First, I've already learned a lot reading here and hope to learn more. I've always hunted but a two years ago started putting out some dog proof traps for coons around our corn feeders and have done ok with that. this year looking to catch coons, coyotes and beavers. the main purpose of this is to save timber and help the turkeys. The ground I have is split between river bottoms and pine plantations with good roads in the pines but just atv trails in the bottoms. currently have 12 fb1 dog proofs.12 bridger #2, 6 bridger #5 and built some 1/2" rebar drowning rods. I'm looking for advice on all three:

Coons: are deer feeders the best place to put them or should I be looking more on the slough banks?
Coon bait: used corn, dry dog food, wet cat food so far. any better suggestions?

beavers: had someone down earlier this year and he caught 13 in one hole just putting traps by culverts and where they crossed the road in about two weeks before he had to leave. I assume I can do the same thing on the dams by knocking a hole in them and setting up by that.

coyotes: we put 6 traps out and have caught one so far.
How often should I re bait them?
If I know there is going to be a week I cant check them should I just trip them and leave them or pull them out? I'm not worried about trap theft.
how long should I leave a trap before finding a new location?
would I be better off scattering the traps around or putting several close together?

I'm sure I'll have lots more questions but so far having a ball with this.

Thanks again for the help with this forum.

For raccoons, you can start at the deer feeders, if that is were they are used to getting food then they will be back around often so having traps there will be good and you can always move some sets to other used trails that you find. any bait will work i use dog food but coons are not that picky i use it as it has a decent smell (bacon grease in it as well)

Beaver you can do they same as the last guy but you can also try changing it up a little to stuff they haven't seen before helps you catch the smarter ones. (castor mounds, slides, etc.)

Coyotes i typically leave the trap there sprung but that is up to you i also cover the hole where the lure is so its not as strong smelling so they don't visit while the trap is not working (keep trap out of site the best you can), rebait when you feel it needs it like after a rain storm, not smelling strong etc.

leaving a trap for coyotes depending how much ground you are covering is up to you i typically leave it for around a week for coyotes as it takes them a while to go around their territory, try putting traps in multiple areas to pin point activity then you can always double set unless you think you have a really fire place then you can place a double

that depends, if you use footholds, breasting sticks are a must or they will use your trap to help plug the hole in the dam


Here’s what helped me shorten my learning curve by decades. Join your state trapping assn, Google it. ANd contact officers off their site and ask for a mentor to ride along with. MANY states have their own forums. Like here in NC. And TN has 2 and Va has 2 also and KY too. A mentor helps Learn trap prep and techniques and tricks and the laws in YOUR state regarding jaw spreads, shock springs, etc, etc. (( Laws vary a lot from state to state so BEWARE of FB and utube. You can be shown things that are illegal in your state!.)) This gets you in the info loop of FREE trappers ed classes and meets and fur sales/pick ups, and conventions. Then attend ALL YOU CAN, this shows folks you are serious and will be a good student. It sure helped open many doors for me and it could for you as well. ALSO, get several different trapping supply catalogs, like MTP, Sterling Fur, FandT, PCS, Flemings, Northern Outdoors, Trap Shack, Schmitt enterprises, Southeastern outdoor supplies, JR & Sons, Grawes, rpoutdoors, etc etc, THEN circle gear you need, and give the catalogs to loved ones to buy your Birthday and Christmas and July 4 and Easter and Anniversary gifts. Explain to them, you want their money to go towards what you will use and need, as opposed to another sweater hanging in your closet. WORKS GREAT in our family.

I just have every one get me Christmas gift cards from F&T here in Michigan and then I order what ever I want when I need it.

Thanks for the help, thanks the area I put the coyote traps out I know had three as that is what was on the game camera along with 2 different bobcats. I plan to get back down there this weekend and will probably spread the traps out some. either me or one other friend will be down there everyday until new years so hope to catch a few.

I plan to put the beaver traps out in a different hole until I see them coming back to the one he trapped. I will look at setting different types of sets also.

Thanks for the help. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I try and figure this out.

I found this picture/diagram on this site, is this how you would recommend setting traps for a dam break with breasting sticks?



And thank you for the info on the state trapping assn. I will look into it. I am from Arkansas and from looking though the regs we are pretty open with very few rules. we also have free predator control permits that loosen restrictions on the coons and coyotes to year round. nuisance coyote, coon, and beaver can also be taken year round.

Check your mail box

WOOOOW !
That's MY picture, setting for a wise old 75 pounder, that was getting around the standard single trap set. Got her that night.

BUT, NO, that is NOT the normal way.
Set ONE trap back bout the length of your forearm from the hole and offset 4-5", with the sticks around it on the deep water side, they MUST be firm/stout, bout the diameter of your thumb and deep/tight in mud, so when they come plowing mud, those sticks don't budge, and they must climb over/around, and into the steel. angle the sticks slightly away from the trap.

The BEST money spent for a beaver trapper is Pauls "Beaver Sites and Sets" dvd. It launched my ADC beaver removal career.
Ask a loved one for it NOW, as a early Christmas gift.

Just a couple basic tips without knowing your area. For coons - anywhere ya see tracks or along those wood roads/trails. For beaver - any trails at active chewings. For coyote - make a carcass pile or two & set around those.