Yes beav we can

Having used most traps out there, and (like most of us did) starting with the 1.75s for coyotes what is the benefit of using a 1.75..or even a #2 sized trap for coyotes? I have found none, personally.

Some will say "less damage". In theory this "sounds" great. But in reality it is most often times the exact opposite. My 650s casts cause less damage than the 1.75s or 550s do. I've compared them side by side.

Now I know Beav has done some live market trapping with laminated 1.75s. I kinda get that (to some degree). I also know a guy from indiana who live market traps with #3 victor padded jaws (2 coiled). I also understand that. But for fur trapping, I cannot see one advantage to a smaller trap as opposed to a #3 or above for coyotes.

Gas, trucks, and time is spendy. Going cheap on a trap is shooting yourself in the foot...or feet..and head.

It's not about damage to the coyote. It's about damage to smaller non target critters. A house cat can't take a #3 like a coyote can. That's where the smaller traps come into play

With smaller traps, it takes a bit of expertise to guide the paw to the pan (fencing) vs. having a bigger target and hoping that the paw lands square. I sold all my 1.75/2/3's at the NTA in Marshfield a few years abck as they are obsolete compared to new trap designs. That being said, I don't like working on traps so these were stock models with beefier swivels and chain and night latched but no lamination.

If you're hoping that the animal's paw will land square, use a #78

Bob - you must have sissy house cats ..lol. 90% of my land are # 3's ..never seen damage!!!

Theory. I've caught farm cats in the big traps. More damage with the smaller ones by comparison. Of course the particular big trap could be different. Always had more damage in the smaller traps, though. Worse was always the 1.75s.

Smaller trap offer the following advantages;

1. Quicker to set with less bedding required
2. Use less covering such as waxed dirt, etc. means less $$ spent if purchasing covering
3. Easier on the body if you are running dozens of sets every day
4. Less weight in the rig (esp. important in UTV/AtVs.
5. Less weight on the smaller species paw can be beneficial
6. Faster to get into the ground means less human scent left at the set area
7. MUCH easier to use and discuss with land owners in urban America

Just some quick points and there are more. I note also the bigger traps are valuable also and have their place.

Bottom line for me, I sold all my MB 550's...I Do not like them . That's all I got to say about that

I think the take away here is;

Trappers have opinions based on their individual trapping skills and observations in the field. Both of these criteria vary trapper to trapper so trap preference varies trapper to trapper. That's a good thing. Some like Coke and some prefer Pepsi.

There's really no "right" or "wrong" answer. Buy some of several models and see what your style of trapping click with.

I started trapping with jump traps, moved on to Victor #3N, then to Victor #3's, then to Victor #2 (not very long) then to SC 1.75, now MB 550. There were BMI Wolfer and some high end traps (Jakes, Sterling) used in the west but not in Michigan as theft was too severe (10% stolen each year). All have caught coyotes and some are much better than others and some would be better used in rural settings vs. suburban surroundings.

Aren't we fortunate to be able to discuss several brands of traps and several styles as well. That way each of us can find a good "fit".

When do we get to figure out the best traps for Lions?

If bigger is more friendly, why then does my state association provide 1 1/2s to the trapper school attendees? Is the whole Association misinformed? lol

So many variables, if on the magic coyote run way yes set big. But, does the newbie asking these questions even know where this location exists?
Experienced guys don't need to ask. I'm not about to suggest new trappers, IN MY AREA IN THE EAST, start big.

#1 longspring

Ever caught a kit fox in a #3? It ain't pretty, not a bit. I'm not saying a # 3 isn't more appropriate for coyotes. I'm saying that a lot of the time coyotes aren't all you gotta worry about.

Beaver trapper, did you ever decide on a trap?

It depends on what #3, Bob. Of course they run the spectrum.

I trap in suburbia...with 650 casts because the 550s beat the non targets up too much.

I keep some 2 coil Victor #3 padded jaws for places of extra concern.

Just my experience. To each his own.

Caught a fox in a 4 1/2 Newhouse a couple years ago. Would have to categorize the damage as "extreme". Guess I didn't have that pan tension quite up to the mandated 10 lbs. Anyway, I wouldn't recommend this type of trap for coyote/fox.

Calvin, I'm talking kit fox, not reds or greys. Out here we have swift fox, they're protected, but nearly the same thing as a kit fox. Where I grew up we had kit fox. I've caught them in fully modified bridger #3s and they cause devastating damage. There is no chance of release when a kit or swift fox is caught in a #3. There's no recovering from that for them, their legs are very fragile.

Point taken, Bob. We Don't have Kit fox here...and really not much of a fox population at all anymore (unfortunately). I do release a couple reds every year, though...after I check their feet as best I can. I Can't find it to kill them anymore. If the coyotes beat me to them in the trap, they tear them in half...literally. A hunk of fox down the hole guarantees a coyote or two there the next day, however.

Guys, I don't think that a half an inch of jaw width is going to gain a whole lot on the catch gain...I think a lot of the strong traps have a greater jaw pressure... Has anyone ever tested the pressure of grip each trap has ??? I like the softcatch trap for a couple reasons... 1st thing is a broken leg will twist off pretty easy (softcatch is a little easier on the leg)... 2nd is I will be trying to sell live this year... and the rubber jaw also has a greater holding area ... I guess there are a lot of choices out there like several have posted... That is my take on trap selection use what catches for you and forget what don't

Lack of Swivels is the cause not the traps , power is not the issue. In 3 traps listed.