I keep them out pretty much year round, as there is a creek that goes through my property, and the coons really use it. I either drive a T-Post in the ground and wire it to that, or use a small tree. I have actually had two coons make off with traps, with one of them gnawing the tree down. I use dry cat food, and a dash of vanilla flavoring. I've caught coons using bait that had been rained on for a week, so I guess the freshness of the bait is not that important. I've caught possums, skunks, and a squirrel as well. Skunks aren't fun to deal with either.
