I think you guys were right. I either went a little too bold, or I caught him and he freed himself. I went back this morning after two full days of the traps being baited, and no badger or pics. I'm going back this weekend to check for fresh activity around his den, and ask the landowner what he has seen. I knew better; lesson learned. If he is still around I'll start a new line of fresh hole sets and see what happens. Possibly more to come.