I've been working for a while now learning how to set foot hold traps for coyotes. I've finally had my first success only to figure out my next problem. I set two traps on good trails with tracks and scat. made dirt hole sets with some caven preadator bait in the hole and some red fox gland at the backing. I've been working on bedding my traps better, and took the time to dye and wax the traps this year for scent. both traps caught the first night.

now I have a staking problem. I had been using 18in stakes and wiring the strap chain to the stake head. This worked for a lot of raccoons and a bobcat. But both of these coyotes in the struggle I guess worked that wire around enough that they got it off the stake head and escaped with my trap. disappointing, wish I could have collected the yote. I'm not sure what will happen to them whether or not they will ultimately die or not. Any thoughts? only about $30 worth of traps lost. wish I had them back but not a huge financial loss. I'm excited to have actually caught though. presumably coyotes anyways...I reset both traps that night with better stake down and didn't catch. had to go home the next morning. ready to go back and try again. We have tons of them, I doubt seriously i'll ever catch enough to make a big difference but a few has to help and its something fun to do down on the place.

trapping is an ongoing learning experience, just use better wire, ties ect, that's why its called trapping instead of catching

Most Traps will have a swivel with a ring at the end of the trap chain. A good rebar stake with a large head (I weld a large flat washer to mine)holds very well. Southeastern Outdoors and Fur-Fish-Game both sell some inexpensive older books that teach a lot about trap set up and maintenance. It does sound like you have done your homework and are well on your way. Good trapping.

I've gotten some large flat washers that I've added to my stakes since then. haven't been able to get back to set any traps yet though. not this weekend but possibly next I will be down again and give it a try. the stake itself seemed to hold, just my wire let me down. they didn't break the wire, I guess after fighting with it enough they were able to pull it over the head of the stake.

hopefully this new set will get me there. i'll report back.

double swivels (each end) when going after coyote - I've also had real good luck with 'Berkshire cable stakes' - never had one pulled loose or 'detach'

His traps, lures and videos are awesome. You will hammer the coyotes.


http://www.jcconner.com/books.html

I've looked at the cable stakes too but have not used them yet. how do you get them back out of the ground when finished trapping at that location? almost seems like once they were stuck in there really good you would almost have to dig them up yourself.

you dig a small hole next to where the anchor goes in as deep as you can it allows the pressure to be relieved and you can pull it out, at least that's how I did it

http://www.minntrapprod.com/MB-Chain-Stakes-Original-dozen/productinfo/CSORIG-12/

They sell a puller that will get them out of the ground.