I'm thinking about putting in some blind sets for some extra wary coyotes. Is a bigger trap better for blind sets? These coyotes are traveling along a mowed lane about 6 feet wide and not a narrow well defined trail.

I have plenty of #2's (dogless and dog on) and a few #5 Bridgers but nothing in between (like #3's).

Is the #5 Bridger just to big for coyotes?

I would use what you got and throw in a few scent posts or compass sets. Did that this fall and it made a difference for me, just keep it suttle and use minimal guidance.

Thanks 20scout.

There are people who use #5s for coyotes, but make dang sure, first of all, that it’s legal to set a #5 on land in your state. Second of all, be 100% certain that you aren’t going to accidentally catch someone’s dog.

I wouldn’t hesitate to use them if they are laminated and offset. However, non laminated, especially non offset, would give me pause. I don’t think I’d use closed jaw non laminated #5s for coyote.

Thanks Bob, all good points. State law requires offset jaws but I have not laminated mine. I don't believe and seen no indication that there are any stray, feral or loose pet dogs in the area.

If you or the land owner can drive through that mowed lane, then you'll have an easy place to set. And#2 Bridgers are a good coyote trap for blind sets. Not to big that you have to disturb alot of area to bed it quickly and solidly. Blind sets are about speed, in and out fast.

I would use the number 2's. Way less disturbance of the ground so it is easier to blend.

So far it’s 2 to 1 with a strong leaning towards 3 to 1 on using the #2’s.

When blind setting a lane like I described, would you put the trap(s) in line with the scat, or offset 6-10 inches?

I caught a coyote yesterday on a blind set with a Bridger #2 dogless with I believe a #3 pan. The trap was offset and laminated. It was a backfoot catch on a 8' chained drag. The coyote made it about 20 feet.

Rickey

I caught one other day in a blind set with a #2duke on 12'of chain with saber tooth drag. And it pulled out. Trap was not laminated. Nut had new music wire springs. Couldn't help but think, if I had one of my laminated 4 coiled Bridger 2s. I would've held it.

I’m convinced, my #2’s (Bridger Dogless coincidentally) will work fine, if I do my part. I have a couple of drags and this will be a perfect spot to use ‘em.

Good info here fellas, thanks for helping me out.

I was wrong, I was wrong, I was wrong. I looked at a couple of those traps and the pans are clearly marked #2. Sorry for any confusion that may have caused.

Rickey

I always figured a nice squared off jaw face would hold better then any laminated jaw face. And 12' of chain Is going to let that critter get up a full head of steam before It comes to the end.

Are you stirring the pot again with the 12' of chain comment?

Just repeating what was Posted by plainstrapping25.
I'm betting you will have less pull outs with a short chained trap that Is staked.

That depends how wrapped up in the brush he is

Lots of variables.

You can say that again. I think that if using drags most agree that 8' is good baseline depending on the terrain. Sense we don't know what terrain 25 was trapping in i am assuming he was in a little more open landscape than normal and12' was good. Imo chain length has very little to do with pullouts. Spring strength and lock up have way more to do with it and i think that was what 25s point was.
But with that said that coyote could have been pinched by a toenail or two and would have escaped no matter what. And on top of that was it for sure a coyote or possibly a deer or another hoofed critter?