SET FOR By Joe Kosack TTERS approac hing , here are some time- tested methods. lined-up before the season to ensure you won't be scouting when you're supposed to be setting. Preseason scouting also ensures you'll be chopping ice only where you must to set traps. If you couldn't scout earlier, and you find yourself working through the ice, watch for air bubbles under the ice to assess where river otters are going. Of course, your ability to trap open water will influence your set selection greatly. FEBRUARY 2016 CHANNEL SETS Runway and necked-down channel sets guarded with body-grippers are great for under-the-ice sets. The objective is to force that otter through the trap by blocking its ability to go around the set. Use branches or rocks, and anchor your trap well by running stakes through the spring holes and between the jaws on upper corners of the trap. 27