Coyote Dirt hole set with pics

[Tony Hursman]

The first pic is a location pic it show were the timber edge and pasture edge comes together. The coyotes will run these edges looking for food and as travel routes from dens to feeding areas.



The next pic shows the area i chose to put the set. And the tools i will be using to make the set.



The next pic shows the placement of the hole to be made. I will be using a 2 inch piece of pipe thats 10 inches long. I will drive the pipe into the ground with the hammer and then tap the sides of pipe to release it from the hole. Then remove the pipe tap out the dirt from pipe. This dirt is used to add to the set.





The next pic's show the trap bed has been made and you have 2 options for proper trap placement and the type of traps to be used. I have chosen the #3 Montana dog less in the first pic and in the other pic i will finish the set with the Victor #3 offset jaws.





The next pic shows That the victor#3 has been placed in the bed and made to set firmly in place. After that the dirt and packing material is laid. I place dry grass under the pan as this keeps the dirt from packing under pan thus keeping it from firing. This is the final set up prior to sifting the set.



The next pic shows my sifter filled with the dirt from the trap bedding. This dirt will be sifted on to the trap to totally cover it. Notice the change in appearance the set takes on when the dirt is sifted on.



The next pic shows the backing log added and some dead branches with the dead leaves. This is in contrast to all the green material surrounding the set. Thus eye appeal.



Now the next pic shows the finished set. Now this is the time for you to decide what bait lure or blocking you want to add to the set. Backing away from the set and look at the situation. This will give you and idea from where your target will approach from. I like to put the bait down hole and add gland lure about 10 ft away on both side of the set. I like to plug the hole with a ball of dry grass. this will make them work for the bait. Thus keeping them working the set and more of a chance he will find the pan. This set up was made more for coyotes than fox. Just move the trap closer to the hole for fox. I hope this will give the guys and Girls a way to start dirt hole trapping. There are many variations of this set so be creative. DH

[tmrschessie]

Really like the use of the traditional double long spring trap in this post...Thanks, Tom

[Tony Hursman]

I have some more sets with the victor 3N thats my prefered trap for coyotes and Bobcat. They are old but still catch and hold them.

[tmrschessie]

Tony, have you tried the exposed set for cats with the Number 3 DLS traps? Tom

[Tony Hursman]

Ive often wanted to try it. But it just doesnt feel right not blending in the trap to many yrs of doing it this away. I just cant set it and leave it. For some reason it just feels wrong to me. LOL

[tmrschessie]

I know the feeling...LOL, but broke down and tried it last year. It did conect with a cat. Problem was I could only read the sign as a coon hunter with dogs apparently found it. Trap, cat, and stake was taken...BUT if you have a place where the trail narrows or can be narrowed give it a try...Tom

[huntman025]

How do you guys make dirt hole sets when the ground is froze. A tile spade just does not work then. I don't think you could get a pipe in the ground frozen either????

[tmrschessie]

I use an axe to make a hole of sorts and debris, sticks,grass,weeds.... around it to make it look more appealing. Sometimes you will break through the frost and the pipe then works to finish it. Tom

[Tony Hursman]

Same as tom i have a hand axe that i use. Its not easy but with determination you can get it done.

[Ridge]

Just drive a 1/2 inch Rebar stake in the ground and work it a little. Doesnt have to be a big hole. Just so the critter has to stick around a little while to find the scent or bait. A little fur from around the genitals of a previous catch poked down in the hole with a little lure on top works well this time of year. Put something as a backing. May look more like a flat set but thats Ok. don't see many critters digging natural dirthole's in frozen ground anyway.

Good Luck

Ridge

[tmrschessie]

Probably the best learning point here is a hybrid set, may do the job as well as the original set. Build by doing it the right way then you can experiment, you may come up with the next "best method" in use....Good job Ridge. Tom