How to Set a Duke Dog Proof Raccoon Trap — Step by Step Guide

What Is a Dog Proof Trap?

A dog proof trap (also called a DP trap) is a cylindrical tube-style trap that raccoons reach into with their front paws to grab bait. When they pull up on the trigger, the trap fires and catches the raccoon by the foot. Because the opening is small and requires a specific pulling motion, dogs, cats, and most other animals can't trigger it — making it one of the safest traps for use near homes, farms, and areas with pets.

What You'll Need

• Duke Dog Proof Raccoon Trap
• Bait — Lenon Lures Raccoon Sweet & Sticky Fish Paste Bait or marshmallows work great
• Lure — Lenon Raccoon Super All Call or Lenon Special New Raccoon Formula #2
• Coon Caps — bait savers that keep your bait fresh and protected between checks
• Trap stake or J-hook to anchor the trap
• Flagging tape to mark your set location

Step-by-Step: How to Set a Duke Dog Proof Trap

Step 1 — Choose Your Location
Raccoons are creatures of habit and travel the same routes nightly. Look for tracks along creek banks, pond edges, fence rows, and near corn fields. Set your trap where raccoon sign is fresh and heavy.

Step 2 — Stake It Down
Push your stake firmly into the ground and attach the trap's chain. The trap should sit flat and stable — a wobbly trap will spook wary raccoons. You can also use a J-hook attached to a fence post or tree root.

Step 3 — Add Your Bait
Drop a tablespoon of Lenon's Raccoon Sweet & Sticky Fish Paste Bait into the bottom of the tube. Raccoons are attracted to sweet, fishy, and oily scents — this bait hits all three. You can also use marshmallows as a simple, effective alternative.

Step 4 — Add a Coon Cap
Place a Coon Cap over the bait inside the tube. This keeps rain, dirt, and insects from ruining your bait between trap checks — meaning you can go longer between visits without losing effectiveness.

Step 5 — Apply Lure
Dab a small amount of Lenon Raccoon Super All Call lure on the outside of the tube near the opening. This long-range attractant pulls raccoons in from a distance and gets them curious enough to investigate.

Step 6 — Set the Trap
Press the trigger down into the tube until it locks into the set position. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it's set. Place the trap with the opening facing a natural travel path or toward water.

Step 7 — Mark Your Set
Tie a piece of flagging tape nearby so you can find your trap easily when you return to check it.

Tips for Success

• Check your traps every 24 hours — it's the law in most states and keeps caught animals from suffering.
• Use multiple traps — raccoons often travel in family groups. Setting 3-5 traps in the same area dramatically increases your catch rate.
• Rebait after every catch — fresh bait is always more effective than old bait.
• Keep your scent minimal — wear gloves when handling traps and bait.

Get Everything You Need

Shop our complete Raccoon Trapping Supplies collection for Duke Dog Proof Traps, Lenon Lures raccoon baits and lures, Coon Caps, stakes, flagging tape, and everything else you need for a productive trapline.

Happy trapping!

— Emans Trapping Supplies