How deep to bed trap? Why bury chain and anchor under trap and not just to the side? Any other tips appreciated...

3/8 to 1/2 inch of dirt over trap works for me.

The more dirt you put over the trap, the less room you have for a paw.

I only bury the chain under the trap on flat ground. If I’m setting on a slight slope I will dig a trench down hill the same depth as my trap bed. This allows for some drainage after a rain, last thing you want is a trap bed full of water. Even when using waxed dirt this can be a problem if water comes up through the soil.

Try and bed on the side of a slight slope when possible!

Burying the chain and anchor under the trap, you dig up les ground.

Probably 90% of by traps are either chained to a bush or on a pre-hooked drag so I cut a small trench away from the trap bed for these and make the standard bowl shaped bed for my trap. Being used to the bowl shape trap bed I don't bury my chain and anchor under my traps for staked sets. I make a small hole over to the side for chain and anchor system. Also, a lot of times I'm on the edge of a road bed or other rocky conditions so digging a hole deep enough to put everything under the trap is usually a problem.

I see guys bed their traps and then drill/dig their dirt holes. I'm the opposite as I drill the hole first as finding a spot to dig a deep enough hole is more difficult than making a hole deep enough for my trap. I can also move back, left, or right with the trap bed and still make it work.

As with a lot of things, there is no right or wrong way but you have to adjust to your conditions and what you can do the best.