Topic: The Best Coyote Traps of 2023 (Read 33 times)
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The Duke co*pany provides the most affordable traps on the market. This trap is perfect for those who passively catch coyotes off their land and might not be interested in trapping every single year long-term. Don’t get me wrong, the Duke 550 will hold coyote after coyote, however over time, the chain links, swivels and other parts will wear. Unless you know how to replace those parts, they could break.
The Duke 550’s affordability also makes them ideal for public-land trappers who are at risk of their traps being stolen. I’ve caught many coyotes, bobcats, and badgers with the Duke 550s. I’ve also had to replace swivels and had pans bent back. Based on use of other Duke trap sizes in years past, the frames, dogs, and pans will bend after several strong coyotes catches, so keep that in mind. This is a good trap for coyotes though, and in fact, we supplied the Wisconsin Women’s Trap Camp trailer with all Duke 550s because they’re affordable and still hold coyotes.
I always reco*mend the Bridger #2 Dogless Fully Modified for beginners because it’s easy to set and use with no experience or knowledge. Most of my traps are this design. They are affordable and have good quality co*ponents. Each of the modifications (laminations, center-swivels, offset jaws) are also very noticeable, so it’s easy to explain to a non-trapper or beginner how each co*ponent works.
The dogless design is the preferred option in my opinion. My only critique about the Bridger is the bolt design that loosens or tightens the pan, which can rust and strip out over time, resulting in frustrations when adjusting your pan level and tension.
Any coyote trap list must include the K9 Extreme line, created by Kendall Obermier out of Iowa. These traps are of such high quality and performance that the only reason I did not choose them as the best overall is because they require some trapping knowledge to use, so I would not reco*mend them to a newbie.
The pan tension that the traps co*e with out of the box are a bit higher than most trappers prefer, but the manufacturer suggests using some box string wax on the pan to help decrease the weight. Remember to reapply after each catch. Otherwise, the K9 Extreme line of coyote traps are top notch, built like tanks, and anyone who is serious about trapping long-term should consider investing in them. I personally use the Extreme size when I can, but the Extreme Jrs should fit most state regulations for size.
Deciding on the best bait for trapping coyotes really depends on the time of the year. Most co*monly, a meat-based bait, such as ground mice, venison, or beaver, is most popular and works very well, however keep in mind that using a meat-based bait will not only attract coyotes, but also raccoon, skunks, and opossums. I use Capital Punishment predator bait by Southern Snares and Supply, but some of the other most popular choices are Caven’s Minnesota Brand Predator Bait, Reuwsaat’s Fatal Step Canine Bait, and Mark June’s Lures Widowmaker Predator Bait.
To avoid non-targets such as skunks, stick with pure coyote urine and coyote gland lure. Typically, any raccoon or skunk walking by will not care to check out urine or gland lure. Any coyote, regardless of gender or age, will likely check it out. As the breeding season begins, typically around the first of the year, coyotes will be attracted to traps that have only fresh urine. Much like deer during the rut freshen their scrapes, coyotes will mark their territory frequently during that time period.
There are some traps out there that are the elite of the elite, and not easily available to order online. They’re also expensive. But if you want a hard-to-find gem of legendary status, keep an eye out for the: KB co*pound 5.5 Laminated, Sterling MJ 600, BMI K9 Wolfer, or JC Conner Coyote Jake Trap.
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Before you invest in coyote traps, spend some time considering how often you will be using them and if you plan to trap for many years. Also be sure to check your state’s regulations before beginning.
Lastly, keep in mind that the most important part of trapping is to set traps where coyotes have recently left scat or tracks. You can’t catch a coyote that isn’t there, no matter what kind of trap you set. Focus on pinch points, field edges, transition areas, and road intersections.
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