coyote trapping

[Still Hunter]

Old trapper on our lease only uses snares on fence lines only. He is highly successful. Took over 100 coyotes off the Ranch we lease this past year. Yes he does catch an occasional deer, however those 100 coyotes were taking a whole lot more deer than the few he caught in the snare. He checks the snares everyday. Checks them from a Gator, does not step a foot on the ground unless he has to. If he catches one he resets the snare immediately, as the mate or if it is a female, the pups will be out looking for her. Said he has caught as many as five in one set. Finds an active fence crossing and sets them up. Key is checking them everyday.

[stinkbelly]

Would a deer step in a tire set?

[Outlaw_6]

Use a road runner and an "Acme" brick sign.

Gets ol' Wile E. every time.

[AntlerCollector]

Some people think this is too harsh, but we have used big treble hooks with meat on them. Use piano wire to hang from a branch. Tie them high enough that they have to jump to try and get it. I don't think it's any harsher than breaking their foot in a foot trap.


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I know of "a friend" that has had success using a big treble hook with a chicken on it. Hung it from a strong limb with a cable. Had the hook about 5' off the ground. The Yote would raise up on his hind legs bite the chicken then his body weight would set the hook.

[Native Texan]

I'm almost positive it is ILLEGAL. It's not listed under legal means in the furbearing handbook. Then again it's not under prohibited means either but I dang sure don't want to get fined.

It is not only ILLEGAL, but if you are caught "coyote fishing" you will likely do some JAIL time for animal cruelty. Catch a dog and the penalty would likely be even worse. No ethical hunter or trapper would EVER seriously consider using such a method.

I've caught hundreds of coyotes in leghold traps, and not once did they ever break a leg. Small traps like 1.5 and 1.75 coil springs catch them across the pad and hold them firmly with no damage. Using #3 traps is overkill and not necessary. Never had a deer step in one either.

If you are worried about fawns, keep your traps away from deer trails. Using coyote urine at the set will likely keep the deer away from it too. Lay a branch over any dirt hole sets or position a limb overhanging the trap ...the deer will step around it while the coyotes will investigate and dig.

[tex4k]

I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas on how to trap coyotes without catching the fawns or chasing off the deer.

I have been very successful in the past with foot traps, but I am afraid to catch a fawn. We have a ton of fawns this year. I also don't want to chase off the deer because we have a neighbor that just started hunting last year and they shoots everything that moves.

They are getting way too close to the goats and they need to be taught a lesson.

You've got some experience already, just use the methods you've had success with, just pay close attention not to set in those areas where the deer are utilizing, focus on the coyote travelways and you should be fine. You may have to spend a little extra scouting time to find lack of deer sign or vice versa.

[AntlerCollector]

It is not only ILLEGAL, but if you are caught "coyote fishing" you will likely do some JAIL time for animal cruelty. Catch a dog and the penalty would likely be even worse. No ethical hunter or trapper would EVER seriously consider using such a method.

I've caught hundreds of coyotes in leghold traps, and not once did they ever break a leg. Small traps like 1.5 and 1.75 coil springs catch them across the pad and hold them firmly with no damage. Using #3 traps is overkill and not necessary. Never had a deer step in one either.

If you are worried about fawns, keep your traps away from deer trails. Using coyote urine at the set will likely keep the deer away from it too. Lay a branch over any dirt hole sets or position a limb overhanging the trap ...the deer will step around it while the coyotes will investigate and dig.

All good advice here ^^^^^