I've not found a good source of quality wolf urine, and about all the wolf trappers out west, and I think Alaska, pretty much use either fox or coyote urine for the same reasons. I know quite a few who use fox, but I've never used it myself, since fox are very rare here. Good coyote urine seems to work equally well for coyote and wolf anyways. I've even had them mark places where I have urinated. I've tried using my own a few times when I either didn't have coyote urine or it was frozen in the bottle, but haven't caught anything on it. I know guys up north have though.

Sterling Fur Co in Ohio sells wolf urine. I have never smelled or sampled it so I can't speak of its quality. You may want to give Keith Winkler a call and ask that question.

I have not found any top of the line wolf urine yet,Bob Jameson has excellent urine,Marty Smith sells excellent urine,Ardel Grawe has excellent urine,Wayne Derick has excellent urine Andy Weiser had excellent urine so there numerous good source for coyote and fox urine,wolf is the tough one there are some out there,but not really consistent.

This big coyote looked guilty of something.


Male – Flat Set – MB Fox Urine – JL#1

Here’s a question or the Coyote Crew.

When it comes to lure usage at a set, what number would you be and why?


The lure is on mini Popsicle sticks. I placed the 22 cartridges there for scale.

2 or 3, because we don't have a super high population and if setting on fresh sign it will probably be at least a week before they come back by, combined with cold temps I use a little more. Also depends on the lure, I have a couple milder or food based lures that might get 3 to 4. Might go with 1 if I figure on having visitors the first night or two or in milder temps without rain.

Personally, the amount used would depend upon the time of the year, temps, weather and if it will be used as a stand alone or with another odor or lure. Consideration if the area may have been worked over previously or possibly nearby, by the time I started to set my line there.. I don't start from the bell, just too early and fur isn't reasonably ready. The fair weather trappers start early always around here it seems. That means by the time I start 3-4 weeks later they have had some education.

I am a No.1 stick or No. 2 stick lure use man for a large part. In some conditions and circumstances, I may use far less then shown. In extremely cold temps No. 3 stick is a good Gob of good lure. A good set presentation and location selection allow for far less lure use as well.

Lure usage amounts can vary due to the variables in how a product is built, how good are the ingredients and their percentage in a lure and its overall age time?

I'm a 3 because I only get free time to trap in the winter and our winters usually have a lot of rain with freeze thaw conditions.

I like to lure a set and stay away from it with confidence that I have enough lure to withstand the weather. Also try to place my lure with some protection from the elements when possible.

I’m a number 1 guy most of the time. I dunk a match stick size stick in the lure a 1/2 inch. What stays on the stick goes on my set.

But I often use two lures 4-6 inches apart at a set. It is just a little thing I often do sometimes.

I see you use you use Minnesota red too.

I'm a #3 guy and heavy on urine a ounce or more per set,not every set will get urine usually have 2 to 4 sets within 30 to 40 yards always gang setting it's the only way to catch doubles and sometimes a triple,only had 2 of those,I love driving up to doubles or better!

Im a #5 guy. Always have been....no matter the lure whether store bought or one of my lures.

I would say 2-3 is what I have been using because I figure as good as a coyote's nose is it should not take more than that

In for the survey results

I use 1 or 2 if you use more it not very good lure.A little bit goes a long ways think about how good a coyote can smell.

Len you are very correct regarding most predator's sense of smell. Too much lure at times can have a negative effect initially and put some animals on alert when too much is applied. Most trappers I know that are not seasoned trappers all tend to use way too much lure. "More is better philosophy" is practiced all too often. Natural baits on the other hand can be used more liberally without worry generally.

As the season progresses this trend gets magnified and really has an effect upon a predator's response to your lure in high trapping pressure areas with low animal populations. Moderate to small amounts of lure usually get me confident and curious responses from the first night. Each area can have different results obviously but when in doubt use less and see your results.

Just keep in mind when you are around another dog and return to your home how does your pet react to the subtle odor of that other animal's body oil and dander that may have brushed upon your pant leg or shoes...!!!!

Compounded lure odors are significantly stronger than an animal's natural body odor.

I agree with Bob. Too much lure often puts my coyotes off. I have seen where they stand off a ways when I have out too much lure. It may just be that they can satisfy their curiosity from five feet away. But I need to get them all the way to my trap pan.

Good post Mr. J.

Most of us have seen the negative effects of a hot catch circle and how much avoidance they can cause.

I believe that behavior is primarily triggered by an olfactory overload, not a visual from ground disturbance.

It stands to reason that the application of too much lure can have the same effect

In either case, the coyote doesn’t need to get close to the smell because it’s slapping him in the face from twenty yards away!

When a coyote passes a string of sets dressed up with too much lure, I can’t help but think that could raise a red flag and easily bounce a smart coyote. I can also see where using too much lure in a gang set situation could cause big time avoidance.

How much lure is really needed when the coyote will pass within inches of my set because I am right on location? Just a little dab will do in most situations.

I will throw this out as an observation...it has been said before...how much odor is produced when a skunk sprays in the wild? Or what about a carcass ...deer gets shot runs off and dies...there is lots of odor there and the critters come readily. I know there are differences between the scenarios but again it makes a trapper wonder...why?

Singular big decomposing odors in nature like a deer, cow, skunk essence etc. are vastly different odors than many of the formulated materials used in trapping. Over time some predators can become wary of many such odors particularly a few weeks into the season. Just the natural learning process and evolution that occurs each season for the smart ones.

Even the reactions and curiosity to the big odors will cause many animals to be cautious and it may take some time for some to commit to come close and feed on that opportunity.

Agreed but I’m sure you have caught wild canines in catch circles after catching a skunk...I remember accidentally spilling a bottle of gland lure at a set...next day had a big coyote. Never know...and no set answers...I guess...lol