School me on coyote trapping

Been noticing more and more tracks and seein less fawns in the places i hunt. Id like to learn how to catch them

Kind of a loaded question, but you will need traps, anchors, baits, lures, dye or dips and wax, and set making equipment to get you started. Look at minnesota trapline, fnt trapping post and pcs outdoors. They will all have starter kits with different traps that would get you started or give you options to go by.

As far as catching them, set on sign. Dirthole sets and flat set variations are the main ones I use. I have learned that if a spot is good enough for one trap then set two. Doubles are more common than you think.

#1 rule, make sure your trap is bedded 100% solid. It all starts there.

go to one of the state sponsored trapping seminars. there are more for kids (borrow a neighbor kid or relative if you have to) than there are for adults. they are free.

or, contact a licensed trapper from the state list and get them to show you.

or, videos and trapperman forum. gonna cost you some $$ to get set up but once you catch that first one, you'll be hooked.

"School me on coyote trapping"

If it was that easy there wouldn't be a problem with coyotes! The main problem is that most who want to learn aren't willing to invest the time and money it takes to actually make a difference!

Ask any trapper here who's had any success how much $$$ they have invested in trapping. Not how much sweat and time they invested just a dollar amount.

AUcoonhunter, Velvettines, Lonester?

If you want to talk serious trapping ask Shooters. He's caught close to 300 coyotes this year! That's impressive numbers for a trapper in the South! Hell that's incredible!

You're looking at a $300 to $500 investment minimum just to get started right.

I don't want to think about the money invested Hank. That may take part of the fun out of it lol. It is addicting learning how to read sign and terrain in order to get that critter to step in 2" space.

Only reason why I haven't started. I know I would be addicted.

i know shooters hes coyote catchin machine.

Yes sir. Being a trapper is a lot more work than people think.

It takes more time than you think to do it right. It takes me a couple of hours to set traps and you have to check them daily. Plan on resetting after each good rain. With that said, it is fun and aggravating at the same time. It is a lot of fun to pull up and see something in the trap. You can learn as you go but the coyotes are learning your habits as well. I'm ready for cold weather so I can set in a cutover I've been waiting to try. Tired of fighting sweat and ants right now.

I may be able to get some #4's. Is this a good size for catchin them or do they need to be bigger or smaller

6" max inside jawspread in Alabama. Most #4 size traps are going to be more than 6". #3 is generally perfect for coyotes and usually the largest legal traps.

Youtube is also a good start. The Management Advantage has some good beginner videos.

Kyle

You can tag along with me and shooters when you get ready.

Nighthunter, I see you're in Cullman County. Do y'all do most of your trapping around here?

All over really. I don't have time to do it like I'd like these days. I do a few workshops every year.

I'll be doing a bunch this winter in Fayette/Lamar counties.

Me too. I started out great back in the spring but once it got hot I said to hell with it until it cools off again. I was sweating like crazy making my sets and in no way controlling scent as a result. I literally had sweat dripping off of me. I need to set some out here at home now really. I've got a couple on camera recently and heard a whole pack howling the other night really close. I think yotes being in an area likely effects deer behavior.....just a different form of "pressure" or stress.

sounds like plan to me. What time of year do you trap for coyotes. Is it easier a certain time or just try to not clash with other things goin on.

We'll start back in a couple months when it cools off.