So close yet so far. You guys/gals got any tips on what I should do different.

Put a small rock, stick, etc right at the edge of the jaw.

Yes. The white rock to the right or something smaller about where the print is. Small stick, small rock, or just loose dirt that is higher than the rest of the set. Good luck

First off,you let him see down in the hole,then he left.Throw a wad of dried grass in there to blockhis view and give him something to work at.That is what I can see.Choice of attractant or amount ,can be other issues but I am not there.

I prefer a smaller backing and less blocking. Something more natural looking. As mentioned by Taximan, I use either a wad of dried lawn clippings or a wad of deer hair (legal in NY).

On that set cover the bait/lure with sheep's wool or a wad of grass. If you dig your hole at that angle move the trap back, or dig your hole more straight up and down. Try to picture where they will be standing when they can see the bottom of your hole. Hope this helps.

Archeryguy, what prompted you set in the woods and on a sidehill?

That’s all we have. Large wilderness area, no farms, no pastures. There are 2 directions here... up or down. Primarily set on logging roads, saddles, benches and ridges. The set pictured above was where a logging road dead ends into the woods.

What Taximan said - don't let them see down the hole plus put something for them to see in the hole after they pull the grass out and stake that down

I believe the animal is telling you exactly what to do. Move the trap back slightly. The animal is always the best teacher.

Thanks! I put grass wad in the hole hoping to make him work the set a little more also added a “trash pile” set bout forty yards away with different lure and bait. 🤞🏻

To my eye that's way to much blocking. I would lose the blocking and go almost vertical and as deep as possible with the hole and put the trap up tight to the hole. Make them stand right over it to get a look!

ArcheryGuy,
I grew up near Utica,
Most people from somewhere else don't have any idea how wooded and hilly NYS really is. Especially at your location.
Good luck.

x2

Very true. I've met many people while traveling who think New York is New York City.