I would recommend getting some books by Charles Dobbins, they are excellent and cheap. You should read the following:

The Dirt Hole and Its Variations
Variations of the Flat Set
Adjustment of Leg Hold Traps

These books are invaluable IMO if just starting out. He goes through everything you need and how to set, etc. It is step by step with pictures. I've included a link for Minnesota Trapline, it is where I get all of my stuff. Informative web site and if you call Tim will be happy to spend time on the phone with you to answer questions.

I also second the snare idea if legal. Canines are pretty hard to cut your teeth on trapping, they are very smart and hard to get in a foot hold trap. Also included a link for the Snare Shop. There is some informative stuff on there about snaring, go to the Basics of Snaring page.

http://www.minntrapprod.com/index.php

http://www.snareshop.com/

The books are available from Minnesota sight. I believe they also come in DVD format if you would rather watch them.

Great info....................!



I call it "sharing" - you share with me and I'll share with you.



Thanks again guys !!!

www.trapperman.com Everything you want to know and more.

could I use a live trap for coyotes?

It has been done but it is 5 times as hard to get them into a live trap i would not even try it

I agree get some of Charles dobbins books great info.

i got a couple of them my self

Here are some snareing links

http://www.youngtrappers.com/Snaring2.html

http://www.youngtrappers.com/Snaring3.html

When trapping yotes you will usally have to cross-stake


Cross Stakeing or Double Stakeing as it is sometimes called is an excellent way to keep theft, and loss to a minumum. To cross stake you will need to drive two stakes in the ground at 45 degree angles forming a X out of the two stakes as indicated below.

I used to cross stake my k-9 sets. Have you tried the earth anchors? I use them exclulsively now, they are far easier and quicker than double staking and they won't pull out. You can use them year after year if you have a good set location.

As for the live trap, good luck getting a coyote in one. That will be tough. You can catch fox and bobcat in them if you brush them in.

Ill second the earth anchors idea, theyre great, and theyre small lightwieght and fairly cheap.Caught a few yotes and had a deer in a snare that we managed to get released unharmed.Its even held that.

Just started using them this year but Ive been pretty impressed with what Ive seen so far.