Repeated success without a repeater

If you're like me and enjoy the thrill of trapping you don't use simply use a repeater. Sure, everyone knows repeater traps work great but those are set it and forget it essentially.

There are some important factors for success to remember when using traps that aren't repeaters:


1. Use alot of seed- Make piles of it where the trap is or will be.

2. Have patience- They need time to adjust to the trap. It probably won't take any longer than with the repeater, it just seems like it's taking too long because you are constantly checking it.

3. Get the trapped bird out of there quickly- You have to reset the trap, so this isn't a situation where the bird will settle down and act as a decoy. While the sparrow is frantic it will be scaring off all the other birds which we don't want. You have to begin the familiarization process again immediately.

4. Remove the trap for a bit- Sometimes if you have been trapping for a while in this manner you will have to completely remove the trap to allow the birds time to relax. This usually doesn't take long. Pile alot of seed in the trapping area and wait for the birds to congregate again.

5. Observe their behavior- Once they stop acting more skiddish than usual it is time to start over. This whole process hasnt taken me more than a day, so don't get discouraged.

P.S. This stuff you might read about people trapping 300 sparrows in one day with a single repeater is nonsense. If you trap 5 or 6 sparrows a week in a manner that is fun for you then you are doing great!