It seems from reading a lot of past posts that when a trapper switches trap size for coyotes many times it is from a smaller one to a larger one such as #2 to #3, MB 550 to MB 650, etc. I am wondering if any of you after using a larger trap for a while switched to a smaller one. I am specifically referring to when trapping coyotes.

I'll stay with my Sleepy Creek #3DLS

I use down to 450s but it is a handicap. I'm forced to because most of my permissions are surrounded by houses and subdivisions. With the 450 anyone can release domestics, with larger traps not so much. Iv'e trapped a lot of coyotes in smaller traps but, I missed a bunch too. Were I can I use 5.5 to 6.5 jaws spreads for coyotes, much more efficient , a lot less misses.

Look at a froze down set that's trampled and you might want to stick with what you have rather then going to a smaller trap.

I use smaller traps when the ground is frozen solid, It's a lot easier to chip out a small hole with an ax or pick x than a bigger hole. I do ok with 1.75s or maybe 2s.

I use to run all # 3 bridgers , but decided to try some victor/ monty dogless #2's and i like them. Going on 4 seasons with them.

I use Sleepy Creek 1.75 coils, which is really a #2 by it's jaw spread dimensions, (5 3/8) and my catch rate is the same as when using #3's....I have no doubt I could catch plenty in a beefed up 1.5 coil also.
Now granted we don't have as many deep freezes here that occur up North, but the ground does freeze solid at times.

My preference is toward the smaller traps to avoid hassles with dog hunters, and the general public, who think a #3 is basically a bear trap here in the east.

I can see an advantage to a bigger trap in continual deep snow or deep freeze conditions, but if you live in a more moderate climate area, you can guide there feet on the pan of a smaller trap really well.

I use both and prefer bigger for coyote but working in downtown Atlanta smaller is often the better option on some jobs.

Grandpa,
I think you would be plenty happy with MB 550's.

550 is a great all purpose trap with maybe the exception of coon if offset.

550's and coon don't get along.

I like the bigger trap for more catching area, now if someone 4 coiled a #2 with massive springs to power though ice and snow better than a 650 mb I would probably look at using it in the winter.

Some folks like the fact that they can get by using less wax dirt too.

I sold my MB650's years ago. They were just OK for cats. For coyote I like 1.75 and 2 coils for Fall trapping, #3 DLS December & January freeze/thaw conditions.

I run mostly 1.75s and 2s coils with some 3s in certain locations.
I've caught a jillion coyotes in #2 longsprings which are not much different jaw spread than a 1.5 coil or 1.75 bridger. I still use a lot of those #2 longs because they work well for both coyote and coon, and hold very well.

we have such a mixed bag of possibilities here that can show up in any coyote set I purposefully use smaller traps to accommodate the options. Coon are still the bread and butter of our area fur, and a big boar in december is certainly a welcome catch for my line. I love coyote trapping, but coon are just part of trapping here and pay for gas.


Jim

Yea remember what they said. 1 1/2 coil was plenty big for yotes until the internet came along .............................

I'd look at what the majority of the guys who have make their living trapping coyotes for 20 or 30 years use and recommend. A lot of advice on the internet doesnt line up with what I see in real life.

One of my favorite coyote traps are my # 3 double long springs.However,they are not very non target friendly,such as coon or fox,so I don't use them any more for coyotes.I do very well with # 1.75 or # 2 coils.

There is a difference when you're talking a multiple species trap and a specific coyote trap.

True. I've not only held coyotes in duke 1.5 I've had them pump out the stakes and get away without the trap coming apart.
However, 1.5 is not my preferred trap for coyotes. I'm a generally bigger is better only in the bigger target to step on category. Most everything else that comes with bigger iron is more trouble than tiny traps offer. As in all things there are trades and compromises to be made. Since I have yet to find THE PERFECT TRAP that checks all the boxes for every condition I have a mixed bag of tools and tailor each set for the trap selected based on site conditions. Meanwhile I'll keep searching for the magic beans.