RE: bait for the traps
Now is a great time to make yourself some fishoil. Catch a few bullheads,carp, whatever and chop up into chunks. Put into large mason jar, cover opening with 3-4 layers of cheesecloth(to keep the flies out) and set in sun where dogs and cats cant get into it for a couple months. When it has rendered down pour the oil off it into squeeze bottle or such and presto, you have lure that works great on coon,possum,mink,and canines.