This is my 4th year of trapping and I'm wondering what the veterans would do in this situation? Year 1-9 coyotes, Year 2-20 coyotes, Year 3-34 coyotes all off the same area. This year, I have 6 so far and with the deep snow, I am struggling seeing sign and finding trails to set due to the lack of game trails because they are covered in 2 feet of snow. The few tracks I am seeing are in random spots and they are running on top of the hard snow. Season ends Feb 15th but I don't know how much longer I should keep pushing it. I have learned that I need to find new land and rotate spots every 1-2 years.

So, would you keep plugging away with little sign and success or hang it up and start looking for new land for next year to start fresh?

My limited experience is what you take out one year will be replenished by the following year. The only thing that could change that would be habitat loss. Trap a place that’s been trapped by professionals for the last 16 years...almost 3-5 months worth of trapping each year. It produces about the same numbers every year. I can figure 12-15 coyotes, 6-10 bobcats, 20+ coons and possums.

NEVER

I think 63 coyotes is a good dent, I'm not sure how big of area you are referring too. I've read quite a bit on this, I think Mark June in particular covered it pretty well. I'm not confident enough on population dynamics to comment on it. They do seem to fill in though. It is always good to keep moving to new areas and make new sets. I believe I recall reading Slim say something to the effect of, loosely, make new sets, on new sign, everyday.

I would say the snow conditions also have a lot to do with it. I definitely notice a huge upsurge in activity once the snow crusts enough to hold them on top, but that snow change definitely impacts where to trap them. It has been a tough year for a lot of guys

Trails disappear when snow builds up. Some things coyote then do are take short cuts, travel more in woods, follow vehicle tracks or ridges or frozen water surfaces, anything to reduce travel effort, go where food or shelter is available..

When to quit? I quit at age 87, now 88.

I take 10-15 coons off the same set remake every year. There is just no end to them. That's how many of them are out there. Now I'm hardly seeing coons, but I know next season, there'll be plenty more.
I heard this one guy took 50 coons off 1 small property.

I'm sure you'll see more yotes to repopulate.

It's been a strange winter.

Strange winter is a good way of saying it. It makes me feel a little better that I'm not the only one struggling this winter. lol

what your seeing is completely normal for deep snow you just change where to look. I like deep snow cause if i start on a road and shuffle my feet 20 yards off the road and throw a snare in that track I can snare quite a few coyotes, and as far as numbers it depends on populations around you and habitat. I trap open desert and any hole I make will always refill if not right away for sure between oct and dec when the dispersal starts. that being when the young dogs get kicked out of the family groups as they getting ready to breed again

Deep snow can hurt and it can help. Your coyotes might have moved closer to deer yards. Then it even becomes more difficult. The breeding season is not far away. You should start seeing new sign shortly. With coyotes I hate to quit because I like my deer. But it depends on how much time and money in travel do you want to spend.

Here in Upper Michigan when the snow piles up the coyotes will start drifting,following whatever food source they have.I've seen hardwoods that had lots of predator sign go dead with one big snowfall and not another track appear all winter.

I've only caught 6 coyotes since the end of Nov and every one is a male...
Having a blast and doing some deer scouting - I say keep after it!

I have not the success in any year you had the last three but I would say they are not fighting the snow, running snowmobile trails, out on river ice, farm or logging work that is knocking down the snow, just my 2 cents.

I am BRAND NEW to trapping. I have a slight patience problem, but have decided to stick with this through thick and thin! I think I would keep checking your sets, and scouting, and possibly look to branch out if you can. Right now I'm dealing with mud...I picked a bad year to start trapping!

Good habitat just brings more animals each season.
Jim