- 1). Locate a trail that coyotes are traveling on. Evidence of coyotes will be dog-like tracks in the dirt or mud and feces containing bits of hair and bone. Choose an open spot 2 to 3 feet off the trail with no trees or brush behind it.
- 2). Put on rubber gloves and dig a hole at a 45-degree angle 10 inches deep and 4 inches wide with the opening facing the trail.
- 3). Dig out a hollow in front of the hole that is wide enough to place the set trap in. Dig it deep enough so the top of the jaws and trap pan are slightly lower than the surrounding ground level.
- 4). Set the trap and lay it in the hollow. Position the trap so the jaws are to the right and left of the hole and the coyote steps between the jaws and not over them. The end of the spring should be 1 inch from the edge of the hole and the trap pan 1 to 2 inches off-center of the hole.
- 5). Attach a 3-foot extension chain to the trap chain ring with an S hook. Lift the free trap jaw that is not under the trigger and loosely stuff the underside of the pan with grass or moss to keep the dirt from filling in under the pan. Push the jaw back down.
- 6). Cut a bare branch 4 to 6 feet long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Wire the end of the chain to the center of the branch with a triple wrap of rebar wire. Stretch out the chain and lay the branch in a natural manner across the back of the hole.
- 7). Dig a shallow trench to lay the chain in and then sift dirt over the trap and chain until the trap is completely hidden. Place a piece of meat bait in the bottom of the hole and put one-half inch of dirt over it. Dip a twig in coyote scent lure and drop it in the hole, which completes the set.
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