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Choosing Lure #7495128
02/13/22 06:12 PM
02/13/22 06:12 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 697
Georgia
sportsman94 Offline OP
trapper
sportsman94  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 697
Georgia
Does anyone have a process to their lure choice at a particular set? With gland lures, curiosity lures, rub lures, and food lures, how do you decide which one to use at which set for predators? When do you like to use gland lure? When do you use food lure? Etc. Are you trying to paint a picture/scenario or do you just grab whichever one you happen to grab first? I’m just curious what goes into your lure choice at any given set and what kinds of lure you prefer at different kinds of sets.

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495204
02/13/22 07:45 PM
02/13/22 07:45 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,483
Nebraska
silkyplainscoyot Offline
trapper
silkyplainscoyot  Offline
trapper

Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,483
Nebraska
Yes, I think most trappers have a particular process to their choice at a set. More than likely your food and curiosity lures go into a dirt hole set, but an adaptable trapper can use those same things at a flat set just by smearing them on an object. As for gland lure, I'm one that believes it stays on the surface not down in hole. You can use gland lure in whatever scenario you choose. On a object by itself, on a objects next to your dirt hole with a food/curiosity lure.

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495212
02/13/22 07:49 PM
02/13/22 07:49 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,101
South Ga - Almost Florida
S
Swamp Wolf Offline
trapper
Swamp Wolf  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,101
South Ga - Almost Florida
You need this book. It was written by Charles Dobbins (Paul's dad). It will answer your questions and rapidly flatten your learning curve on trapping.
[Linked Image]


Thank God For Your Blessings!
Never Half-Arse Anything!

Resource Protection Service

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: silkyplainscoyot] #7495244
02/13/22 08:17 PM
02/13/22 08:17 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,225
Midland, MI.
Seldom Offline
trapper
Seldom  Offline
trapper

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,225
Midland, MI.
Originally Posted by silkyplainscoyot
Yes, I think most trappers have a particular process to their choice at a set. More than likely your food and curiosity lures go into a dirt hole set, but an adaptable trapper can use those same things at a flat set just by smearing them on an object. As for gland lure, I'm one that believes it stays on the surface not down in hole. You can use gland lure in whatever scenario you choose. On a object by itself, on a objects next to your dirt hole with a food/curiosity lure.

This.

Last edited by Seldom; 02/13/22 08:21 PM.

"A few want to know WHY, the majority appear to be satisfied just knowing HOW!"
Youtube Channel- SeldomFales
Re: Choosing Lure [Re: Swamp Wolf] #7495251
02/13/22 08:25 PM
02/13/22 08:25 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 697
Georgia
sportsman94 Offline OP
trapper
sportsman94  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 697
Georgia
Originally Posted by Swamp Wolf
You need this book. It was written by Charles Dobbins (Paul's dad). It will answer your questions and rapidly flatten your learning curve on trapping.


I’ve got it in my library! Just read through it again a couple weeks ago trying to pick up new tips. Sounds like I need to look back through it again this week. I’ve been trapping for about 10 years and do decent on my small line, but feel like I’ve regressed. For instance, I’m not even catching coons/possums/grey fox this year. I’ve caught a handful of coyotes, but have missed more than I feel like I should. I will say that something seems off this year. Not sure if it’s because I didn’t treat any of my traps this season since I didn’t get in the trapping mood until late, or something else. Regardless, I’m trying to take a more intentional approach to my trapping so that I can get better. In the past I had my favorite lures and would use them however it felt right, but didn’t keep records to know what was most successful. Now I’m trying to break everything apart to do better and keep records of what works and what doesn’t for my style. I do plan to do some lure testing to see what works best for me as well

I appreciate the suggestion swampwolf and will definitely go back through it with pen in hand this week!

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495336
02/13/22 09:32 PM
02/13/22 09:32 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,752
Central, SD
Law Dog Online content
trapper
Law Dog  Online Content
trapper

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,752
Central, SD
Find some ones you like and try a couple new lures every year as change ups to see if you like them as you go along through the seasons is what do.


Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!

Jerry Herbst
Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495377
02/13/22 09:56 PM
02/13/22 09:56 PM
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,101
South Ga - Almost Florida
S
Swamp Wolf Offline
trapper
Swamp Wolf  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 12,101
South Ga - Almost Florida
Dont overthink it.

Use the best equipment you can afford. Tune up the traps so they fire properly. Keep your gear as clean as you can and organized. Make sets WITHIN INCHES, not feet, of critter sign. Use good quality lures and baits from a reputable lure maker.

And.....set a bunch of traps to catch a bunch of critters. That's what I have to do...lol.


Thank God For Your Blessings!
Never Half-Arse Anything!

Resource Protection Service

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495444
02/13/22 10:34 PM
02/13/22 10:34 PM
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 11
Alabama
B
BibbCoTrapper Offline
trapper
BibbCoTrapper  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 11
Alabama
Food lure and bait in the hole, gland and pee on backing or turd, and call lure up high. It works

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495475
02/13/22 10:51 PM
02/13/22 10:51 PM
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10,723
SW Georgia
W
Wanna Be Offline
trapper
Wanna Be  Offline
trapper
W

Joined: May 2018
Posts: 10,723
SW Georgia
Here’s another thought…can’t catch what ain’t there. First year on a property and I’m a professional, lol. I mean killing it. The next several years are just ok, but I’m ok with that.
Now if I have cameras up and see critters and not catching them, then I’d get concerned.

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495537
02/13/22 11:30 PM
02/13/22 11:30 PM
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 825
SD
B
Bison88 Offline
trapper
Bison88  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 825
SD
X2 spend more time scouting and getting land and less time worrying about lure choice.

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495712
02/14/22 08:05 AM
02/14/22 08:05 AM
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 104
Ohio
M
MattDoyle Offline
trapper
MattDoyle  Offline
trapper
M

Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 104
Ohio
https://coyotesrus.proboards.com/thread/9562/use-misuse-coyote-lures

Here is a really good article that should point you in the right direction, but I think Swampwolf said it best. If you can put your trap exactly where the intended animal is already walking, lure choice isn’t a huge concern.
Matt

Last edited by MattDoyle; 02/14/22 08:09 AM.
Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495848
02/14/22 10:44 AM
02/14/22 10:44 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,752
Central, SD
Law Dog Online content
trapper
Law Dog  Online Content
trapper

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,752
Central, SD
Location was the biggest hurdle when I started trapping I remember buying several dozen Northwoods traps then not being sure where to set them, it was crushing at the time but you overcome that.


Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!

Jerry Herbst
Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495921
02/14/22 12:05 PM
02/14/22 12:05 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 697
Georgia
sportsman94 Offline OP
trapper
sportsman94  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 697
Georgia
Thanks for all the responses guys. I’m typically good about setting on sign and much prefer it If I can set underneath an existing track. I am bad about over complicating things though and searching for the “why” in what works (or doesn’t). I believe I also have unrealistic expectations about the ratio of catches I am/should be making on a property which leads me to want to catch a large percentage of predators who visit my sets. I just had my worst week of trapping where I caught no predators in a week, despite most of my sets being visited. I had some grey fox digging, but also seemed to have a string of bad luck with coyotes and bobcats stepping just soft enough or on the edge of the pan to not have it go off. (See pictures below). All my failure makes me want to acquire/develop a system to catch a higher percentage of the animals who visit/work my sets and that is the reason for most of these questions.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


MattDoyle, I appreciate you sharing that. I read it just a few weeks ago, but was able to pick up some more info by reading it again.

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7495957
02/14/22 12:48 PM
02/14/22 12:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10,062
Marion Kansas
Y
Yes sir Online content
"Callie's little brother"
Yes sir  Online Content
"Callie's little brother"
Y

Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 10,062
Marion Kansas
I do a lot of testing in the off season. In my area I've seen a lot of lures not test very well. It's been an eye opening experience. The animals will not lie. I personally believe marketing and popularity sells as much or more lure than quality and catches. I know this is an unpopular view but this is my experience.

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: Yes sir] #7495965
02/14/22 12:52 PM
02/14/22 12:52 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,225
Midland, MI.
Seldom Offline
trapper
Seldom  Offline
trapper

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,225
Midland, MI.
Originally Posted by Yes sir
I do a lot of testing in the off season. In my area I've seen a lot of lures not test very well. It's been an eye opening experience. The animals will not lie. I personally believe marketing and popularity sells as much or more lure than quality and catches. I know this is an unpopular view but this is my experience.

X2


"A few want to know WHY, the majority appear to be satisfied just knowing HOW!"
Youtube Channel- SeldomFales
Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7496003
02/14/22 01:41 PM
02/14/22 01:41 PM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 399
SOUTH CAROLINA - SC
B
bur Offline
trapper
bur  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 399
SOUTH CAROLINA - SC
Originally Posted by sportsman94
Does anyone have a process to their lure choice at a particular set? With gland lures, curiosity lures, rub lures, and food lures, how do you decide which one to use at which set for predators? When do you like to use gland lure? When do you use food lure? Etc. Are you trying to paint a picture/scenario or do you just grab whichever one you happen to grab first? I’m just curious what goes into your lure choice at any given set and what kinds of lure you prefer at different kinds of sets.



I used to overthink it, just in the same way you are. I have since simplified to the following, and it has proved to be successful for me. Eliminates wasting time at a set trying to determine what to do, which was a huge problem for me.

I carry 2 baits, both with very little to no taint. 1 deer meat based (with hearts and liver), 1 bobcat and beaver based. I carry red fox and coyote urine. I keep a red fox gland lure, some type of skunky lure, and a castor based lure, or straight castor.

When I set an area, I usually set 2 traps at each good location, 1 dirthole, 1 flat set. I run mostly double dirtholes, with one type of bait in each hole, and a skunky lure up top as a call lure. I use coyote urine sometimes, but not all the time, at the dirtholes. I'll make a flat set close by, usually with a dropping, and some type of natural mark like a rock, stick, or grass clump, and create a walk through. Dropping gets red fox gland lure, and red fox urine, natural mark gets castor based lure. That's it, I run my whole line like this from the start.

If things start going stale, I will break out different lures to try, or maybe change to a tainted meat base. Biggest thing is location, which has been mentioned. It's so important, I will repeat it again. Set on sign, within inches, and keep it simple. Get in and get out, and pound in as many sets as you can on good sign. I'll take 10 sets on sign over 3 farms verses 50 sets all over 1 farm on places that "look like they should be good". And to clarify, I am targeting coyotes.

I've taken 9 coyotes in the last 8 days running 12 traps within a half mile of my house using these methods. There is no trick, KISS is the best way.


Happy Trapping . . .
Re: Choosing Lure [Re: Yes sir] #7496017
02/14/22 01:53 PM
02/14/22 01:53 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 5,471
West Central MN
20scout Offline
trapper
20scout  Offline
trapper

Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 5,471
West Central MN
Originally Posted by Yes sir
I do a lot of testing in the off season. In my area I've seen a lot of lures not test very well. It's been an eye opening experience. The animals will not lie. I personally believe marketing and popularity sells as much or more lure than quality and catches. I know this is an unpopular view but this is my experience.

Like making fishing lures. Not so much as to catch the fish but the fisherman.


Common sense is a not a vegetable that does well in everyone's garden.
Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7496080
02/14/22 02:58 PM
02/14/22 02:58 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,955
Northern Mn
rick olson Online content
trapper
rick olson  Online Content
trapper

Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,955
Northern Mn
As stated above,learn as much as you can about the animal you will be going after.Following track's,getting better at picking up on locations and making GOOD sets with well bedded traps the animal it self will be your best teacher.As for lure,bait and urine there are many good one's as well as some bad stuff out there,but none of them are magic in a bottle,hard work is what creates the magic of success.

Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7496779
02/15/22 08:50 AM
02/15/22 08:50 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,445
Southern Michigan
T
trappergbus Offline
trapper
trappergbus  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,445
Southern Michigan
With set types and attractor choices I ask myself what they are here for at that location. If I see prey I use a food base if I see a scratch kick or a dropping then it's gland and urine. If in doubt multiple choices. The coyotes themselves will teach you what they prefer. Its like fishing for bass, sometimes a little finesse is in order. They don't always eat crank baits..


Common sense catches alot of fur..
Pay homage to all you harvest..
Re: Choosing Lure [Re: sportsman94] #7499309
02/17/22 09:12 AM
02/17/22 09:12 AM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,162
N.E. Nebr
L
LDW Offline
trapper
LDW  Offline
trapper
L

Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,162
N.E. Nebr
I've went away from using much lure. If your on sign, I feel you don't need it. I run 2 baits, 1 mild bait and 1 a little louder. Since I started doing this,my catch has went up. Works for me, may not for everyone.

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