Favorite canine set and how you make it ?

[killemall]

M ;)y favorite canine set is probably the dirthole. I make mine as close to a travel route such as a fence line or an old road entering a field from woods is a favorite. I use a chunk bait usually with a lure on the lip of the hole and a shot of urine on the backing. This is sometimes mixed up but I also throw a lot of flat sets and Urinating post sets as well.

[Hardcase]

I too like the dirt hole, but I started using blind sets they are still my favorite!

A key to successful trapping is to use the correct trap for the job. A trap should be large, powerful and fast enough to catch the coyote that activates it.

For best results, chose a No. 3 coil-spring trap with a jaw spread of about 6 inches. Smaller traps do not get as high a grip on the animal's foot, increasing the likelihood of escape. To further prevent an animal from escaping, use a trap that has smooth jaws, which holds the foot firmly without breaking the skin. Traps with four coils are preferred because they have enough power to break through the dirt and close more quickly than traps with two coiled springs.

Also choose traps that have a center swivel and a re-enforced base plate. A central swivel attaches the heavy chain to the bottom of the trap, allowing the trapped animal to pull directly on the chain, and eliminating undue damage to the coyote's foot.

Traps, as described above, are available from manufacturers, but many trappers modify ones they already have to fit these specifications. A narrow-jawed trap can be made wider by welding a strip of metal along the existing jaw to double its width. This is called laminating. Traps with laminated or rubber jaws are more humane to coyotes and nontarget catches, and they are less likely to allow the coyote to escape. Some trappers re-enforce the base plate to add extra strength. Many also add extra swivels on the chain to reduce damage to the trapped animal.

[killemall]

I use mostly Bridgers #3 coils which I four coil and then since I work at a steel fabricting shop I baseplate and laminate them. I use machine chain with three swivels. I also put a little bit of weld on the ends of the jaws, where they come through the frame so there is no chance of them being popped out. I also use the shock springs on the chains.
Acoyote can and will give a trap a real work-out.

[rob]

I do use the dirthole set, but I really like the post set. I probably catch most of my canine's in snares at crawl thru's. By the way welcome to the Fellowship.

[Josh A]

Well I have to start off by saying I am new to trapping as this was my first year. I used mostly dirt hole sets on my foothold traps for the coyotes. I understand the reasons for using #3's however what I have is #2 dukes and they seam to work OK for me at this time. I will say that I cought as many coyotes on snares as I did in footholds.
But as far as how I make my sets, I tried a couple differnet things this season. You have to understand I had three different friends helping me get started and each one of them has a little diff. take on how to do it. So I took what I learned from each one and put together my own methods. I started the season using rabbit fur or bird feathers in the hole and I was covering my pans with wax paper. As time went on I got away from the wax paper and started putting white polyfill under the pan. Since I had a bag full of polyfill and it was a bright white color I tried sticking that in the hole for eye appeal. And I have to say I had better luck in the end than in the begining. As for baits and lures and urines, everyone has their favs and preferences. I use a good strong smelling pastebait behind the poly or fur or feathers in the hole and a little dab of call lure right behind the hole. And I top it off with a couple squirts of urine either on the backing or at one side or the other.
So many guys (or gals) are tight lipped about how they do something or make something because they are afraid it is their secret and they don't want to give away their tricks. I don't care!! Most of the people on here are a long way away from me and even if you are my neighbor, so what, Good luck with it. In most cases, I can write down how to make it and until you see it, you wouldn't make it the same anyway. I had three diff guys showing me how to make a set and I still took and developed my own methods. But like I said I don't care. If we take everything we learn in life and don't share it or pass it on, what good are we doing with brain the good Lord gave us. I have learned alot for reading forums like this one, because someone was willing to share. As I learn more and prove it works I will pass it on.

[Schrader]

Dirthole-the simpler the better.

Schrader