I have used dukes dog proof coon traps for about 4 years now and love them, but with in the last few days they have gotten smart and instead of putting their whole hand in the trap to grab the marshmallows they are just putting a couple fingers at the time so it doesn't trip. Do y'all have any suggestions on what to do?

Set the trip trigger where it barely is catching the release. Might try putting a cotton ball in the bottom also with bait on top of it. The cotton ball will cause them to engage the trigger trying to get it out.

I also spray the trap working parts with PAM cooking spray or similar type. That keeps them working much smoother.

Use a raccoon attractant liquid scent. When they can't poke a marshmallow with a fingernail to pull it out they will go back to sweeping the trap with whole hand looking for source of scent. Also moving the traps around help or digging trap in or mounding up around trap so it not readily apparent to the raccoon his buddy got it in last time...

Just use a large marshmallow and pierce the lever through the top 3rd, then push it down, (after setting it light as mentioned)

I use the small marshmallows but the best I have used was leftover sausage egg and cheese from
breakfast.

They do that to me too, especially when I use corn. It is important to keep the trigger device lubed, they rust up pretty badly. Set it right on the edge of the pawl.

Good luck.

Sardines work too for switching bait.

Use dry cat food. Not near as sticky and ant attracting as marshmallows and they have to grab at the small kibble.

MB450 coil spring trap

I've had good results using peanut butter pushed down in the trap before setting. Finger licking good!