A question for all coyote trappers . What kind of tarp works the best , What is the size of tarp do you use. Also where do you buy them at.

Canvas Untreated 6x6 HARD to find untreaded canvas tarp like the ol timers used. Most likely. You will have to have it custom made. Chicago Tarp. Or Tarps.com will have untreated canvas

I never used a tarp and I probably never will. Just another piece of equipment that I gotta deal with and I don’t believe it makes a lick of difference whether you use one or not.

It makes for cleaner flat set. You can blend in sets better. I have seen a 30% increase on first night catches with the use of a tarp. Does it matter? Maybe not to some or in some place. But when going after a tuff West Texas 3 toed coyote? I say it does

I use a cotton painters tarp now but have a 5x6 welding blanket on order off Amazon . It’s a 19oz woven fiberglass canvas so no chemicals. I’m going to let it soak in the creek for a couple of days then hang out to dry. Especially in hot weather a tarp has its place. Sweat all over your set can’t be good.

steeltraps,
Do you use the same tarp for remakes? Would think it would get contaminated fast. I notice that you take pictures of lava rocks, bait sticks, etc, while handling barehanded, so assumed you weren't anal about human scent.

I've never used a tarp, but I don't kneel when making sets either, I squat, so the only thing touching the ground are the soles of my boots and my gloved hands. Of course I wear the same boots from when I put them on at the house in the morning to when I get back at night, so I'm sure they pick up odors from the truck, gas station, taking care of the dogs and whatever else. I've never worried about it and they don't seem to affect my catch; but then again, how would I know? I've never tried having clean boots that I put on when making sets, because it would be way too much hassle and time. I do the majority of my canine trapping off a snowmobile or an atv, so space is at something of a premium and a tarp, spare boots, etc. would take up quite a bit of space.

Bearcat2. I never use on remakes. I dont always touch the lure stick and lava rock with my hands. Specially in West Texas sheep country. But for pictures and if I occasionally forget no bog deal. My fused up back keeps me from squating. When I took lessons from James Lucero he would make you use the tarp after a set. To fan away all the human scent and also use it like a broom to sweep out track and duff up place. Also said that the = ol wolfers often = wore a face cover and put a peppermint in their mouth to keep from having human breath on set!! Now thats anal!! LoL!

I use clean nylon type feedbags. I can carry extra dirt from the set.
If I think it's dirty I just grab another one. They are cheap. Just like me. Lol

Worse thing about buying untreated canvas tarp is -finding size you want and shipping. Shipping was like 20 dollars for a 29 dollar trap. Mine is 10 oz. 6x6. I bought 3 about 4 years ago.

If I wanted a custom size tarp I'd go to the Amish for one.
Online shopping is akin to buying a pig in a poke. I just don't care to do it.

I use TYVEK material. The kind of stuff you see wrapped around new homes before they side it. Extremely light weight, water proof and cheap. I use a 6' x 6' piece.

I use a 3 mil large contractor grade trash bag. Waterproof and the plastic doesn't hold scent. Yes' I'm cheap.

Sharkhunter be careful with the welding blanket. I Promise it will itch if you get it on you . We use it where I work. I do my best to stay away from it.

I use an old mail shipping bag cut to fold out about 3x5. very heavy canvas. It does make a difference.

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Sharkhunter be careful with the welding blanket. I Promise it will itch if you get it on you . We use it where I work. I do my best to stay away from it.[/quote]

Didn’t think about that. I’ll see how it does. At $19 with free shipping it was worth the gamble. Might take a pear burner to it to get ride of some of those stickers

Another thing to think about is. = How can I make a work of art without a tarp??!

You Betcha !


A 5 x 5 gives you plenty of room. This one cost me a whopping eleven bucks.

Even a lightweight 10oz. untreated tarp is really durable.

It is heavy enough so it won’t tumbleweed across the pasture if a good wind kicks up.



With the help of a little record keeping I've found that using a tarp can really boost your first night catch rate.

It does not matter how much pressure an area has been under.

The benefits of using a tarp are well worth the minimal cost and trouble.

Interesting set, and I thought I liked big flashy dirtholes lol.

Tejas, where did you buy your tarp at ?

Warrior, it’s more like a coyote mining operation gone horribly wrong.