How many of you set multiple traps at one set, whether it be a dirt hole, post set, etc.? How far away do you set the “secondary” trap from the “primary” trap? When I say primary, I mean the trap that one would usually use if only one trap was set at the set.

I guess no one does this?

I won’t set them close enough that if I make a catch the animal will also get caught in the other. I sometimes make a blind or flat set really close to a dirthole but far enough away to be outside the catch circle

I sometimes wonder how many catches if actually make if they were within feet of each other.
How many times have critters come up close and just missed the trap, but could have gotten caught with another trap?
May try that here soon on a few sets just to see.

Two traps at one set need to be swiveled correctly or very bad things can happen. Especially on non targets. The washer is welded when finished.

I set anywhere from just out of the reach of the catch circle to 20 yards apart. Just depends on the location. Most of my coyote sets are on both sides of a two track.

Very few use two traps to a set.As said earlier,if you do you have to be careful on how you stake each trap,you don't want the chains getting all tangled up when you make a catch.Having said that,I've used two traps to the set at winter sets,using drags.I don't use any particular trap placement,in front of the attractor,about 6 "or so apart.

I rarely set more than one at a set for canines.Two traps keep you at the set twice as long and make a larger disturbance.To do it properly,they should be staked seperately-more work.If not,the chains can get tangled or I have also had the trap with the foot in,get caught in the other trap.Either situation nullifies all swiveling.

I would rather have that trap on a different set nearby or better yet,more than that.Learn to place the trap,guide the foot and be mindful of wind directions.If you miss a coyote by an inch,chances are,he will either be back or encounter another set where he may not be so lucky.That is,if you have other sets,instead all bunched up at one set.There is also a good chance that another canine will get caught before the first one returns.Keep it simple and be patient.

Like Pawnee, one trap per set, two or more sets per location based on sign.

Thanks for the input guys. I really appreciate it.
What I was thinking was another trap just outside of what would be the catch circle of the other trap. I made the mistake of putting a trail camera on a set and saw coyotes working the set from all around the dirt hole, like 4-5 feet out. Now that I’ve saw that it frustrates me! Lol!

I use two traps on my walk throughs but I don't make a lot of sets and have plenty of traps and time.

Going to try it next year, had a lot of tracks stop 12"-24" from set and move on. Low odds but they got the best of me this year and I'm coning back hard next Nov. lol Good excuse to buy more traps.

well i'm starting a test of just such a set up while i clean up the predators on my farm.5 staked traps with 5 set back on grapples so as to hopefully leave the original set intact.i'm a water trapper that is tryin on land trapper boots so keep that in mind.

Kyron, I’m hearing ya. Same here.

I do it quite often with beavers, but it honestly applies to anything you’re trying to catch. If I’m using lure or if it’s a sure fire location that I either believe multiple individuals will be passing there or I want to make sure something doesn’t plug my trap, I’ll put in 2, or 3, or even 4 traps or snares.

To be clear, what I am referring to is a situation where I am able to use multiple traps to block the same path. Often times this will be blind sets in an important area or if making a castor (or other) set that I can use more than one trap.


I jokingly call it an insurance set, because, well, it is.


If the situation calls for it—-do it. If you think you need more than one trap or set, you’re right.


“How far away?” ——wherever the trap will be most effective. That’s not a jerk answer...it’s just something that there isn’t an easy way to describe, but once you recognize it, you will know it. Sometimes it’s 5 feet away, sometimes it’s 15 or more feet away.

I think you originally meant "how many traps do you set at one LOCATION." ...since a "Set" is for a single trap...like a Flat Set, Rub Set, Compass Set, etc etc etc.

Most set 2-3 per location, about 6-10 feet away from each other

This is how ya get doubles or triples when yotes travel in a family group AND when a coon gets in 1 and a skunk in another yet ya still have a third working for that yote.

This is for land trapping.

Thanks again guys. All good food for thought.

Planning on rigging up a few of these set ups. Is that about a 5/8's washer, yoteguts??

Dont need to anchor them to the same thing. Run them on drag so you can double/triple/quad/etc. Im becoming more of a fan of buried bait sets when I have the bigger baits(saving groundhogs right now from nuisance jobs). Run 4 traps around the bait. Or more if you really want to.

Dont worry about how far apart the traps are. Just think about possible approaches. With dirtholes, if you run a second trap, that trap needs to be "behind" the hole.

I see what you're saying. I generally don't have the time to be chasing drags in the dark. If I did drag set, I would definitely try the buried bait sets.