger one finger-width from the end of the trap.

 

This ensures the mole, or vole, has just enough time for its head to pass through. The trigger then springs onto its neck, resulting in an instant and humane death.

4. Angling the trap’s trigger backward

For the absolute best chances of success, if you also angle the trigger slightly backward, it will fire even more rapidly upon contact with the mole or vole! 

These four points truly make a difference. They prevent traps from never firing when an animal passes over them, or from misfiring without an animal when it merely nudges them.

These are aspects you can only control effectively with seasoned Putange traps; otherwise, they’ll trip on their own. Seasoned Putange traps allow you to manage the trigger’s position very well without it slipping on its own, unlike with a new trap.

I’ve just taken some photos to show you. If you don’t fully understand what I’m explaining, please feel free to ask me questions at alexis@quicktaupe.com or in the comments; I’ll be happy to answer you!

Happy mole hunting! And long live the Putange tradition!

Now that your trap is armed to perfection, the ultimate step is to know in which tunnel to place it for a guaranteed capture.