I’m going to venture into small game hunting this season after deer season runs out & been reading up on trapping & it sounds like something I’d be interested in also. I’d like to go after coyotes but since I’ve never trapped before from what I’ve read coons were easier for beginners to hone their skills & learn from. The little masked bandits have been into my deer feeders & caught with my trail cameras more than several times so I know they are there & a pond is near(not on our property though) so I’m probably not even seeing a fraction of what is really there. As always I’m hunting/trapping on a budget so I can’t break the bank on doing this.

First off I got to get the $25 trapping license. NC law is that the traps have to have less than a 7.5" jaw spread & horizontally offset with a closed-jaw spread of at least 3/16". Snares are illegal unless trapping beavers. Conibear traps have to be completely covered by water to be used. Also the chain can’t be longer than 8" when hooked to a solid anchor, would a stake or a drag be better for coons?

I’m thinking of getting a half-dozen #1 1/2 offsets to start off with since they seem to be the general recommended trap for coons then maybe later on half-dozen #2 for coyotes. Any recommendations on brands to look for & those to stay away from? Duke seems to be the most cost reasonable manufacturer on traps but not sure on their quality?