3 for 3

[raymar]

I have now managed 3 in three nights and I usually only get one a week or so. I only have 7 sets and what has been just a small hobby has turned into work as I put mine up myself for Nafa sale. Not complaining but skinning a couple and fleshing them will make ya remember how out of shape you are quickly. Oh well I thought I had them managed somewhat as they have been a lot less noticeable but there are still a few left and these are not this year's young so far. Time to reset and hope for more.

[esshup]

As you are finding out, just because you don't physically see them doesn't mean that they aren't there.

What trap are you using, and what type of set? I need to educate myself on trapping them because there are quite a few around here.

[raymar]

Ya there are plenty around, I just thought they were mainly staying across the rd as I have seen very little sign this year but apparently they are coming to greener pasture or so they think.
As far as traps I only have Mb 550s offset and just 2 coil but like Bridger #2s as well. I learned real quick The #2 Dukes will not hold up without some modification. The Mbs are just ready right out of package and after three yrs are flawless still even after two were chisel plowed up. Just wash and wax.
I mainly have learned by a lot of hard knocks as learning to proper bed and location setting has taught me more than anything. My dad and grandpa were fairly food fox trappers years ago and basically my dad taught me based on what he knew as a coyote is just a bigger fox essentially when trapping.
I have caught these on dirt holes but also run a pee post and flat sets as well as a t bone which is basically a reverse dirt hole with a piece of small off pipe sticking out of ground when it is really wet and soggy as it holds up better. I use alot of top dog from hoosier trapper but have liked Hiawatha valley as well from cavens for a mix up and a horse based from weiser baits this year.
I have a few favorite lures. One is Lennons coyote all call. It smells actually like licorice and has really outshined some of the stronger skunk based. Those work better in the really cold times but it is hard to beat Fox hollow gh2 as for a winter. Come late Jan I will switch to more gland lures as mating season is in full swing. Hoosier trapper vixen elixer and predator suducer are two good gland type lures.
Charlie at hoosier trapper and his crew have been a blessing in helping get me started and truly is after teaching vs selling. Often he has sold me something cheaper as he knew it was just as effective or not worth the extra expense. Look there Facebook and website up as they have great videos and how to from time to time. I wish you were closer as I would live to teach someone as it is much more effective in numbers vs calling them but I do enjoy that too.

[esshup]

Thanks raymar. When I was a kid, through early 20's I did a LOT of trapping, but it was 99.9% water sets, probably 95% muskrats, some beaver, and a few mink/coon sets. The only land sets were coon & mink sets that could be reached from the water. Nobody in the family trapped before, but a neighbor showed me the basics and I learned a lot by myself. I read a lot of F-F-G magazines. LOL Best year with a buddy trapping we were able to hit our goal of 1,000 'rats in 9 days. 9 LONG days!!!

Now that deer season is almost over, and business is slower, I have some time to put towards trapping.

I still have all of my trapping supplies, at least everything that wasn't stolen - I quit when someone ran my traps and decided they wanted them. I lost around 200 Conibear 110's that day.. I'll have to dig out the pack basket, trowel, sifter, etc.

I'll take a look at Hoosier Trappers site, thanks!!!

[esshup]

raymar, the 2 coil or 4 coil MB-550's?

Aww geez. Nevermind. I re-read what you posted and saw that you said 2 coil. O.K. if you were to buy new ones today, would you still go 2 coil or go 4 coil?

One more question, and I'm sure it won't be the last one...

We have VERY sandy soil here, there are places where it's like sand dune sand with 2"-5" of black dirt on top from decaying organic matter. Absolutely no clay whatsoever, and very little black dirt. What would you use for an anchor system, and how deep should it be set?

[raymar]

All mine are two coil and I wouldn't buy a 4 coil unless you are in frozen ground. I have never really had a problem with misses or a pull out. I caught the biggest coyote I had last year by two toes and it held. The mb 550s have a set pan tension that will keep the trap from firing unless stepped correctly generally. This helps with a secure pad catch and actually puts less tension on the leg than you think. The offset is somewhat lammenated which means wider on the jaws that contact the leg. This also helps secure the catch without the pressure a closed jaw would. 4 coil will fire at higher pan tension and if you are after the occasional fox it might not have enough weight. I often have deer either step in them as well as you will see the trap jerked out of the bed and fired. I feel safer with a 2coil I don't damage a deer as they can easily pull out. 4coils will bust thru frozen ground if it will still be able to fire but I use peat moss in the jaws and some high grade ice melt you can buy at Lowe's or sams club and top with dry dirt I collected earlier in year. I rarely have a trap frozen even below snow or really cold temps as long as you scape the top off after a good rain and redo. I have an occasional raccoon or possum but generally set a dog proof close by to keep them out of my coyote set and it won't scare a coyote as I have caught both close by.
As far as anchors I use wolf fang and shorter cables but I have good solid ground with clay in brown co. When ground is soft they can be pulled out but only straight up and coyote won't do that. Most time I am wore out digging them up but I'm cheap. Coyote generally lunge forward just securing it more. A lot of guys use drags in Sandy ground. I never have but you need a little brush etc to tangle it up in. Freedom brand makes a good one. There are a lot of good videos on how to use these on YouTube and you can search trapperman.com for advice on drags. I would avoid rebar. It is tough to get right.
Unfortunately there is a little cost in getting started but once you have the stuff it will last.

[esshup]

Thanks raymar. I will stay away from the drags because a few areas I have in mind are at the edge of a large field. I need to keep the yotes where they were trapped. Dry dirt is a good idea, with the small number of traps I plan on starting out with, having a 5 gal bucket of dry dirt in the truck shouldn't be a problem. I can take enough dirt with me to make or remake a set. Where I will be trapping, the sets will be accessible from an ATV.

2 coil it is. The ground will be frozen starting now, but I figure that if I can use dry dirt and some de-icer I shouldn't have any problems.

Good thinking on the DP traps, the area is absolutely thick with coons. There are a few fox in the area, but not like there were before the coyotes moved in.

Do you worry about dying the traps? I know I should wax 'em but am considering using them without wax the first season. Or should I boil them to get the oil off, wax 'em and worry about dying them next summer? I made the mistake years ago of waxing the Conibears. That was a PITA to remove from the dogs/trigger area.

I'm not worried about the start up cost. I figure that if I buy good stuff from the get-go I won't have to re-buy better stuff and spend almost the same money 2x. Getting started with 1/2 dz won't break the bank. I'll start cruising CL and some on-line auction sites for the MB 550's. Once I have the equipment it doesn't eat much, nor take up much room storing it.

[raymar]

If they are new you can just throw them in the dishwasher and wash once. it will remove oil, then wax DYE will just keep them from rusting and is easier after a year in the ground. Some guys actually paint them in the summer or use the liquid dye. Using a little de icer will quickly rust them anyway but wax will help slow rust down and speed up trap but after a coyote or two it usually is gone. Cabelas at times has mb550 for 15 bucks but with shipping it is about the same as Minnesota trapline.

[esshup]

Thanks! I'll check Cabelas too, they have free shipping to the store and I go by the one in Hammond every once in a while.

[bullseye69]

My dad got a female yote yesterday in a snare. Been a few running around at night on his property.

[raymar]

I have learned a little more about snaring but it is tricky for me. I try to only snare a fenceline as I always seem to have deer knock them down or step in them. I do use deer stops though but always scared to catch a deer.

[bullseye69]

Dec 8, 2017 8:05:24 GMT -5 raymar said:

I have learned a little more about snaring but it is tricky for me. I try to only snare a fenceline as I always seem to have deer knock them down or step in them. I do use deer stops though but always scared to catch a deer.

Put a heavy stick across the top of the snare. Deer will go over as a yote will go under.

[bullseye69]

I think my dad has got more fox and yotes with snares than leg holds or its about even on totals.
He is really good with snares.

[bullseye69]

My dad got a yote in a dirt hole set this morning.
Another female, so that's 2 females and one male off his property which should help the deer out a bit.

[duff]

esshup not sure where you are up north but my brother in law runs a fur shop out of Hudson Lake area.

He sells new and used equipment, makes lures and scents and gives instructions on trapping and fur handling. He buys furs as well.

Business name is Trapping Fool. Cal Dittmar.

[esshup]

Duff, 8 miles South of Walkerton. If you know a Sandi from J.F. New, that's my sister.

Small world, isn't it?

[bullseye69]

Dec 9, 2017 17:20:40 GMT -5 duff said:

esshup not sure where you are up north but my brother in law runs a fur shop out of Hudson Lake area.

He sells new and used equipment, makes lures and scents and gives instructions on trapping and fur handling. He buys furs as well.

Business name is Trapping Fool. Cal Dittmar.

Will have to check him out, thanks for the info.

[duff]

Dec 9, 2017 21:08:37 GMT -5 esshup said:

Duff, 8 miles South of Walkerton. If you know a Sandi from J.F. New, that's my sister.

Small world, isn't it?

Very small. Cal is Jon's oldest kid. He is all about trapping and lure making. Look him up if you have time. He is a town cop in New Carlisle so his hours are
Typically call before you go!

[esshup]

I will. He's close. Thanks!!

[bullseye69]

Dec 9, 2017 17:20:40 GMT -5 duff said:

esshup not sure where you are up north but my brother in law runs a fur shop out of Hudson Lake area.

He sells new and used equipment, makes lures and scents and gives instructions on trapping and fur handling. He buys furs as well.

Business name is Trapping Fool. Cal Dittmar.

My dad just sold some traps and stretchers to him yesterday, down sized his trapping supplies.