First I would like to say hi. I've looked at this website for a while but this is the first time I've posted. Reading all you guys stuff has gotten me really interested in trapping. I wanna start running some sets on some of the properties I hunt. I've been looking at the mb550 any suggestions?

Also I don't know anything about it except for what I have read on here and seen on YouTube. The dying and waxing of the traps, is it necessary? That might be a dumb question but I just didn't know if you had to do that to new traps. I'm also open to any other advice or tips you guys want to give out such as bait and lure choice.

Some of the places I have access to have lots of predators. One borders a large dump and it's loaded. Hearing you guys talk about trapping made me want to try. I feel dumb for considering giving it a shot because I can see it being very addictive!

There is a class in your area, Lowndesboro, AL on Feb 25 & 26th. See Alabama Adult Trapping Workshop online and register at http://www.outdooralabama.com/alabama-adult-trapping-workshop

That course would be the best way to be introduced to trappers and trapping in your area.

You can use speed dip on your traps with or without spray painting them prior to using the Full Metal Jacket speed dip.

The traps will stink like oil and they rust very quickly if set outdoors. The stink will cause the coyotes to dig up or avoid the trap.

Traps require degreasing and usually letting them sit buried in dirt for a few weeks will form a light coat of rust that helps with etching the surface in preparation for paint or speed dip.

Traps don't come ready to use. A lot of prep work goes into getting them ready for the trap line. Some people dye them in walnut hulls to turn them black then they dip them in wax to remove smells and keep them lubricated and protected.

I degreased mine, buried them, used EvapoRust to de-rust them, then speed dipped them in Full Metal Jacket. The color is metal to rust. It's preference, what you think is going to give you the edge. I don't trap as much as I watch YouTube trappers, MeatTrapper, WolferNation, Expand A Pan, Coon Creek Outdoors, and TheWildNorth.

The MB550 will be the way to go, as long as you're sure that no one will steal your traps. They are the more expensive option for coyote traps. You may want to use Duke traps if you aren't sure whether trap theft is possible.

Online, I use FntPost.com, macesfursandtraplinesupplies.com, minntrapprod.com, expandapantraps.com, and southernsnares.com

For lures, my favorites are from Elk River Lures, elkriverlures.com

Join the Alabama Trappers and Predator Control Association, http://www.atpca.org/

Awesome thanks for the info. I'll definitely put it all to use. I wanna get started on it. This seems like a fun thing to do on the off season.

One more question is do your traps have tons labeled? If so how do you do it? I've heard of getting a piece of aluminium stamped but how and where do you get this done?

F&T can make your name tags.

You can get everything you neec from f&t or minnesota trapline. Go to that workshop if you can or find someone you can watch and run a line with, it will lower the learning curve. It is addictive so beware.