by Randy Augsburger

Created on: November 01, 2008   Last Updated: November 30, 2010

Coyote trapping is one of the most difficult forms of trapping to learn. Coyotes are intelligent survivors with a nose that can get them out of trouble if you are not diligent in controlling your scent. But the experienced coyote trapper will turn that nose to his advantage.

The keys to successful coyote trapping and snaring are;

- Scent control

- Location

- Set type

- Scent control

This is very important when dealing with coyotes. They can smell when you have been somewhere and the smallest amount of scent you can leave at a set the better.

First you need to take care of your equipment. You should boil and wax all your traps so they are as scent free as possible. The wax will protect the trap from rust and also lubricate it so it closes faster. Use paraffin, as beeswax has a scent that the coyote can smell and may dig up. A coyote can also smell a rusty trap buried in the ground and will be less likely to step on it. After the traps are boiled, they should be hung in a tree or some other airy place so they remain nearly scent free. Snares should not be waxed but boiled and hung up to air out.

When handling your equipment always wear gloves. Use clean gloves that you don't use for any other purpose. I always grab a handful of sagebrush or just plain weeds and rub them between my hands with my gloves on just before picking up my traps. Be sure to remove your gloves before handling any lures at your set. You don't want any lure smell on the trap or the coyote will dig it up.

To use his nose against him you need a good coyote lure. Many beginning trappers use too much scent at their sets. They will catch some coyotes but miss others. You want just a little lure at your set so the coyote will use his incredible nose trying to locate the exact source of the smell and will get caught while he is paying attention to that little smell he is trying to find.

- Location

Location is equally important to scent control. You need to find a place where the coyote is traveling in order to catch him. Lures are great things but except for rare instances they won't bring a coyote more than a few yards to your set.

Look for the easy way to get somewhere. Animals are just as lazy as humans and won't go out of their way to get somewhere without a reason. So if there is a hill look for the easy way around or over it. They will hunt the edge of thick cover as opposed to plunging into it. They like following natural formations like a gully or low ridge. If you have a meandering stream

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