New trapper, need advice on equipment needed and point of purchase

lanole

lanole

Member
Hi guys. I've decided to try my hand at trapping a few coyotes on a property near my home here in Alabama. I normally would just call them in and dispatch them that way, but this particular farm has been giving me the fits. I've called in and shot 5 this year, about 20 in the last 4 years. Lately it seems as though the coyotes here have gotten wise to my calls and won't come out in the open to offer a clean shot. I've put up several cameras in the area and have been able to pattern their movements on and off the property. They are entering and leaving the property after dark and before sunrise. Since I can't legally shoot them at night here, the landowner wants me to trap some of them. He believes they are harassing his cattle and their calves, despite my trying to convince him otherwise.

I've looked at the local TSC and co-ops here and no one can tell me where to get ahold of a few coil spring traps. I've read a couple of good books on trapping and have watched countless You-tube videos on the subject and have been reading posts on several forums. I've gathered that I need some #1 3/4 to #3 coil spring traps for the coyotes. Most seem to prefer the 4 coil, offset or rubber jaw designs. Where are some of the better places online to get the supplies I need to start my new addiction? FWIW, snares are illegal here in Bama unless they are "powered, foothold type." What would be a good starter set or list of tools needed?
 
F & T trading post www.fntpost.com
4 coil is up to you, they are illegal here.. 4 coil is better for popping out of frozen ground. Never used rubber jaws, offset is what I have.. some are homemade offset.
I have used everything for coyotes from 1.5 to 3
I had one in a 1 1/5 today one in a #3 few weeks ago.

my personal bucket contains..
trapper hammer with a stake jacker.. I use it all the time for digging out the trap bed.
small sledge hammer
small axe
small hand broom
sifter
trap setters (I cheat)
fiberglass screen pan covers--this is my perference
salt
a shovel in the truck
 
cant go wrong with MN trapping products, great turn around. I dont particularly care for the 4 coil, expecially if there is a possibility of snagging a fox in the area. The 2 extra coils can be a lil much on traps over size 2 if you intend for fox as well. I prefer Northwoods 1.75 it is a good all around trap. I keep my chains short only about 4-6 links of 2/0 chain with 3 swivels and maybe a shockspring.
As for rubber jaws, if you catch a coon in that trap or even a possum they will eat the rubber off the jaws and youhave to replace it, Just an FYI.
 
I prefer modified #3 Bridgers for the money. You can do it yourself, or buy them laminated, four coiled, base plated, stop shock spring in chain, also.
Best stock trap prices call Cumberlands in MN. Best anchor is the High Desert Spear from O'Gorman's in MT, they also sell modified traps.
Prairiemuffin, wow, bummer you can't four coil.
I use a trapping bag for carrying traps equipment to set, a canvas dirt bag for bedding material. My favorite bedding material is coal shale from MT or WY.
 
I have all my traps & stakes in a bucket
For carrying my traps and stakes..I just get the amount of traps I want put them on the stakes, toss the stakes over my shoulder, grab my bucket.
I carry all my lures in an old metal first aid kit
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I could find a good use for a bigger 4 coil...
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I am new to trapping coyotes too. I just purchase 9 MB 550s (2 coil version)(going for live trapping the yotes). I got them along with some stakes,trapping tool,dye, wax, lure and bait from Minnesota trapping. The traps were at my door in three days. Great service and nice looking traps.
 
PrairieMuffin: I like your list, but can you explain what you do with each item? I'm new to trapping as well and am trying to get started.
 
Here's my ideas. May differ from above, but works for me.

Traps. #3 square jaw, offset. Mine are Northwoods (identical to a bridger). Why. Bigger jaws = more places for a coyote to put his foot.
Stakes. Before ground is froze I like superstakes on about 14 inches of cable. After ground is froze, I'll go to rebar. Single stake usually, double if any doubt.
Hammer. Look at any trapping supply store and get one with a digging end on it. Easier to get a trap bed made with it than a trowell.
trowel/shovel. I carry a tile spade and make some large dirtoholes. Also carry a regular trowel and a dirt-hole maker.
Sifter. I like the lifetime all metal style.
Pancovers. I use metal screen. Hard to get used to. Also liked waxed paper and cheap sandwich bags.
 


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