Cinch Trapping Surface Trapping Method
Cinch Trapping was first used by the forest service at the turn of the century to protect young tree plantings.
Surface Trapping
The Cinch Trap was designed to be used on the surface with its long jaws reaching down to catch the gopher as it re-plugged it’s burrow. Most seasoned trappers have seen this when using other traps as gophers often plug up any opening to the surface for protection.
This is the instinct that surface trapping uses to lure the gopher to the surface and into the jaws of the trap. If you open a fresh gopher’s burrow, the gopher will close it within minutes to hours. I have seen this technique work in less than five minutes, when working early in the morning when gopher activity is at its peak. 
Trap Setting Tips
If you have a new trap or an old rusty one there are some tips that can help to make sure the trap springs and catches your pest animal.
First of all, be sure that the trip pins are pushed all the way to the holder stops to prevent sticking. Also there is a sensitivity setting on the actual trigger that will allow a half inch of movement prior to firing and also the trap can fire instantly. I almost always use the “fire instantly” for gophers and I like some play for moles as they are usually pushing some soil in front of them.
The Cinch Trapping Surface Trapping Method Demonstration
WatchHow To Set The Cinch Trap (2 methods) Demonstration
Cinch Trapping Advanced Tips
Below are several new video clips to help you analyze your gopher and mole trap setting technique and diagnose why you might not always be successfully trapping them. Each video is about specific problems and solutions I have encountered to be spending less time at each trapping site.
Let Us Know What You Think
If you find these helpful or would like to comment on your successes or modifications, please send me an email and I will post it. After all, the idea is for all of you to become so adept at catching gophers and moles that you might find yourself eating more fruits and vegetables.
Advanced Tip #1
To be most effective trapping gophers with the Cinch trap, setting a trap at each end of and active burrow system is key
WatchAdvanced Tip #2
A Cinch trap is set the day before and after 24 hours trap is not sprung but gopher activity is nearby
WatchAdvanced Tip #3
While surface trapping gophers with the Cinch Gopher Trap the trap is sprung and burrow blocked
WatchAdvanced Tip #4
Cinch gopher trap is sprung but no gopher caught, burrow is wide. How to reset successfully
WatchAdvanced Tip #5
A gopher has made an extra wide burrow too large for trapping. Make a new burrow entrance that fits the trap
WatchAdvanced Tip #6
A Cinch gopher trap is sprung and found on the surface indication that the gopher was caught and another animal has eaten it
WatchAdvanced Tip #7
A cinch gopher trap is sprung with no gopher, burrow is plugged with animal hair on the trap
WatchAdvanced Tip #8
A surface trapped gopher returns to the soil. Well that is probably the best thing a gopher can do for your garden
WatchAdvanced Tip #9
The Hori Hori Garden Knife is the best companion tool to use with the Cinch gopher trap or any trap. It is very strong and makes opening burrows easy. It is also a great all around gardening tool
Watch
